The Best Hardware Stores in Ottawa That Will Answer All Your DIY Questions (No Matter How Silly!)
My coworker once gifted me a beautiful shelf, but I realized I had no idea how to put the thing together. So, I ventured to a hardware store near me—big mistake.
The “helpful” guy behind the counter was about as useful as a white crayon. Not only did he give me attitude, but he also sent me home with the wrong screws and a questionable collection of unrelated gadgets.
Frustrated but determined, I decided to try a different store; this time, I struck gold! The staff member was friendly and patient and actually offered useful advice.
Needless to say, I left with the correct supplies and a newfound respect for the power of a good hardware store. That’s why I decided to take on the mission of finding the best hardware stores in Ottawa!
Forget dodgy advice and overpriced widgets. Here’s a list of awesome stores filled with friendly faces and everything you need to tackle any DIY project.
1. Preston Hardware
Address: 248 Preston St 2nd Floor
Phone: (613) 230-7166
Business hours:
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Since 1945, Preston Hardware has been a family-owned and operated business located in Little Italy. They carry over 160,000 products and over 300 trusted brands, making them a go-to spot for contractors, builders, and DIY-ers.
Customers can choose from their vast selection of hand and power tools, paint and sundries, electrical supplies, plumbing items, and more. They carry notable brands including Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Garant, Stabila, and Louisville.
We’re particularly impressed with their key-cutting and lock repair services. They can duplicate all standard keys and offer a variety of blank keys, shapes, patterns, and accessories.
Their paint color-matching service is also top-notch. They use professional-grade ColorReader and ColorReader Pro devices to match any Benjamin Moore hue with over 90% accuracy.
And free local delivery within Ottawa for orders under 25 lbs is a great perk.
However, we encountered indifferent and even rude staff members when we were there.
Pros
- Open since 1945Canada’s largest independent hardware store
- Carries over 160,000 products
- Over 300 trusted brands
- Key cutting and lock repair services
- Paint color-matching service
- Free local delivery for orders under 25 lbs
Cons
- Reports of rude and indifferent staff members
Customer Reviews
Best hardware store ever with amazing customer service!
“Best hardware store ever with amazing customer service! I was unable to find a custom size o-ring after going to a couple big box stores and specialized plumbing stores but found it at Preston Hardware! They even made sure it fitted properly!” — Marie Lee, Google Review
100% my go-to hardware store!
“100% my go-to hardware store! I’ve had to do renovations and found mostly everything I needed. I love that they also have a show room and expert staff to assist because I do not speak construction- I am clueless so the professional helps. Highly Recommend a visit for your next project!” — Shirqille Tisi, Google Review
2. Lee Valley
Address: 900 Morrison Dr
Phone: (613) 596-9202
Business hours:
- Mon – Sat: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Founded in 1978, Lee Valley has come a long way from their woodworking tool roots, boasting 18 stores across Canada.
While renowned for its woodworking tools, Lee Valley offers a surprising range of products. From gardening tools to problem-solving gadgets for everyday life, there’s a good chance you’ll find something unique and useful.
Plus, they offer a unique Shop by Appointment service. This allows you to schedule personalized consultations (in-store or virtual) to get expert advice.
Additionally, we appreciate their generous 90-day guarantee for almost all of their products. Same-day delivery in Ottawa and express store pick-up are also offered.
It’s no wonder they’ve garnered several awards. Examples include Retail Council of Canada’s 2024 Supply Chain Innovation, the 2024 Keystone Award for Job Creation, and Deloitte’s 2023 Canada’s Best Managed Companies—pretty cool, huh?
However, be prepared for a premium price tag—some might find their products on the expensive side.
Pros
- Founded in 1978Has 18 stores across Canada
- Has a Shop by Appointment service
- Offers a 90-day guarantee
- Same-day delivery and express store pick-up
- Garnered several awards
Cons
- Some items are said to be overpriced
Customer Reviews
Excellent store with the best customer service!
“Excellent store with the best customer service! I keep coming back for moar! Update: back again, with more products on the store floor for you to look at while you wait for the clerk to call your number… In addition, a total win of a place to bring your mum on mother’s day! 💐😁🤣” — M McG, Google Review
Great store, great staff, great products
“Great store, great staff, great products. Just know that it’s not like a Home Hardware or Canadian Tire; you have to grab a number when you go in and wait to be called to the service desk, but once you’re there they can do everything for you. Staff are knowledgeable and super nice. This isn’t really a place you can quickly pop in and out of but there’s enough neat stuff to look at that you wouldn’t want to anyway!” — Gabe R., Google Review
3. Ottawa Fastener Supply
Address: 3020 Hawthorne Rd
Phone: (613) 828-5311
Business hours:
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Ottawa Fastener Supply boasts 40 years of experience as a leading supplier of fasteners, tools, and equipment in Ottawa.
