Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, BMR, Rona — le choix en quincaillerie est large au Québec.
1. Major hardware store chains in Quebec
Quebec has several major hardware store chains:
| Chain | Notes |
|---|---|
| Home Depot | Giant chain, large selection, many Montréal locations |
| Réno-Dépôt | Quebec French-language version of Home Depot, same parent company, similar selection |
| BMR | Quebec cooperative, more present in mid-sized cities and regions; smaller stores, known for personalized service |
| Rona | Another major Canadian chain present in Quebec |
| Independent neighbourhood hardware stores | Still exist in many Montréal neighbourhoods; great for small urgent purchases — locks, bulbs, glue, screws |
2. Tool rental — when to buy, when to rent
Tool rental is very well-developed in Quebec — an economical option for one-time projects.
All major Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, and many Rona stores have a integrated tool rental centre: floor sanders, demolition hammers, generators, aerial lifts, etc. For common small projects — laying floating floors, painting a ceiling, tiling a bathroom — renting for a day or a weekend is often plenty.
Rental is much more economical than purchasing for a tool you'll use only once. Neighbour tool-sharing groups also exist in many Montréal neighbourhoods.
3. Work in a rental apartment — what you're allowed to do
Work in a rented apartment — what is and isn't permitted without asking your landlord:
- Generally allowed: nails and hooks for photos, rugs, temporary lighting (repair holes before leaving)
- Requires written consent: painting (even standard colours — get it in writing), shelving installed into walls, any significant work (partitions, floors, plumbing, electrical)
Basic rule: anything that permanently alters the apartment requires the landlord's agreement. If in doubt: tal.gouv.qc.ca
4. Frequently asked questions
Common questions about hardware stores and DIY in Quebec.
Which chain should I choose for small repairs vs. a large renovation?
For small repairs (a lock, a tap washer, a few screws), a neighbourhood hardware store or Canadian Tire is often the most practical — smaller, quicker, closer to home. For large renovation projects (flooring, plumbing, electrical), Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, or Rona offer the most complete selection of materials and usually have project advisors on the floor. BMR is a good alternative in regions outside major cities — cooperative, attentive service.
Do hardware stores offer wood cutting or paint mixing services in store?
Yes — most large chains offer both services. Paint mixing (tinting a base paint to a custom colour from a chip or code) is available at most Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, Rona, and BMR locations — usually at no extra charge. Wood cutting (cutting purchased planks to a specific length) is also offered in many large stores, with a small fee per cut. It's a very practical service if you don't have a saw at home.
Can I get help in English at Quebec hardware stores?
In Montréal and the surrounding area, most large stores — especially Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, and Rona — have staff who can serve you in English. Outside major cities, French is the main working language and English-speaking staff may be harder to find. In any case, store signage, product labels, and the websites (homedepot.ca, renodepot.com, rona.ca) are always available in both languages.
Do large hardware stores deliver big items to your home?
Yes — most large chains offer home delivery for bulky or heavy items (appliances, large quantities of flooring, lumber, etc.). Delivery fees and delays vary by chain and region. Some stores also offer curbside delivery to your building entrance, which is practical for large apartments where access to the street is limited. Check the chain's website or ask at the service counter for current conditions.
5. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Signing a lease in Quebec — understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant.
- Tenant rights in Quebec — your recourse in case of problems with your landlord.
- Family budget for immigrants — planning your home maintenance expenses.
6. Official sources
- For tenant rights and obligations regarding work in a rental apartment: tal.gouv.qc.ca
- For Home Depot locations: homedepot.ca
- For Réno-Dépôt locations: renodepot.com
Author's Note: Quebecers are generally very handy — the do-it-yourself culture is very prevalent, particularly for homeowners who must manage property maintenance in a Nordic climate. Even as a tenant, understanding the basics of DIY — hanging a shelf, fixing a dripping tap, unclogging a drain — can save you service calls and make you more autonomous in your new home.
