# RenovationTested

> Home renovation guides: flooring, paint, cabinets and countertops, kitchen and bath fixtures, windows, doors, roofing, siding, insulation, decks and remodel planning, budgets and contractors.

RenovationTested publishes renovation products reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://renovationtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://renovationtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://renovationtested.com/glossary): renovation products terms defined
- [How we test](https://renovationtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Flooring](https://renovationtested.com/category/flooring): Luxury vinyl plank, engineered and solid hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, underlayment and installation.
- [Walls & paint](https://renovationtested.com/category/walls-paint): Interior and exterior paint, primers, sheens, drywall, wallpaper, wall panels and trim.
- [Kitchen remodel](https://renovationtested.com/category/kitchen): Cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash tile, hardware and kitchen layout planning.
- [Bathroom remodel](https://renovationtested.com/category/bathroom): Shower systems, tubs, vanities, toilets, waterproofing, tile and ventilation fans.
- [Windows & doors](https://renovationtested.com/category/windows-doors): Replacement and new-construction windows, entry doors, patio and sliding doors, storm doors and garage doors.
- [Roofing & exterior](https://renovationtested.com/category/exterior): Asphalt, metal and tile roofing, vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding, gutters, soffits and exterior trim.
- [Insulation & weatherproofing](https://renovationtested.com/category/insulation): Fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and rigid insulation, air sealing, vapor control and basement waterproofing.
- [Decks, fences & outdoor](https://renovationtested.com/category/outdoor-projects): Composite and wood decking, railings, fencing, pavers and patio covers.
- [Planning & budgets](https://renovationtested.com/category/planning): Remodel budgets and cost per square foot, permits, hiring and managing contractors, design tools and financing.

