Kitchen Remodel Materials Guide
A comprehensive comparison of every material choice in a kitchen renovation — cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, and fixtures — with pricing and recommendations for Boise and Treasure Valley homes.
Cabinets are the foundation of any kitchen design and typically represent 25-35% of the total project cost. The three tiers — stock, semi-custom, and custom — differ in construction quality, configuration options, finishes, and lead times.
Stock Cabinets
$100 - $300
Per linear foot, installed
Construction
Particleboard or MDF box construction with melamine interior. Some higher-end stock lines use plywood boxes. Dowel or cam-lock assembly. Limited structural customization.
Door Styles & Finishes
Thermofoil, laminate, or basic wood veneer doors. Limited to 10-20 color/style combinations. Standard sizes only (3-inch width increments). Shaker, raised panel, and flat-panel options available.
Lead Time
1 - 3 weeks. Available off-the-shelf at major retailers or quick-ship from manufacturers.
Popular in Boise For
Rental property upgrades, budget-conscious remodels, homes being prepared for sale, and secondary kitchens (basement apartments, ADUs).
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Most Popular
$200 - $600
Per linear foot, installed
Construction
Plywood box construction with solid wood face frames. Dovetail drawer boxes, soft-close hinges, and full-extension drawer slides standard. Significantly stronger and more durable than stock options.
Door Styles & Finishes
50+ door styles and 100+ finish options. Solid wood doors (maple, cherry, oak, birch) with painted, stained, or glazed finishes. Modified dimensions available to fit non-standard spaces. Interior accessories (pull-outs, lazy susans, dividers).
Lead Time
4 - 8 weeks from order to delivery. Plan accordingly during the design phase.
Popular in Boise For
The majority of mid-range kitchen remodels. Offers the best balance of quality, customization, and value. KraftMaid, Waypoint, and Yorktowne are popular brands with strong dealer networks in the Boise area.
Custom Cabinets
$500 - $1,200+
Per linear foot, installed
Construction
Built to your exact specifications by skilled cabinet makers. Premium plywood or solid hardwood boxes, hand-fit joints, furniture-quality construction. No size limitations — every cabinet is built to fit your specific dimensions.
Door Styles & Finishes
Unlimited options. Inset doors, beaded frames, hand-applied glazes, custom paint matching, exotic wood species (walnut, quarter-sawn oak, rift-sawn white oak). Furniture-quality finishing including hand-rubbed stains and multi-step lacquer.
Lead Time
8 - 12 weeks. Custom cabinets are manufactured after your order is placed and cannot be expedited. Order early in the design process.
Popular in Boise For
High-end homes in the East End, foothills, and new custom construction in Eagle and Star. Homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind kitchen with exact specifications. Several excellent local cabinet shops serve the Boise market.
Your countertop choice affects daily functionality, maintenance requirements, and the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Here is an honest comparison of the most popular options for Boise kitchens.
Laminate
$10 - $40 / sq ft
Modern laminate countertops have come a long way from their reputation. High-pressure laminate (HPL) from Formica or Wilsonart offers realistic stone patterns, is extremely easy to maintain, and carries the lowest cost of any countertop material. Not repairable if deeply scratched or burned, and edges can chip over time.
Best for: Budget remodels, rental properties, and homeowners who want a quick, affordable refresh without compromising on visual appeal.
Butcher Block
$40 - $100 / sq ft
Solid wood surfaces (maple, walnut, white oak) that bring warmth and natural texture to the kitchen. Butcher block is repairable — scratches and stains can be sanded out and refinished. Requires regular oiling (monthly) and is susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed. Idaho's dry climate can cause wood movement, so proper acclimation and finishing are essential.
Best for: Farmhouse and craftsman kitchens, island tops, secondary prep areas, and homeowners who appreciate the patina that develops over time.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
$50 - $120 / sq ft
Engineered from natural quartz crystals and resin, quartz countertops are non-porous, stain-resistant, and require zero sealing. Consistent color and pattern options are available in hundreds of styles, from solid whites to realistic marble looks. The most popular countertop choice in Boise kitchens for its combination of beauty and practicality. Brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone are widely available through local fabricators.
Best for: The majority of Boise kitchen remodels. Ideal for families, busy cooks, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance, high-impact surface.
Granite
$40 - $100 / sq ft
Natural stone quarried in slabs with unique veining and color patterns. Each slab is one-of-a-kind. Granite is extremely heat-resistant and very hard, but it is porous and requires annual sealing to prevent staining. Color choices depend on currently available slabs. Boise-area fabricators maintain large slab inventories, and you can select your exact slab in person.
