Choosing materials for your home renovation can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of options for countertops alone, and every choice affects your budget, timeline, and final result. This guide breaks down the most important material decisions and helps you choose what's right for your home and lifestyle.
Countertops
Your countertop choice is one of the most visible and impactful decisions in a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation. Here are the most popular options:
Quartz
- Pros: Non-porous (no sealing needed), consistent patterns, extremely durable, wide color range
- Cons: Not heat-resistant (use trivets), can look less natural than stone
- Cost: $50-$150 per square foot installed
- Best for: Busy kitchens, families with kids, anyone who wants low maintenance
Granite
- Pros: Natural beauty, heat-resistant, unique patterns, adds home value
- Cons: Needs annual sealing, can chip, heavy (may need reinforced cabinets)
- Cost: $40-$200 per square foot installed
- Best for: Those who love natural stone character and don't mind annual maintenance
Marble
- Pros: Timeless luxury, beautiful veining, stays cool (great for baking)
- Cons: Porous (stains easily), scratches, requires regular sealing, etches from acids
- Cost: $75-$250 per square foot installed
- Best for: Bathrooms, low-traffic areas, or homeowners who embrace the patina
Butcher Block
- Pros: Warm, natural look, can sand out scratches, great for prep areas
- Cons: Needs regular oiling, not heat-proof, can harbor bacteria if not maintained
- Cost: $40-$100 per square foot installed
- Best for: Farmhouse/rustic style, island tops as an accent, prep stations
Flooring
Your flooring choice needs to balance aesthetics, durability, and practicality. Here's what works best in NJ homes:
Hardwood
- Pros: Classic beauty, increases home value, can be refinished multiple times, lasts decades
- Cons: Susceptible to moisture and scratches, higher cost, not ideal for basements
- Cost: $8-$15 per square foot installed
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Pros: Waterproof, extremely durable, looks like real wood, easy to install, budget-friendly
- Cons: Can't be refinished, may off-gas, not as prestigious as real hardwood
- Cost: $4-$10 per square foot installed
- Best for: Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, rental properties, high-traffic areas
Porcelain/Ceramic Tile
- Pros: Waterproof, highly durable, endless design options, can mimic wood or stone
- Cons: Cold underfoot (consider heated floors), hard surface, grout needs maintenance
- Cost: $6-$20 per square foot installed
- Best for: Bathrooms, entryways, kitchens, mudrooms
Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets typically account for 30-40% of a kitchen renovation budget. The three main tiers offer different trade-offs:
- Stock cabinets ($100-$300 per linear foot): Pre-made in standard sizes. Limited styles and finishes. Best for budget-friendly projects. 1-2 week delivery.
- Semi-custom cabinets ($150-$650 per linear foot): Standard construction with customizable sizes, finishes, and features. The sweet spot for most renovations. 4-8 week lead time.
- Custom cabinets ($500-$1,200+ per linear foot): Built to your exact specifications. Unlimited options for wood, finish, hardware, and configuration. 8-14 week lead time.
Fixtures and Hardware
Don't overlook fixtures — they're the jewelry of your renovation. A few guidelines:
- Faucets: Invest in quality. A good faucet lasts 15-20 years. Budget brands may need replacement in 3-5 years.
- Cabinet hardware: Choose one finish family (brushed gold, matte black, brushed nickel) and carry it throughout.
- Lighting: Layer your lighting — ambient, task, and accent. Recessed lights, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lights create a complete look.
- Showerheads: Rain shower heads are popular but pair with a handheld for practicality.
Our Material Selection Process
At La Vaca General Contractors, we guide you through material selection with showroom visits, sample presentations, and honest recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget. We work with trusted NJ suppliers and pass along our trade relationships to get you the best value.
Overwhelmed by choices? Schedule a free consultation and let us help you narrow down the options. We'll bring samples right to your home so you can see everything in your actual space and lighting.