Choose materialsthat outlastthe remodel.
Buying guides for flooring, paint, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, windows, roofing, siding and insulation, plus budgets, permits and hiring, so every decision in a renovation is made with the numbers in front of you.
Plan by room and building system
Interiors, kitchens and baths, the building envelope and outdoor projects. Start with the room you are opening up.
Flooring
Vinyl plank, hardwood, laminate, tile and carpet
Walls & paint
Paint, primers, drywall and wall finishes
Kitchen remodel
Cabinets, countertops, sinks and backsplash
Bathroom remodel
Showers, tubs, vanities, toilets and tile
Windows & doors
Replacement windows, entry and patio doors
Roofing & exterior
Roofing, siding, gutters and trim
Insulation & weatherproofing
Insulation, air sealing and moisture
Decks, fences & outdoor
Decking, railings, fencing and patios
Planning & budgets
Costs, permits, contractors and design
Before you sign a quote
Find attic air leaks at the ceiling plane, plan safe fixes around wiring, lights and flues, preserve ventilation, and know when insulation can follow.
Compare residential carpet tile and broadloom by layout, seams, floor preparation, installation method and what to include in the carpet quote.
Compare fiberglass, steel and wood entry doors by finish, maintenance, glass, frame, energy labels, warranties and installation details.
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Exterior Paint vs. Deck Stain: Choose by Surface
Exterior finishes
- 05
Floating vs Glue-Down LVP: Which Installation Fits?
Vinyl flooring installation
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Framed vs. Frameless Kitchen Cabinets: Fit and Access
Cabinets
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Framed vs. Frameless Shower Doors: Fit and Installation
Showers
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Gutter Types and Guards: How to Compare a System
Roof drainage
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Insulation R-Values by Type: Batts, Blown-In, Foam and Board
Insulation
Renovation questions, answered
Should I air seal an attic before adding insulation?
Yes, for a typical vented attic. DOE guidance places air sealing at the ceiling before new insulation so the insulation layer can stay in contact with the air barrier.
Read: Air Sealing an Attic →What is the difference between carpet tile and broadloom?
Carpet tile is cut into separate units during manufacture and has an applied backing. Broadloom is planned and installed in wider sections, where seam layout and the selected installation method matter.
Read: Carpet Tile vs. Broadloom →Which entry door material is most energy efficient?
There is no material-only answer. Compare the complete door system's documented ratings and installation, and look for an ENERGY STAR label for the climate zone when available.
Read: Entry Door Materials →Is deck stain better than exterior paint?
It depends on the surface and finish you want. Choose a coating whose label approves it for the exact wood and exposure, then compare preparation and maintenance instructions.
Read: Exterior Paint vs. Deck Stain →What is the difference between floating and glue-down LVP?
A floating click-lock floor connects at the plank edges and is not bonded to the subfloor. A direct-glue product is attached with the adhesive and method specified by its manufacturer. Some products allow more than one method.
Read: Floating vs Glue-Down LVP →What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinets?
A framed cabinet has rails and stiles around the front opening, with the door attached to that frame. A frameless cabinet has no front frame, so its doors attach to the cabinet sides.
Read: Framed vs. Frameless Kitchen Cabinets →Durability and cost per square foot
We compare materials on what they cost installed and how long they last, including underlayment, trim and labor.
Each guide says who the material suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The renovation products index
- 01FlooringLuxury vinyl plank, engineered and solid hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, underlayment and installation.7 pages
- 02Walls & paintInterior and exterior paint, primers, sheens, drywall, wallpaper, wall panels and trim.3 pages
- 03Kitchen remodelCabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash tile, hardware and kitchen layout planning.3 pages
- 04Bathroom remodelShower systems, tubs, vanities, toilets, waterproofing, tile and ventilation fans.4 pages
- 05Windows & doorsReplacement and new-construction windows, entry doors, patio and sliding doors, storm doors and garage doors.4 pages
- 06Roofing & exteriorAsphalt, metal and tile roofing, vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding, gutters, soffits and exterior trim.3 pages
- 07Insulation & weatherproofingFiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and rigid insulation, air sealing, vapor control and basement waterproofing.2 pages
- 08Decks, fences & outdoorComposite and wood decking, railings, fencing, pavers and patio covers.3 pages
- 09Planning & budgetsRemodel budgets and cost per square foot, permits, hiring and managing contractors, design tools and financing.1 page