Material Selection Guide: Kitchens & Baths

Our field-tested picks for surfaces and fixtures that perform in busy homes. These recommendations balance durability, maintenance, and cost so your remodel looks great for years.

Countertops

Quartz is our default for durability and low maintenance. If you prefer natural stone, select consistent granites with low porosity and plan for periodic sealing.

Quartz: wide color range, stain/etch resistant, minimal care
Granite: natural variation, choose honed or leathered to hide wear
Porcelain slabs: heat-proof, thin profiles, specialty fabrication

Good / Better / Best

Good: entry quartz, eased edge, standard sink cutout
Better: premium quartz or granite, mitered edge, integrated backsplash
Best: porcelain slab features, waterfall panels, integrated drainboard

Cabinetry

Plywood boxes with durable finishes hold up better than particle board in humid spaces. Soft-close hardware is worth the investment for longevity.

Boxes: plywood with sealed edges; avoid raw particle board in wet zones
Finishes: catalyzed conversion varnish for kitchens/baths
Hardware: soft-close hinges and glides with high cycle ratings

Storage Upgrades

Pull-out trays, spice pull-outs, tray dividers, hidden trash/recycling
Tilt-out sink trays, drawer organizers, docking drawers

Tile & Waterproofing

Use porcelain tile in showers and floors for strength. Pair with a complete waterproofing system (Schluter, Laticrete, etc.) installed per manufacturer specs.

Floors: porcelain with appropriate slip resistance (check DCOF)
Walls: large format with minimal lippage (plan for flatness)
Showers: foam board + membrane or cement board + liquid membrane

Grout Choices

Good: cementitious grout + sealer
Better: ready-to-use acrylic/urethane grouts for stain resistance
Best: epoxy grout for maximum durability in wet areas

Fixtures & Finishes

Stick to reputable brands with available parts. For finishes, brushed nickel and matte black conceal fingerprints; unlacquered brass will patina.

Valves: pressure-balanced or thermostatic with volume control
Drains & traps: full-metal where possible; avoid thin plastics
Aerators & cartridges: keep spares; they’re common wear items

Lighting & Electrical

Kitchens: task lighting under cabinets, 3000K color temp, 90+ CRI
Bathrooms: cross-light at mirror, wet-rated shower fixtures
Controls: dimmers and scenes; plan dedicated circuits for appliances

Lead Times & Ordering

Cabinets/countertops: longest lead; lock specs early to protect schedule
Tile/fixtures: confirm stock and overage (5–15%) for cuts and future repairs
Lighting: verify trim compatibility and driver dimming types

Sustainability & Indoor Air Quality

Low/zero-VOC finishes and adhesives where available
Proper ventilation (kitchen range hoods, bath fans) with exterior venting
Durable materials that reduce replacement frequency