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Buyer's Guides

RONA's buying guides are the reference when it comes to selecting tools. Terminology, parts and components, most important features; everything is covered so you can make a well-informed purchase according to your renovation needs.

Doors and Windows

No image available Door handles and locks When it comes to choosing door handles and locks, the first aspect a buyer is likely to consider is the design and look of the hardware.

But though the range of styles and finishes is practically endless, the actual number of basic models is fairly limited, and these must meet certain standards, which makes the choice somewhat easier.

In addition to style and look, there are other important aspects to take into consideration, such as ergonomics, ease of installation, quality and, of course, security.


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No image available Doors - terminology and standards The field of exterior doors overflows with technical terms that can be baffling for the consumer, making the choice of a door that will meet your aesthetic and practical needs a difficult one.

For your renovation or construction project to succeed, it’s important for you to understand exterior door-related terminology and standards. This buyer’s guide will help you make an informed choice by explaining the vocabulary used by door experts and outlining the standards to be followed.
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No image available Exterior doors - measure up When you go to buy a new exterior door, avoid a major headache and measure carefully first. This buyer’s guide will explain just how to take measurements so that you’re assured a good fit.
Taking measurements is an important and essential step. It’s also not very hard to do. New construction or renovation; both will impact how you take your measurements, as will the type of exterior cladding on the house.
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No image available Exterior doors: types and materials First impressions are important, so it’s essential you choose the entrance to your home with care. The exterior door should harmonize with the style and other architectural elements of your home. You won’t lack for choice; there is a wide range of door models available to suit all budgets and tastes. In the following buyer’s guide, we will analyse the various materials and types of doors you have to choose from. That way, you’ll be in a position to make a truly well-informed decision. Open the door to suit your style and needs.
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No image available Interior doors There are a number of reasons for installing interior doors in your home or apartment: to ensure tranquility and privacy in your living space or to conceal bulky items such as a washer and dryer. You may want to consider pocket doors to either section off or enlarge a room, depending on the effect you’re looking for.
Keep practical considerations in mind when you choose your door, but the ambiance you want to create is also important. In the past, most doors were made of wood; now, however, you have a variety of materials to choose from.

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No image available Windows - measure up When you go to buy new windows, avoid a major headache and measure carefully first. This buyer’s guide will explain just how to take measurements so that you’re assured a good fit.

Taking measurements is an important and essential step. It’s also not very hard to do. New construction or renovation; both will impact how you take your measurements, as will the type of exterior cladding on the house.
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No image available Windows - terminology and standards Choosing a window is a lot more difficult than you might think; just go to a store and try to decipher the experts’ jargon. These days, there’s a whole maze of window technology and standards to figure out.

For your construction or renovation project to succeed, it’s important you’re familiar with window terminology and standards. This buyer’s guide will help you understand window manufacturing standards and the vocabulary used by window experts so can make a truly informed choice.
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No image available Windows: types and materials There’s a huge variety of windows for all tastes and budgets available today. A new window is a major investment, so it’s important you make a well-informed decision. With energy costs rising, energy-efficiency can also be a deciding factor. Wood, PVC, aluminum, fibreglass, aluminum or PVC-clad wood: you won’t lack for choice! This buyer’s guide outlines the advantages and drawbacks of the various manufacturing materials used to make window frames.
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Flooring and Ceramic Tile

No image available Carpets Carpets are the classic choice for floor coverings. They add comfort, warmth and elegance to a home, especially to living rooms and family rooms.

It is important to know and recognize the features of carpets sold today, most of which are made with synthetic fibres, in order to choose the material that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
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No image available Floor coverings In the world of flooring, there is a product to suit every need. While traditional materials remain as popular as ever, many new and alternative options are gaining ground in our homes.

This introduction to our flooring Buyer's Guides is designed to help you select the most suitable type of floor covering for each room, be it the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or basement. The comparison chart lets you compare various factors: price, maintenance, and ease of installation.
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No image available Tiles: ceramic, stone, glass or porcelain Tiles are available in a variety of different materials and a multitude of colours, patterns and textures, which can be combined in any number of ways. Traditionally used in the kitchen and bathroom, tile has now also become a popular flooring option in living rooms and even bedrooms.

Tile has intrinsic beauty, as well as being hard-wearing and easy to clean. These qualities, and the fact that it can be installed over in-floor heating, have changed people's attitude to tile and have led it to become an increasingly popular choice in today's homes.
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No image available Vinyl flooring Unquestionably, vinyl is one of the floor coverings that has seen the greatest improvement over the last decade. Long-lasting and easy to maintain, vinyl (or resilient flooring) comes in an array of textures, patterns and colours. Capable of imitating the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone, vinyl offers countless possibilities and remains one of the most affordable and maintenance-friendly flooring options.

