How to Renovate Your Bathroom in Ottawa Using Canadian-Made Products

How to Renovate Your Bathroom in Ottawa Using Canadian-Made Products
April 4, 2025

Thinking of bathroom renovation while supporting local Canadian businesses? For those of us living in Ottawa — and across Canada — there’s growing interest in doing home renovations that support Canadian businesses and use locally-sourced materials. The catch? It’s not as easy as it sounds.

With U.S.-Canada trade tensions back in the spotlight and most big box stores being American-owned, it takes a bit of research and intention to renovate with a “Made in Canada” mindset. Here’s your guide to navigating those waters and doing a bathroom reno the local way.

The Trade Factor: Tariffs Are Back

The newly introduced tariffs mean one thing – higher costs for building materials. If you’re doing a renovation in Ottawa, you’ve probably noticed that most construction retailers—Home Depot, RONA (Lowe’s) —are U.S.-owned. These stores dominate the market and don’t always prioritize Canadian-made goods, making it hard for homeowners to find truly local materials.

Step 1: Planning Your Bathroom Renovation the Local Way

Before you even start knocking down drywall or removing old vanities, make a list of what you’ll need:

  • Tiles and flooring
  • Vanity and cabinets
  • Sink, toilet, and fixtures
  • Tub or shower unit
  • Lighting
  • Paint and finishes
  • Lumber and drywall

Once you have your list, the next step is to look for Canadian-made and locally sourced options—especially right here in the Ottawa area.

Step 2: Where to Shop (That Isn’t Home Depot or RONA)

Home Hardware is one of the last large-scale Canadian-owned hardware chains. Many locations across Ottawa—including in Nepean, Gloucester, and Orleans—are locally owned and operated, and they proudly label Canadian-made items. Website: https://www.homehardware.ca/

The WoodSource (Manotick) If you’re looking for high-quality Canadian lumber, head to The WoodSource in Manotick. They specialize in locally milled hardwoods and softwoods, reclaimed wood, and custom orders. A perfect alternative to big box stores for wood panels, trim, and even shelving. Website: https://wood-source.com.

KOTT Lumber (Ottawa East). A well-established Ottawa-based supplier for framing lumber and other materials. They’ve been around since 1974 and prioritize Canadian sourcing wherever possible. https://www.kottgroup.com/

  • Canadian Tire: Multiple locations across Ottawa. While they carry international brands, they do stock Canadian-made items in various departments, including tools and some building materials Website: https://www.canadiantire.ca/ (Use their store locator for Ottawa locations)
  • BMR (through independent dealers): Look for BMR dealers in the Ottawa region. BMR is a Canadian-owned buying group with a focus on building materials and hardware. Website: https://www.bmr.ca/en/ (Use their store locator to find dealers in the Ottawa area)
  • Castle Building Centres (through independent dealers): Similar to BMR, look for independent Castle Building Centre members in Ottawa. They often prioritize local and Canadian sourcing. Website: https://www.castlebc.com/ (Use their “Find a Store” feature for Ottawa locations)
  • Timber Mart (through independent dealers): Another Canadian buying group supporting independent lumber and building material retailers. Search for Timber Mart locations in Ottawa. Website: https://timbermart.ca/ (Use their “Find a Location” tool)

Independent Lumberyards and Building Supply Stores:

  • Morin Supply: Located at 100 Bayview Station Road. They have been serving the Ottawa-Gatineau region for many years, supplying quality building materials to both professionals and homeowners. Website: https://www.morinsupply.com/
  • Bytown Pro: A supplier of building materials for both residential and commercial projects. They are located in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Website: (Likely no dedicated website, may have a social media presence or can be found through business directories)
  • Nepean Building Supplies: With locations in Nepean (30 Jamie Avenue) and Carp (2809 Carp Road). They focus on serving local contractors and homeowners with a range of building materials, including roofing, siding, and lumber. Website: https://www.nepeanbuildingsupplies.com/
  • D.L. Building Materials Inc.: Located at 1-1300 Upper Canada Street. They are a large distributor of drywall and other specialized building materials in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Website: https://www.dlbuildingmaterials.com/
  • Merkley Supply: Located at 100 Bayview Station Road. Specializes in masonry, stone, brick, and landscaping products, as well as other specialty building supplies. Website: https://merkleysupply.com/
  • FlooReno Building Material Store: Located at 900 Belfast Rd. They offer a wide range of building materials, hardware, flooring, and more, with a focus on being a one-stop shop. Website: https://floorreno.ca/
  • Reno Liquidators: While the name suggests liquidation, they carry a wide variety of building supplies, including lumber, hardware, insulation, and more, with a location in Ottawa. Website: https://renoliquidators.ca/
  • Cosmaroma Home Reno Supplies: Located at 1491 Innes Rd Unit B. They offer a wide selection of home renovation supplies, including doors, flooring, tools, and accessories. Website: https://www.cosmaroma.ca/
  • The WoodSource (Manotick): If you’re looking for high-quality Canadian lumber, head to The WoodSource in Manotick. They specialize in locally milled hardwoods and softwoods, reclaimed wood, and custom orders. A perfect alternative to big box stores for wood panels, trim, and even shelving. Website: https://www.thewoodsource.com/