Best for: Homeowners who want a natural, unique surface with excellent heat resistance. Particularly popular in transitional and traditional kitchen designs.
Marble
$75 - $200 / sq ft
The most luxurious countertop material, prized for its veining and timeless beauty. Marble is softer than granite and quartz, making it susceptible to etching from acidic foods (lemon, tomato, vinegar) and staining from oils and wine. Requires regular sealing and careful use. Calcutta and Carrara are the most requested varieties in Boise.
Best for: High-end kitchens, baking stations (marble stays cool), and homeowners who accept the patina as part of the material's character.
Concrete
$65 - $135 / sq ft
Custom-poured or precast concrete countertops offer an industrial or modern aesthetic with unlimited color and texture options. Can be formed to any shape, including integrated sinks and drainboards. Requires sealing and may develop hairline cracks over time (cosmetic, not structural). Weight may require additional cabinet reinforcement.
Best for: Modern, industrial, and mountain-modern kitchen designs. Homeowners who want a truly custom, artisan surface.
Kitchen floors must withstand moisture, spills, heavy foot traffic, and dropped items. Idaho's climate — with temperature swings from below zero in winter to over 100 degrees in summer and low humidity — adds additional material considerations.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
$3 - $8 / sq ft installed
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Excellent durability and scratch resistance
- Softer underfoot than tile or stone
- Unaffected by Idaho's dry climate
Cons
- Cannot be refinished
- Can fade in direct sunlight
- Does not add resale value like hardwood
Idaho note: LVP is the most popular kitchen flooring choice in the Boise market. Its dimensional stability in Idaho's low humidity makes it a practical, worry-free option.
Hardwood
$8 - $15 / sq ft installed
Pros
- Timeless aesthetic and warmth
- Can be refinished multiple times
- Adds resale value
- Warm underfoot
Cons
- Susceptible to water damage
- Scratches from dropped items
- Higher maintenance
Idaho note: Idaho's low humidity (often below 20% in winter) can cause solid hardwood to shrink and gap. Engineered hardwood, with its plywood core, is significantly more dimensionally stable and is our recommendation for Boise kitchens when hardwood is desired. Acclimate wood to the home for at least 72 hours before installation.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
$6 - $14 / sq ft installed
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Vast design options (wood-look, stone-look)
- Unaffected by humidity changes
Cons
- Hard and cold underfoot
- Grout requires periodic sealing
- Dropped items shatter easily
- Longer installation time
Idaho note: Tile performs well in Idaho's climate with zero expansion or contraction. Radiant floor heating (common in new Boise construction) pairs exceptionally well with tile, eliminating the cold-underfoot drawback.
Polished Concrete
$5 - $12 / sq ft
Pros
- Modern, industrial aesthetic
- Nearly indestructible
- Low maintenance once sealed
- Compatible with radiant heating
Cons
- Very hard on feet and joints
- Cold without radiant heat
- Limited to slab-on-grade homes
- Requires professional finishing
Idaho note: Polished concrete is gaining popularity in modern and mountain-modern Boise homes. Works best in newer slab-on-grade construction. Older Boise homes with crawl spaces or basements cannot use polished concrete for kitchen floors without significant structural modification.
The backsplash is the most visible design element in many kitchens. It bridges the countertops and upper cabinets and provides an opportunity to introduce color, pattern, and texture.
Ceramic Subway Tile
$8 - $20 / sq ft installed
The most popular backsplash choice in Boise kitchens. Classic 3x6 or 4x8 format in white, gray, or colored glazes. Timeless design that works with any kitchen style. Easy to clean, durable, and widely available. Matte, glossy, and handmade finishes offer different aesthetics.
Porcelain Tile
$10 - $30 / sq ft installed
Denser and more water-resistant than ceramic. Available in large formats (12x24, 24x24) that create a seamless, modern look with minimal grout lines. Can mimic natural stone, wood, and concrete. Excellent for full-height backsplashes that extend from countertop to ceiling.
Natural Stone
$15 - $50 / sq ft installed
Marble, travertine, slate, and limestone offer natural beauty with unique veining and color variation. Requires sealing and more careful maintenance than ceramic or porcelain. Best suited to high-end kitchens where the natural material character is valued.
Glass Tile
$15 - $40 / sq ft installed
Reflective surface that adds depth and light to the kitchen. Available in mosaic sheets, linear formats, and subway tile shapes. Non-porous and easy to clean. Can be more fragile during installation and requires a skilled tile setter for a clean result.