Easier to lay and, if need be, to replace, vinyl tiles and planks now join the traditional supple vinyl sheet to offer new formats and laying techniques. We have every room covered!
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House Construction

No image available Asphalt shingles Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, are easy to install and less expensive than other roofing options, such as metal cladding, slate, or steel sheeting. To make an informed choice, it is always recommended to understand the main features of the various models available.

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you select the most appropriate shingles for your roof. You should consider the following criteria: slope, appearance (if your roof is visible from the street), wind-resistance, water-resistance, durability, and warrantee.
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No image available Basin vanities The bathroom vanity is an integral part of any bathroom design.

While appearance remains a prime consideration, technical features are also important. Before you make your choice, learn as much as you can about various basin vanities, types of installation, materials to prioritize and the many options available to you. This Buyer’s Guide will enable you to familiarize yourself with the soon-to-be centrepiece of your new bathroom design.
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No image available Bathroom faucets Bathroom faucets are available in a vast selection of styles, finishes and designs to fit all types of washbasins, bathtubs and showers. From basic and inexpensive models to the most sophisticated and elegant, the options in bathroom faucets have grown tremendously in recent years.
The mechanisms have also changed: single-control faucets (with a single lever and spout) help prevent scalding by delivering water at an even temperature and have gradually come to replace traditional two-handle faucets. Manufacturers are continually seeking ways to develop and improve products to suit our modern lifestyles.


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No image available Bathroom sinks Bathrooms have changed enormously in recent years, and bathroom sinks are no exception. From the simple oval washbasin, lavatory sinks have evolved into a vast array of shapes, sizes and models, from pedestal sinks to drop-in basins and free-standing vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter or vanity.

The vanity unit has also come a long way. Bathroom vanities and cabinets are now available in many different styles and with diverse countertop options. There's one to suit every room size and decor.
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No image available Bathtubs Designing a new bathroom is an exciting project, especially since this is one of the most frequently used rooms of the house. As you start to imagine your new bathroom layout, it's worth devoting a little extra time to thinking about that all-important central feature – the bathtub.

Bathtubs come in various styles, including alcove tubs, platform tubs built into a casing, and freestanding tubs, including the ever-popular clawfoot tub. In this guide we present the main types of bathtub and important factors to consider when remodelling your existing bathroom or designing a new one.
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No image available Ceiling fans Ceiling fans are ideal for keeping a room cool during the summer and for circulating warm air in the winter. Practical in the bedroom, living room and kitchen, ceiling fans are available in a variety of styles to match the decor of your home.

Fans come in all shapes and sizes: with or without a lighting fixture, and with three, four, five or even six blades. Learn about the criteria you should consider before making an informed decision.
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No image available Central vacuum For homes that regulate indoor air quality, or that have windows shut for most of year, a central vacuum system is a powerful cleaning tool. Central vacuum systems effectively remove all of the dust, dirt, and allergens by eliminating even the smallest particles. With inlets located throughout the home, there is no need to carry heavy vacuum equipment from floor to floor. Simply attach a hose to an inlet and begin cleaning. Central vacuum systems require low maintenance, are relatively inexpensive, and add value to the home. Select the type of power unit appropriate for the size and cleaning needs of the home. Then explore the many attachment possibilities that make a central vacuum system ideal.
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No image available Cladding panels for walls and ceilings In the vast majority of modern Canadian homes, the walls and ceilings are covered with drywall panels, since this type of cladding is so easy to install, repair and maintain.
Cement board panels are the ideal choice for rooms with high humidity levels or where a fire-resistant wall is required.
For each type of board – gypsum or cement – various types of panels are available to suit every type of project. The tools and installation methods vary.

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No image available Exterior wall cladding options The choice of exterior wall cladding is an aesthetic one that must also be appropriate for the climate you live in. Cladding is primarily a protective layer between your home and the external elements. Before you purchase, be aware of any regulations or bylaws in your area that could apply. A product’s durability is always a major consideration, as is your budget. Cladding falls into two main categories: siding products including vinyl, aluminum, cement fibre and wood fibre, and masonry products which include brick, stucco, and natural stone.
Here is an overview of the benefits and drawbacks associated with the most popular cladding options.
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No image available Gutters Gutters protect your home from damage due to bad weather and ensure that rainwater is evacuated away from the foundations. Your home is therefore drier with fewer humidity problems, and the ground drains better. The most popular types of gutter are made of vinyl (PVC) or aluminium.
PVC gutters are composed of several parts (hangers, elbows, connectors, downspouts, etc.) that must be assembled properly to prevent any future problems.
This guide presents the various models of gutters available, to help you decide which will be best for your home.


