Navigating Tariffs: Mike’s Suggestions and Strategies for Sourcing Renovation Supplies from Canadian and Global Suppliers
Feb 10, 2025
The tariff war may significantly impact the Canadian renovation products market, creating a cascade of challenges for both consumers and contractors. With higher material costs resulting from imposed tariffs on essential components like lumber, steel, and aluminum, Canadian importers may be forced to pass these expenses onto renovators and consumers alike.
With so much uncertainty, this situation is exacerbated by potential disruptions at the border and retaliatory actions, which could inevitably introduce price fluctuations even for domestically sourced materials.
As certain specialized tools or finishes become less accessible due to their dependence on U.S. manufacturers facing tariffs, the variety of renovation products available to Canadian consumers may diminish. This reality may push Canadian businesses to seek out alternative domestic or international suppliers, potentially fostering growth in local manufacturing of building materials over time.
Red Carpet Handyman is proudly Canadian. We are a local business with roots in Simcoe Region. We’d like to present a non-exhaustive list of some Canadian-based businesses and Canadian manufacturers that produce kitchen and bathroom products—such as cabinetry, fixtures, and fittings. These companies either design, manufacture, or assemble in Canada and are well-regarded in the home renovation sector. Please note, we are not affiliated with any of these products or manufacturers. We are simply providing information on Canadian companies should you wish to purchase Canadian.
Cabinetry and Countertops
J&K Cabinets is celebrated for its exceptional quality and versatility in design, offering a diverse selection of cabinetry options perfect for any home. J&K Cabinets is our main Canadian cabinet company because they combine contemporary aesthetics with timeless designs, catering to both modern and classic preferences. Mike loves their commitment to customization, an extensive array of finishes, materials, and styles, thus ensuring that every Red Carpet Handyman project reflects the unique taste and functional needs of our VIP homeowner clients.
Cabico is known for their craftsmanship and wide range of design options, including modern and traditional looks. They offer custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with a broad selection of finishes and styles.
AyA Kitchens & Baths focuses on design flexibility, offering a range of finishes and materials through showrooms and dealership networks.They offer custom and semi-custom cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms.
Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Ottawa based Deslaurier offers custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and storage solutions. They are known for design-centric, locally manufactured cabinetry, with multiple styles and price points.
Merit Kitchens is headquartered in Surrey, British Columbia and offers custom and semi-custom cabinetry primarily for kitchens, but also used in bathrooms and other living spaces. Merit Kitchens emphasizes high-quality construction and design services, with dealers across Canada and parts of the U.S.
Miralis offers high-end, custom kitchen cabinetry (also used for bathroom vanities). They are known for contemporary European-inspired designs and advanced manufacturing processes.
Even though Oppein is a value-line manufacturer from China, they still offer high-quality custom cabinet solutions that many of our VIP homeowner clients enjoy.
Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets
Riobel is located in Quebec. They are part of the Fortune Brands family but originally founded in Canada; Riobel’s design and R&D remain in Quebec. They offer faucets and shower systems, including bathroom and kitchen faucets.
Aquabrass produces premium bathroom and kitchen fixtures (faucets, shower kits, bathtubs, sinks).They are known for contemporary and innovative designs, often found in upscale projects.
Neptune produces freestanding bathtubs, showers, and bathroom sinks. They specializes in modern designs that emphasize both comfort and aesthetics.
Bathtubs, Showers, and Enclosures
MAAX is another Canadian company with headquarters in Lachine, Quebec known for their bathtubs, showers, and shower doors/enclosures. They are one of Canada’s largest bath product manufacturers with a range of styles and price points.
BainUltra produces high-end therapeutic bathtubs (air jets, chromotherapy, etc.). They focus on wellness and hydrotherapy, and are often used in premium renovations.
Fleurco produce glass shower doors, bases, bathtubs, and bathroom vanities. They are known for stylish, contemporary shower enclosures and hardware.
Sinks and Accessories
Kindred (Franke Group) has some of their stainless-steel sink lines produced in Canada. They are known for kitchen sinks, some bathroom sinks, and related accessories. While Kindred is part of the Swiss-based Franke Group, certain lines are still made in Canada.
Julien Quebec based Julien produces high-end stainless-steel kitchen and bathroom sinks, custom stainless fabrication. Renowned for stainless-steel craftsmanship in both residential and commercial sectors.
Other Notable Mentions
Urban Effects is a cabinetry brand under Norcraft, which has Canadian production for some of its lines.
Olympia Tile + Stone is based in Toronto and while they are known primarily as a distributor, but they also have Canadian-based manufacturing partnerships.
Here are Mike’s Tips When Choosing a Canadian Manufacturer
- Verify “Made in Canada” Claims: Some brands are headquartered in Canada but may source or partially manufacture products elsewhere.
- Lead Times & Distribution: If you require large volumes or custom designs, ask about current production times, especially as supply chains can shift.
- Customization Options: Many Canadian manufacturers cater to custom or semi-custom orders—ideal for specialized kitchen or bath designs.
- Warranty and Service: Check if service calls, part replacements, or warranty work are handled by a local team.
Mike’s Final Thoughts:
A prolonged trade war with the United States can lead to higher prices and potential supply delays for renovation materials in Canada. Nonetheless, many Canadian-based renovation companies have diversified supply chains and can often source domestically or from other international partners. If you are looking to begin or expand your renovation business, consider proactive sourcing strategies, and leverage well-regarded Canadian suppliers and subcontractors to help stabilize project costs and timelines.