Metal Tile
$12 - $35 / sq ft installed
Stainless steel, copper, and aluminum tiles create a contemporary or industrial aesthetic. Available in mosaic, brick, and penny-round formats. Often used as an accent band within a larger tile backsplash. Durable and easy to clean.
Appliances represent a significant portion of your kitchen remodel budget. Choosing the right tier ensures your appliances match the quality of the rest of your kitchen.
Builder Grade
$3,000 - $6,000
Complete 4-5 piece suite
Reliable, no-frills appliances that get the job done. Standard features, basic finishes (white, black, or stainless-look). Adequate for daily cooking needs without premium features.
Brands: Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, Amana
Includes: 30" freestanding range, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, 36" top-freezer or side-by-side refrigerator
Mid-Range
Best Value
$6,000 - $12,000
Complete 4-5 piece suite
Upgraded features, better build quality, quieter operation, and true stainless steel finishes. This tier includes features like convection ovens, third-rack dishwashers, French-door refrigerators, and slide-in ranges for a built-in look.
Brands: KitchenAid, Bosch, Samsung, LG, GE Profile
Includes: 30" slide-in range, built-in microwave or speed oven, quiet dishwasher (under 45 dB), French-door refrigerator with counter depth
Professional
$12,000 - $25,000+
Complete 4-5 piece suite
Commercial-inspired performance in residential form. Higher BTU burners, larger capacity ovens, built-in refrigeration, professional ventilation, and panel-ready options that integrate seamlessly with custom cabinetry.
Brands: Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele, Viking, Monogram
Includes: 36" or 48" professional range or rangetop, built-in wall oven(s), integrated refrigerator/freezer columns, professional ventilation hood, panel-ready dishwasher
Hardware and fixtures are the jewelry of the kitchen — the finishing touches that tie the entire design together. These smaller selections have outsized impact on the final look.
Faucets
Pull-Down Spray ($150 - $400)
The most popular kitchen faucet style. Single-handle with an integrated spray head that pulls down into the sink. Moen, Delta, and Kohler dominate this category.
Touchless ($250 - $600)
Motion-activated sensor for hands-free operation. Ideal for busy cooks. Requires batteries or an AC adapter. Moen MotionSense and Delta Touch2O are popular.
Pot Filler ($200 - $500)
Wall-mounted faucet above the range for filling large pots. A luxury feature that adds convenience and visual interest. Requires a dedicated water supply line.
Finishes
Brushed nickel, matte black, polished chrome, brushed gold, and oil-rubbed bronze are the most popular in the Boise market. Match your faucet finish to cabinet hardware for a cohesive look.
Kitchen Sinks
Undermount Stainless Steel ($200 - $600)
The most popular choice. Mounted below the countertop for a seamless, easy-to-clean transition. Single bowl (more workspace) or double bowl (separate wash/rinse zones). 16-gauge stainless is standard quality; 18-gauge is thinner and lower cost.
Farmhouse / Apron Front ($400 - $1,500)
A statement piece that extends forward beyond the cabinet face. Available in fireclay, cast iron (enameled), stainless steel, and copper. Extremely popular in Boise's farmhouse-style kitchens. Requires a modified base cabinet.
Composite Granite ($300 - $800)
Made from crushed granite and acrylic resin. Available in black, gray, white, and earth tones. Heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. Quieter than stainless steel.
Cabinet Hardware
Knobs ($2 - $15 each)
Round or square knobs are typically used on cabinet doors. A standard kitchen has 30 to 50 knobs. Simple round knobs in brushed nickel or matte black are the most versatile and budget-friendly choice.
Bar Pulls ($5 - $25 each)
Straight bar-style pulls in various lengths (3-inch, 5-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch). Used on drawers and sometimes doors. The most popular hardware style in contemporary and transitional Boise kitchens.
Cup Pulls ($5 - $20 each)
Half-moon bin-style pulls that evoke a classic or farmhouse aesthetic. Typically used on drawers. Popular in craftsman and farmhouse-style Boise kitchens.
Budget Tip
Hardware adds up quickly at 30 to 50+ pieces per kitchen. Budget $150 to $750 for a complete set. Ordering online from specialty suppliers often offers better selection and pricing than big-box stores.
Materials are one piece of the puzzle. Explore our other kitchen remodeling guides to plan your project from every angle.
Kitchen Remodeling Service
Our full kitchen remodeling service overview
Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide
Detailed pricing from $25k to $150k+
Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Phase-by-phase scheduling breakdown
Permits & Regulations
Boise & Ada County permit requirements
Kitchen Design Ideas
Styles, layouts, and trending features
Get a Free Estimate
Request your personalized kitchen quote
Need Help Choosing the Right Materials?
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