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No image available Indoor staircase terminology and standards The staircase is a strong design element, and depending on its location in the home it can be very impressive and a real eye-catcher.

By virtue of its function, the staircase must be safe and secure. Steps and risers are designed so that stairs aren’t too steep. Children, adults and seniors should all be able to use the stairs with relative ease. Vocabulary and standards to understand before building a staircase.
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No image available Kitchen cabinets The cabinets are the main elements in any kitchen design; they allow you to personalize your decor and define the room's style and identity.
Since new cabinets represent a sizeable expense, it is important to understand their various types and features. While the look and style of your cabinets is of course an essential aspect, it is not the only point to consider. Materials and construction methods are also very important factors. This buyer's guide is designed to help you choose the kitchen cabinets best suited to your needs and style preferences.
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No image available Kitchen counters The kitchen counter is more than simply a decor element, it’s the nucleus of the home where a whole range of activities take place.
You need to look carefully at the characteristics of all your options, including appearance. It’s important to know what is available in terms of countertops: the materials, features, sizes, edging, and accessories associated with each one. This buying guide will enable you to familiarize yourself with the various work surfaces that are such essential elements in the kitchen.

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No image available Medicine cabinets A stylish new medicine cabinet is a great alternative to a decorative mirror over the bathroom sink. Select a unit that is right-sized and coordinates with the new or existing plumbing fixtures, floor tile, and other accessories. Perhaps the existing medicine cabinet shows signs of wear and tear, needs to be upsized, or could add to the bathroom’s functionality. A medicine cabinet can be either wall-mounted or recessed depending on ease of installation, the mounting wall’s construction, and the homeowner’s preferences. Medicine cabinets add interest and convenient storage space to the bathroom.
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No image available Range hoods Range hoods have evolved over the years in step with new kitchen layout and design trends. From the still popular classic wall-mount model, we’ve added discreet retractable hoods, hood models adjacent to the cooktop or concealed behind decorative panels.

Ducted hoods draw smoke, moisture and odours outside the house, whereas ductless or recirculating hoods include filters to recycle air which is returned to the kitchen.
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No image available Roof coverings When the time comes to install or replace your roofing, you’ll have a huge variety and number of products to choose from. Although asphalt shingles may be the most common, roofing sheets and plastic tiles are on the rise. Your decision should be informed by your geographical location, roof slope, budget, and aesthetic considerations.

The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of the various features, benefits and drawbacks of each roof covering, and thus help you make an informed and durable choice.


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No image available Supplemental air conditioners When it is hot and muggy, air conditioners units lower the air temperature, remove air moisture, and filter the air within a room. Air conditioning needs vary greatly based on the home’s location, how it is used, the insulation, and other factors such as energy efficiency goals. When a fraction of the rooms in the home need to be cooled, supplemental units can offset the expensive costs of running a whole-house system. Supplemental units are also beneficial for providing additional cooling to some areas of the home that may be hot spots.
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No image available Toilets Even though there are many different kinds of toilets, most of them function according to the same principle. Water, held in a storage tank, drains to the toilet bowl when the flush lever is activated. Water flows into the drain through to the sewer.

This guide gives an overview of the features and components to review before buying a residential toilet.
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Outdoor and Garden

No image available Barbecues Barbecue-cooked meals are one of the celebrations of summer. Built-in, mobile or portable, there are barbecues to suit everyone’s taste, from traditional charcoal to the ever-popular gas barbecue or electric grill which can do double duty inside and out.

There are several models to choose from, so your choice should be based on your family’s eating preferences, how often you’ll use your barbecue, and the number of guests you plan to entertain. Before finalizing your purchase, check if existing municipal bylaws or co-ownership rules will be a factor.

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No image available Hedge Trimmers When hand-controlled trimming becomes too laborious, hedge trimmers are needed for pruning rows of shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, ground cover, and for detailed landscape trimming. Whether gas- or electric-powered, high-quality machines provide clean, even cuts. A variety of blade sizes, types, and materials are designed to handle different types of pruning tasks. Handles of configurations equip the user with precision and control. Safety features to protect both the user and children are available on select models. Decide which hedge trimmer(s) is best for the homeowner by analyzing the landscape and identifying the different types of trimming applications needed.
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No image available Lay out a water garden Water, the symbol of life, is indispensable in a garden. When it becomes a garden itself, it is particularly attractive.