Specialty Stores:

  • Lee Valley Tools: Located at 900 Morrison Dr. A Canadian company known for its high-quality woodworking and gardening tools, many of which are their own designs and some manufactured in Canada. Website: https://www.leevalley.com/en/
  • Ottawa Fastener Supply: With two locations (2205 Robertson Road in Nepean and 3020 Hawthorne Road in Gloucester). They offer a vast selection of fasteners, tools, and equipment, rivaling big box stores. Website: https://www.ottawafastener.com/
  • Preston Hardware: Located in Little Italy at Preston Street. A large independent hardware store with an extensive selection of hardware, tools, paint, plumbing, electrical, and more. They also have a kitchen and bath design center. Website: https://www.prestonhardware.com/
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Two Ottawa locations (250 City Centre Avenue Unit #118 and 768 Belfast Road, and also in Stittsville at 3 Iber Road). They sell donated new and gently used home furnishings, appliances, and renovation materials at discounted prices. Shopping here is also a sustainable choice. Website: https://habitatgo.ca/restore/
  • Mondeau Bathroom & Kitchen (Ottawa & Gatineau): This locally-based showroom offers a curated selection of bathroom products, including Canadian-made brands like Maax (bathtubs), Riobel (faucets), and Vanico Maronyx (vanities). They have experts on-site who can help you stay local with your choices. Website: https://mondeau.ca/en/ (Check their website for Ottawa and Gatineau locations)

Step 3: Choosing Canadian-Made Bathroom Products (Brands to Look For):

Here are a few brands to look for when shopping locally:

Many of these brands are available at local showrooms or through Canadian distributors in Ottawa.

Step 4: Consider Local Labour Too

Hiring an Ottawa-based contractor helps support the local economy and reduces transportation emissions. Ask them upfront if they’re open to sourcing Canadian materials and supporting local suppliers. Some contractors already work with Canadian companies and can help guide your purchase decisions.

If you’re DIY-ing the job, many independent Ottawa shops are more than willing to walk you through installation and help you avoid costly mistakes—something you might not get from a big box store.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Salvage and Reuse

Ottawa has some great spots for gently used and vintage bathroom components. Consider checking out:

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Stittsville, Train Yards) – You’ll often find fixtures, tiles, doors, and lumber at a fraction of the cost.
  • Architectural Antique (Carleton Place) – Great for one-of-a-kind mirrors, vanities, and decorative elements.

The Truth: It’s Hard to Go 100% Canadian

Let’s be real—trying to source every single item from Canadian companies is tough, especially when American giants dominate the supply chain. Even Canadian brands sometimes manufacture parts internationally. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s mindfulness. Every local or Canadian-made choice you make counts.

Doing a bathroom renovation in Ottawa with Canadian-made products takes more effort than just hitting up the nearest Home Depot. But it’s worth it. You’ll get high-quality, often better-designed materials, support local jobs, and reduce your carbon footprint—all while sticking it to unfair trade policies that make it harder for Canadian businesses to compete.

Supporting local doesn’t mean sacrificing style or quality. In fact, it’s just the opposite. When you choose Canadian, you’re building a bathroom—and an economy—you can be proud of.

Want help sourcing local materials for your next bathroom renovation in Ottawa? We’d be happy to point you to Canadian suppliers, artisans, and showrooms. Let’s keep it local.