We like their staff of over 80 employees who can help source pretty much anything, from custom bolts to that rare “thingamabobber” for your special projects. And to keep your tools sharp for those projects, they also have in-store blade sharpening.
And forget rushing home before closing! The store offers after-hours pick-up—they’ll secure your purchase in a safe, combination-locked job site box for you to retrieve at your convenience.
An additional perk is that they’re an authorized repair center for several popular brands like Senco, Makita, Paslode, Rolair, and more. We did notice, however, that their repair prices are a tad inflated.
Pros
- 40 years of experience
- Over 80 employees
- In-store blade sharpening service
- Offers after-hours pick-up
- Authorized repair center
- Special ordering and delivery services
Cons
- Inflated repair prices
Customer Reviews
What an awesome store!
“What an awesome store! Great, friendly, and professional staff! TONS of specialty fasteners, great selection of tools and lots of cool equipment! 5 outta 5!” — Rick, Google Review
Amazing customer service!
“Amazing customer service! Anytime I need a speciality bolt or high quality stainless or higher grade bolt I come here. The staff know fasteners and always have great advice!” — Joel Crawford, Google Review
4. Morris Home Hardware
Address: 1226 Wellington St
Phone: (613) 728-0188
Business hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sat: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
- Thurs – Fri: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Morris Home Hardware, part of the massive Home Hardware network, is a familiar sight for many Ottawa residents. For those who need help with a project, they offer home installation services, taking the pressure off your shoulders.
We also like their price match and warranty offers—they’ll match competitor prices and back their products with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind while shopping.
And if you’re just tackling a one-time job, they have tool rentals available for electric or corded, gas-powered, and manual tools.
Additionally, their partnership with Scotiabank means you can explore financing options for bigger projects. For additional savings, keep an eye out for seasonal promo of up to 55% off, and enjoy free shipping on online orders over $99!
On the other hand, while the store attendants were quite lovely when we were there, we heard reports of snarky or impatient staff members.
Pros
- Has home installation services
- Price match and warranty offers
- Tool rental service
- Offers financing options
- Seasonal promotions of up to 55% off
- Free shipping on online orders over $99
Cons
- Reports of snarky or impatient staff members
Customer Reviews
Superior service every time!
“Superior service every time! Every time I go in there, I learn something new from the staff. If I ask for help with finding something, they don’t just direct me to a shelf. They ask questions and figure out exactly what I need.” — Charles Jaipal, Google Review
The staff was SO helpful!
“The staff was SO helpful! I needed specific hardware for a project I was working on, and one of the sales associates was very patient and spent at least 15 minutes helping me find the right things. Great neighborhood hardware store!” — Claire Monique Mendonca, Google Review
5. Capital Home Hardware
Address: 1491 Innes Rd, Unit B
Phone: (613) 686-5666
Business hours:
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Renovations can drain your wallet faster than a leaky faucet, which is why Cosmaroma, founded in 2005, positions itself as your budget-friendly hardware store.
Cosmaroma has expanded across Ontario, with locations in Barrie, Kingston, North York, and more. Their Ottawa location (Cosmaroma Gloucester) boasts a massive selection of everything you need for your next project, from flooring to fancy doorknobs.
We like their competitive prices, and they carry exclusive brands such as Evolve Stone, Floorest Canada, IVM Homestyle, and SureTorq. Plus, if you need help putting down that new floor, installation services are also available.
Furthermore, this location is easy to access with ample parking and a spacious showroom. They’re even open seven days a week for your shopping convenience.
As a bonus, we appreciate their helpful staff who offered us suggestions and answered product questions. But keep in mind that their in-store services are comparatively limited.
Pros
- Founded in 2005Plenty of parking
- Spacious showroom
- Helpful staff members
- Offers installation services
Cons
- Limited range of in-store services
Customer Reviews
Amazing service and prices!!
“Amazing service and prices!! Got the bianco light tiles for my backsplash and it looks beautiful, still have to grout! Faysal was super helpful, always smiling and greet me right away ❤️ Thanks Cosmo Rama!” — Julie Burns, Google Review
Best place to buy your renovation materials
“Cosmaroma is the best place to buy your renovation materials. The team is great, Mike and Moe, two very helpful guys. You always get a great deal. I buy all my customers’ materials here.” — Hawjin Tawfik, Google Review
Now that we’ve explored the hardware stores the city has to offer, let’s shift gears and tackle those bigger projects. Here’s a look at the best home improvement services in Ottawa to help bring your dream renovation to life!