Water gardens are not a passing fad—they have been around for centuries since people first started designing gardens. In recent years, these aquatic sanctuaries have become quite popular as homeowners begin to appreciate their virtues. This increased interest has pushed companies to adapt technology for the cooler climate and to make products and accessories more readily available.

After adding a water garden to your landscape design, you’ll feel as if you’re visiting a botanical garden or a wildlife preserve every time you step out your back door!
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No image available Outdoor lighting Think about lighting the home’s beautiful features and its elegant landscape in terms of nightscaping; how are the home and landscaping seen at night. Outdoor light fixtures are selected based upon the type of fixture, their intended locations, and the elements they illuminate. Coordinate the lighting with the landscaping plan for enhanced aesthetics. Design the lighting to secure the property. Plan your nightscaping and then look for the fixtures to accomplish the vision. Fixtures come in a variety of shapes, finishes, and other accessories. Uplights, pathlights, wall lights, downlights, and subterranean fixtures all are designed to achieve different light effects.
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No image available Slabs, blocks and pavers There was a time when sitting outside on a sunny day meant simply putting a couple of garden chairs out on the grass. Today, outdoor living is about creating true living spaces – elegant paved areas built with slabs and paving blocks, expertly installed and designed to last.
Given that these stones will form a permanent landscaping feature, it's important when choosing to consider not only your own preferences but also the style of neighbouring homes and the surrounding area.
Pavers, blocks and paving slabs are available in a variety of materials, but this guide focuses on products made of concrete.

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Paint, Moulding and Wallpaper

No image available Interior Mouldings Traditionally, moulding was simply a strip of material used to hide transitions between two surfaces. Today, interior mouldings have become far more. They can be functional, decorative or both. For instance, a chair rail may add a touch of dimension to a wall while simultaneously protecting it from chairs.

When it comes to mouldings, the vast assortment of options available can be a bit overwhelming. Let this guide help you navigate between the different names and materials used for today’s mouldings, and soon you’ll see why a simple DIY project can transform the look and feel of your home. Implement a finished and refined look in your home today—find out how, now!
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No image available Interior Paint The products on the market today are diverse, tailoring to specific needs. From painting appliances to simply changing the colour of your walls, find the product that is right for your specific project to prevent problems with drying and peeling.
Choose a high quality paint that will cover more easily and last, keeping you enjoying your freshly painted walls (or other surface!) longer.
Preparing the surface and choosing the right primer are two key steps in the painting process. You'll want to read these tips on surface preparation, paint selection, paint application and safety before you begin. You are sure to produce professional looking results in no time!

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No image available Painting Accessories Though painting is really a simple process—applying paint to a surface—achieving a job well done takes precision, patience and ultimately the right tools.

Each application has specific applicators to assist the painter and ensure a quality job. In fact, most applications will likely require the use of several different applicators for the highest quality finish.

Browse the available painting accessories to help your painting project run more efficiently and smoothly. Don't skimp on the proper painting tools--the finished results will likely show whether you have cut corners or not!

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No image available Wallpapers Wallpaper first began as a cost effective alternative to expensive tapestries only the most elite could afford. It then transitioned into stuffy patterns adorning grandmas’ homes. Today, however, wallpaper has been revamped. it packs a powerful punch of color, pattern, texture and versatility for walls big and small.

With a typical lifespan of 15 years, unlimited looks for every taste, and an easy way to add depth to flat walls (or cover up flawed walls!), it’s no wonder wallpaper has become so popular.

Before you get started, there are a few rules of thumb you need to know and several tips and tricks you don’t want to miss!
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Woodworking and Furniture

No image available Biscuit joiners A biscuit joiner, also called a biscuit jointer or a plate joiner, is a power tool equipped with a retractable blade, or cutting disc, which is designed to cut slots in wood to make joints by inserting "biscuits". A biscuit is a type of thin dowel made from compressed wood, which joins two slotted workpieces. Glue is applied in the slots, and when the biscuits are inserted, they swell and become wedged inside, providing a sturdy assembly. Biscuit joiners make professional-looking, invisible joints – ideal for building furniture, drawers or cabinet doors.
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No image available Drill bits Drill bits are the most useful power drill accessory. They are used to drill holes of various sizes into many different types of material. Because there are so many material types and such a price range, it can be difficult to choose the correct bit.

Drill bits consist of two distinct parts: the shank and the cutting section called the bit. This buyer's guide outlines the kind of details you’ll need to be familiar with in order to select the appropriate tip for the tool shank of your drill and the type of material to be drilled.
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No image available Hammers The claw hammer is the indispensable tool in every toolbox. As versatile as it is, there are tasks for which a specialized hammer would be more appropriate.

