Select These Materials for a Long-Lasting Kitchen Remodel

Invest in Quality for Your Upcoming Kitchen Remodel with the Best Materials

Ready to give your kitchen a facelift? If you’re going through the effort, time, and money to makeover the heart of your home, you may as well use the best materials for your kitchen remodel to make sure it lasts a long time.

The best kitchen materials to stand the test of time combine durability, functionality, and style.

Countertops 

When it comes to kitchen countertops, durability and aesthetics go hand in hand.

Here are our top two contenders or best countertop materials:

Quartz
Quartz has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. As an engineered stone, quartz offers the best of both worlds:

Pros: 

• Non-porus surface that’s resistant to stains and bacteria
• Extremely durable and scratch resistant
• Wide range of colors and patters available
• Low maintenance with no need for sealing
  

Cons: 

• Not heat-resistence, so setting hot pans on them is a no-go
• Higher cost compared to other options

Pro Tip: Even though quartz is highly durable, always use cutting boards to protect your investment.

Granite
Granite is the best choice for kitchen countertops if you prefer natural stone.

Pros: 

• Heat-resistant surface (you can set your pans directly on it)
• Each slab is unique, offering its own natural beauty
• Highly durable when sealed properly
• Can increase home value
  

 Cabinets

Cabinets play an important role in your home’s aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to the best materials for your kitchen remodel, you’ll want to discover your ideal cabinet style and select them carefully.

Solid Wood
Timeless and durable solid wood cabinets, particularly those made from hardwoods like maple, oak, cherry, or walnut offer unparalleled durability and timeless appeal.

Pros: 

• Long-lasting with proper care
• Can be refinished or repaired to extend its lifespan
• Adds warmth and character to your kitchen

Cons:

• • More expensive than other options
  • Can be susceptible to warping in high-humidity environments

Textured Melamine

For a more modern and budget-friendly option, many homeowners are choosing melamine (also known as Thermally Fused Laminate) which offers excellent durability.

Pros: 

• Highly resistant to moisture, heat, and stains
• Wide range of colors and textures available
• More affordable than solid wood

Cons: 

• Cannot be refinished like wood, so it must be completely replaced at some point
• May not have the same perceived value as wood cabinets 

Flooring

Your kitchen floor needs to withstand everything from heavy foot traffic to spills and drops.

Here are two great choices for your kitchen’s foundation:

Porcelain Tile
This versatile option has become a favorite for kitchen flooring because of it’s durability and styles to choose from.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and liquids
• Wide variety of designs (you can even find wood-looking options!)
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• • Can be cold underfoot in Northern regions
  • Grout lines may require period cleaning and sealing

Hardwood

While not typically recommended for kitchen due to moisture concerns, advances in finishes have made hardwood a viable option for those seeking warmth and character.

Pros: 

• Adds warmth and value to your home
• Can be refinished multiple times
• Comfortable underfoot
• Classic beauty

Cons:

• More susceptible to water damage and tile

Requires more maintenance to keep its appearance

Sinks
When starting on a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to explore the best kitchen sink materials to keep your kitchen hygienic, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are two excellent options:

Stainless Steel

These sinks have been a staple in kitchens for decades for many good reasons.

Pros: 

• Highly resistent to corrosion, rust, and heat
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Affordable compared to other options
  

Cons: 

• Can be noisy compared to other options
• May show water spots and scratches more easily
  

Copper

If you’re looking for something a little different we’ve got you covered! Homeowners are opting for copper sinks for unique aesthetics and their surprising benefits!

Pros:

• Naturally antimicrobial, killing 99.9% of bacteria
• Develops a natural patina over time
• Extremely durable and resistant to denting
  

Cons: 

• More expensive than stainless steel
• Requires specific care to maintain its appearance
  

Backsplash

While not typically subjected to the same wear and tear as countertops or floors, your backsplash should be considered in selecting the best kitchen materials for your kitchen remodel.

Glass Tile
This sleek, easy-to-clean material offers a modern, reflective surface that’s perfect for brightening up our kitchen.

Pros:

• Non-porous and easy to clean
• Reflects light, making the kitchen feel brighter
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles

Cons: 

• Can be more expensive than ceramic tile
• Installation may require a professional for best results

Ceramic Tile
This popular choice for backsplashes always stays on trend with it’s affordability and versatility.

Pros:

• Wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes available
• Relavtively easy to install, even for DIY enthusiasts
• Durable and easy to clean
  

Cons: 

• Grout lines are more difficult to keep clean

Not as reflective as glass tile

Choosing the Best Materials for Your Kitchen Remodel

When selecting the best materials for your kitchen remodel, here are some factors you’ll want to ask yourself before making any purchases:

1. Durability: How well will the materials stand the test of time?
2. Maintenance: How much upkeep is required to keep the materials looking the best?
3. Style: Does the material fit the overall kitchen design and your personal tastes?
4. Budget: How do the costs of different materials compare, including long-term maintenance?
5. Resale Value: Will the materials you choose appeal to potential buyers if you sell your home?

Following these general guidelines and considering these factors, you’ll create a kitchen that looks beautiful throughout its lifespan.

What’s Your Kitchen’s Secret to Longevity?   

We’ve dished out top picks for durable kitchen remodel materials, but we’d love to hear from you! 
We’ve dished out top picks for durable kitchen remodel materials, but we’d love to hear from you!

What’s been your best kitchen investment that has stood the test of time? Maybe it’s those quartz countertops that still look brand new after years of cooking adventures. Or that hardwood floor that’s weathered countless spills and feet moving across it all day yet still looks gorgeous.

Share your experience in the comments below!

Remember, creating a kitchen that lasts isn’t about picking the priciest materials and crossing your fingers. It’s about choosing what works best for your lifestyle, your cooking habits, and your budget too!

So as you begin to dream up your ideal kitchen, take a moment to consider the longer game. A kitchen that will wow your guests and makes you smile every day.