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Do it yourself

Simple guides for your projects.

Step by step, with tips from our team. Got a specific question? Drop by the store: we love talking projects.

Guide list

Guide 01

How to prep a room before painting

Good prep is half the job and gives a longer-lasting finish.

  1. Empty the room or group furniture in the middle and cover it with a drop cloth.
  2. Wash the walls to remove dust and grease, then let them dry.
  3. Fill holes and cracks, then lightly sand the repairs.
  4. Protect trim, outlets and windows with painter’s tape.
  5. Prime repaired spots and new surfaces.
  6. Paint the ceiling first, then the walls, and finish with the trim.
Pro tip

Not sure about the colour? Ask for a 250 ml sample to try it on your wall.

Products in our departments
Paint & Décor
Guide 02

Installing a floating floor

Laminate and luxury vinyl go down without nails or glue: a doable project for a patient DIYer.

  1. Let the planks acclimatize in the room as the manufacturer recommends.
  2. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level.
  3. Install the underlayment recommended for your flooring.
  4. Leave an expansion gap along the walls, using spacers.
  5. Lay the rows with staggered joints, starting from the straightest wall.
  6. Remove the spacers and install baseboards and transition strips.
Pro tip

Measure the room and add extra for cuts: we’ll help you work out how much you need.

Products in our departments
Flooring & Tile
Guide 03

Fixing a leaky faucet

A dripping faucet wastes water. Often, you only need to replace one small part.

  1. Shut off the water under the sink and open the faucet to release the pressure.
  2. Plug the drain so you don’t lose small parts.
  3. Remove the handle and take out the worn cartridge or washer.
  4. Bring the part to the store to find the right replacement.
  5. Reassemble the faucet, turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Pro tip

Take a photo of the faucet and its brand before you start: it helps find the right part.

Products in our departments
PlumbingKitchen & Bathroom
Guide 04

Getting your home ready for winter

A few fall jobs help keep the heat in and the cold out.

  1. Check the caulking around windows and doors, and redo it where needed.
  2. Replace worn weatherstripping on exterior doors.
  3. Add attic insulation if the current layer is thin.
  4. Clean the eavestroughs and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
  5. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
Pro tip

A windy day is ideal for finding drafts: run your hand near the frames.

Guide 05

Replacing a switch or outlet safely

A simple project, as long as you follow the safety rules. If in doubt, call an electrician.

  1. Turn off the power at the panel and confirm with a voltage tester.
  2. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the switch or outlet from the box.
  3. Note or photograph how the wires are connected before disconnecting them.
  4. Connect the new device the same way, then secure it in the box.
  5. Replace the cover plate, restore power and test it.
Pro tip

In Ontario, check with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) about the requirements that apply to your work.

Products in our departments
Electrical
Guide 06

Choosing the right fastener

Screw, nail or anchor? The right choice depends on the material and the load.

  1. In framing lumber, use nails or construction screws.
  2. For outdoor pressure-treated wood, choose corrosion-resistant fasteners.
  3. In drywall without a stud, use an anchor rated for the item’s weight.
  4. In concrete or brick, drill with a masonry bit and use a concrete anchor.
  5. For heavy loads, always fasten into a stud or structure.
Pro tip

Bring the item or a photo: our team will tell you which fastener fits.

Guide 07

Spring clean-up checklist

After winter, a good maintenance list protects your home and yard.

  1. Inspect the roof and eavestroughs after the snow melts.
  2. Clean the siding and windows.
  3. Wash and protect the deck before summer.
  4. Sort out the garage and bring batteries and leftover paint for recycling.
  5. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Pro tip

We accept batteries and leftover paint for recycling.

Products in our departments
Cleaning & Maintenance Products
Guide 08

A weekend bathroom refresh

No need to redo everything: a few well-chosen changes transform the room.

  1. Repaint with a paint made for humid rooms.
  2. Replace the sink faucet and the shower head.
  3. Redo the silicone around the tub or shower.
  4. Change the vanity hardware, towel bars and hooks.
  5. Check that the fan properly removes moisture.
Pro tip

Let the new silicone cure for the recommended time before using the shower.

Products in our departments
Kitchen & BathroomPaint & Décor
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