Despite its “indestructible” reputation, the claw hammer is less durable when used on metal surfaces. For this kind of work (i.e. freeing rusty pieces, shaping metal) the ball-peen hammer would be a better choice; it’s made with softer metal and has better shock-absorption.

To each task its hammer!
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No image available Jigsaws The jigsaw is a versatile and indispensable tool for beginner and expert woodworkers alike. For the novice handyman, the jigsaw is the one tool that meets most cutting needs. For the expert do-it-yourselfer, it’s ideal for various types of precision cuts, from crosscuts to bevel, mitre and plunge cuts, and even scrolling curved cuts. Depending on the blade, the jigsaw can cut wood, aluminium, plastic, ABS, and ceramic.

Find out how the different features affect the power and performance of the tool, whether corded or cordless.
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No image available Mitre saws A mitre saw is a must-have for all do-it-yourselfers, from beginners to professionals.

This versatile and powerful tool, can, depending on the model, cut through studs, cut mouldings at various angles and create bevelled edges.

Since it is portable, its use is not limited to the workshop. It’s useful for jobs around the house or on a building site.
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No image available Nailers and staplers Nail and staple guns are used to fasten or hold parts or materials together. Here’s how they work: nails or staples, bought in strips or coils, are loaded into the gun’s magazine. The hammering force comes from using either compressed air (pneumatic), a spring or electromagnetic field (electric), or flammable gas (explosive) to fire the nails or staples.

These tools make craft and construction projects considerably simpler and a lot faster, resulting in increased productivity with less effort and strain.
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No image available Nails Pound for pound, a nail is the simplest type of fastener there is. It’s just a piece of wire with a point at one end and a head at the other.

Yet the hardware aisle is a bewildering array of nail sizes, designs, materials, and finishes. There are common nails for framing and carpentry, finishing nails for trim, and nails made specifically for roofing, drywall, upholstery, metal, vinyl, masonry, hardwood flooring, and more.

No matter what the project, you want a nail that will drive easily and hold fast. You simply have to choose the right nail type and size. Here’s how to do it.
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No image available Portable electric sanders. Portable electric sanders are small machines that make sanding jobs a lot easier.

To accomplish these tasks, all sanders have a motor which drives a sheet of sandpaper in a rotary or reciprocal movement.

Each type of sander has its own specialized use, determined by a combination of its shape, size and operating principle.
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No image available Rotary saws A rotary (or spiral) saw is a small device that uses high-speed motor power to spin a bit that cuts sideways.

It is used primarily to carve out irregular shapes from thin materials, such as drywall and plywood.

A variety of accessories and attachments greatly increase the versatility of this tool.
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No image available Routers Routers are specialized rotary tools, which can perform a wide range of woodworking tasks depending on the shape and type of bit used. Rabbets, mouldings, frames, shelf edges, dovetail joints, grooves, and rail and stile joints are just some of the many tasks that this tool can accomplish.

With a fixed or "plunge" base, hand held or attached to a router table, the router is an extremely versatile and useful tool, as much for the occasional do-it-yourselfer as for the professional cabinetmaker.
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No image available Saw blades When choosing a saw blade you must first consider what type of saw you are using. The saw will also dictate what diameter of blade and arbor you need, and can even have a bearing on the hook (or rake) angle of the teeth.

Bear in mind, therefore, that a blade designed specifically for a table saw may not be safe to use on a mitre saw, even if both tools can be fitted with blades of the same size.

For a given saw type, your choice of blade will depend on the material to be cut, the direction of cut, the desired finish and the cutting speed.
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No image available Screws If you own a screwdriver, you probably have a can of screws left over from previous projects. In it are screws with sharp tips, blunt tips, threads that spiral up the entire shank and others that stop part way, and screws of various lengths, sizes, colours, and heads.

It's tempting to fish though and grab the first one that looks like it'll do the job at hand. But if you want a sturdy, lasting hold, take time to review your options.

From wood screws and self-tapping sheet-metal screws to screws made for concrete, drywall, decks, and other materials, each type of screw is designed for a specific use. Here’s how to choose the right one.
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No image available Table saws The table saw is one of the core elements of the home or professional workshop. This power tool allows you to cut stock up to 3" thick in a single pass, either across (cross cutting) or parallel to (rip cutting) the grain. It can also make angle cuts, dado cuts and joints.

Learn about the saw's various features and how these can affect performance and user satisfaction.
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