## Buying guides
- [Entry Door Materials: Fiberglass vs Steel vs Wood](https://renovationtested.com/guides/entry-door-materials): Fiberglass, steel and wood doors differ in surface, finish and care, but the complete door system determines fit, weather sealing and published performance. Compare the exact slab, frame, threshold, weatherstrip, glazing, hardware, finish instructions and warranty. ENERGY STAR-qualified doors use NFRC ratings, with criteria that vary by glazing and climate zone.
- [Floating vs Glue-Down LVP: Which Installation Fits?](https://renovationtested.com/guides/floating-vs-glue-down-lvp): Floating click-lock LVP connects at the plank edges without adhesive to the subfloor; glue-down LVP uses an adhesive specified for that floor and substrate. Choose from the exact product's installation guide, subfloor condition, transitions and installer scope.
- [LVP vs Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood: Flooring Compared](https://renovationtested.com/guides/lvp-vs-laminate-vs-engineered-hardwood): LVP has a resilient vinyl wear surface, laminate has a printed surface over a wood-based core in many products, and engineered hardwood has a real-wood veneer. Compare each product's allowed rooms, installation, care, warranty and fit for the project.
- [Prehung vs Slab Interior Doors: Which Replacement Fits?](https://renovationtested.com/guides/prehung-vs-slab-interior-doors): A slab replaces the door panel while keeping a compatible existing jamb; a prehung unit arrives with the slab attached to a new frame. Choose after checking the old jamb, door dimensions, hinges, lock preparation, swing and how much casing or wall finish the project includes.
- [Subfloor Prep for LVP and Laminate: Flatness and Moisture](https://renovationtested.com/guides/subfloor-prep-for-lvp-and-laminate): Before installing LVP or laminate, identify the subfloor material, existing covering, flatness and moisture conditions. Shaw says many vinyl products can go over an existing floor only when the surface is flat, clean and in good condition, and points buyers to product-specific installation guides. Use the selected floor's instructions for the exact preparation and testing requirements.
- [3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles: What Changes?](https://renovationtested.com/guides/three-tab-vs-architectural-shingles): Three-tab shingles use a repeating row of equal-size tabs; architectural shingles are laminated layers with a dimensional appearance. Compare the exact model's ratings, warranty and system components, then weigh those details against the roof design and written installation quote.
- [Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing: Cost and Fit](https://renovationtested.com/guides/asphalt-shingles-vs-metal-roofing): Asphalt shingles and metal roofing each include different product systems, finishes, installation details and warranties. Compare exact models and full installed scopes against the roof design, local requirements and maintenance priorities; category-level lifespan and cost figures can hide substantial variation.
- [Bathroom Exhaust Fan Sizing: CFM, Ducts and Controls](https://renovationtested.com/guides/bathroom-exhaust-fan-sizing-and-controls): HVI's room-area guide uses 1 CFM per square foot for bathrooms up to 100 square feet; its consumer guide recommends at least 50 CFM for rooms 50 square feet and smaller. For larger bathrooms, HVI's fixture method lists 50 CFM each for a toilet, shower and standard tub, or 100 CFM for a jetted tub. Check the fan's certified performance, duct route, ceiling height and local requirements before choosing.
- [Carpet Fibers and Padding: How to Choose](https://renovationtested.com/guides/carpet-fibers-and-padding): Start with how the room is used, then compare carpet construction, pile, fiber, color and the cushion required for the exact product. The Carpet and Rug Institute lists five common U.S. pile fibers; its general cushion guidance for many cut-pile carpets is 1/4 to 7/16 inch and 6 pounds per cubic foot density, with different limits for low-profile loops.
- [Composite vs PVC vs Wood Decking: Compare Before You Build](https://renovationtested.com/guides/composite-vs-pvc-vs-wood-decking): Wood decking offers a natural material and a finish that can be renewed, but the species, treatment, exposure and chosen finish affect upkeep. Composite boards typically combine wood fiber and polymer; capped designs and formulations vary. PVC decking is a separate product family, and specifications differ by manufacturer. Compare the exact board, required framing spans, fasteners, surface temperature guidance, finish care, warranty and installed quote rather than assuming every board in a material category performs the same.
- [Fence Materials: Wood, Vinyl and Aluminum Compared](https://renovationtested.com/guides/fence-materials-wood-vinyl-aluminum): Choose a fence by its job: privacy, boundary definition, screening or a rail barrier. Wood posts set in soil generally need ground-contact-rated lumber, while above-ground pickets can use an above-ground rating when installed as directed; read the end tag. Compare exact panel styles, gate hardware, slope details, warranty and local property rules, and request a utility locate before digging.
- [How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor: Checks Before You Sign](https://renovationtested.com/guides/how-to-hire-a-remodeling-contractor): Get at least three written bids for the same scope. Check each contractor's license with your state or local licensing board and ask for certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Make sure the contractor pulls required permits. Sign a written contract with scope, materials, schedule, a payment plan tied to progress and change-order terms, and collect lien waivers as you pay.
- [Insert vs Full-Frame Window Replacement: What Changes](https://renovationtested.com/guides/insert-vs-full-frame-window-replacement): An insert replacement fits inside an existing window frame, while a full-frame replacement removes the old frame as part of the work. Andersen describes inserts as an option when the existing frame is in good condition; its full-frame option can allow more glass or a change in size or shape. Compare the exact window instructions, opening condition, trim and installation scope before choosing.
- [Insulation R-Values by Type: Batts, Blown-In, Foam and Board](https://renovationtested.com/guides/insulation-r-values-by-type): R-value measures resistance to heat flow; higher is better. Fiberglass and mineral wool batts give roughly R-3 to R-4 per inch, blown cellulose about R-3.2 to R-3.8, open-cell spray foam about R-3.5 to R-3.6 and closed-cell spray foam about R-6 to R-7. Rigid foam board ranges from about R-3.6 (EPS) to R-6 (polyiso). The US Department of Energy recommends roughly R-30 to R-60 in attics depending on climate. Air sealing first makes any insulation work better.
- [Paint Sheen Guide: Which Finish for Each Room](https://renovationtested.com/guides/paint-sheen-guide-by-room): Flat and matte hide wall flaws best but scuff easily, so they suit ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Eggshell and satin balance a soft look with washability for living areas, hallways and bedrooms. Semi-gloss is the usual choice for trim, doors, kitchens and bathrooms because it wipes clean and resists moisture. The glossier the paint, the more it shows surface flaws, so prep matters more.
- [Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: What Changes for Your Project](https://renovationtested.com/guides/porcelain-vs-ceramic-tile): Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile. Under the tile standard, it has water absorption of 0.5% or less, measured with ASTM C373; other ceramic tiles cover a wider range. That makes the label useful, but it does not by itself approve a tile for a shower, outdoor freeze-thaw exposure or a particular floor. Match the exact product's area-of-use and surface information to the room, then compare format, finish, installation needs and the complete installed quote.
- [Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Durability, Care and Cost](https://renovationtested.com/guides/quartz-vs-granite-countertops): Engineered quartz is mostly crushed quartz bound with resin. It is non-porous, needs no sealing and comes in consistent patterns, but the resin can be damaged by high heat and fade in direct sun. Granite is natural stone that handles heat well and every slab is unique, but most granites should be sealed periodically to resist stains. Both cost a similar range installed, depending on slab and edge details.
- [Shower Valves and Trim: Pressure-Balance vs Thermostatic](https://renovationtested.com/guides/shower-valves-trims-and-systems): A shower system combines the in-wall rough-in valve with a visible trim kit, controls, outlets and sometimes a diverter. A pressure-balance valve reacts to changes in hot and cold supply pressure; a thermostatic valve senses water temperature and adjusts the mix. Some systems let temperature and volume be controlled separately. Compatibility is model-specific: match the trim and cartridge to the exact rough-in valve and manufacturer before ordering, especially when replacing trim without opening the wall.
- [Shower Waterproofing: Sheet vs Liquid Membranes](https://renovationtested.com/guides/shower-waterproofing-membranes): A tiled shower depends on a complete waterproofing assembly: membrane, seams, corners, penetrations, shower base and drain have to work together. Sheet membranes use bonded sheets with sealed transitions; liquid-applied products form a membrane when installed to the maker's coverage, drying and inspection requirements. Choose by the approved substrate and complete system details, then follow local code and the exact installation handbook.
- [Stock vs Semi-Custom vs RTA Cabinets: How to Choose](https://renovationtested.com/guides/stock-semi-custom-rta-kitchen-cabinets): Stock cabinets come in preset sizes and are typically sold ready for installation; ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets use preset options but arrive knocked down for assembly. Semi-custom cabinets are made to order with selected changes to case sizes, finishes or door styles. These labels do not guarantee a construction grade or quality level. Compare the actual cabinet specification, included accessories, delivery condition, lead time, installation responsibility and written warranty before choosing.
- [Tile Grout Types: Cement, Premixed and Epoxy Compared](https://renovationtested.com/guides/tile-grout-types-cement-premixed-epoxy): Choose grout by the tile surface, joint width, location and maintenance instructions, not by a single label. LATICRETE's guide recommends its unsanded option for certain soft or polished surfaces at joints of 1/8 inch or less, while its sanded line covers other applications within stated product ranges. Its product guidance also treats sealing differently by grout type, so check the exact data sheet.
- [Window Energy Ratings Explained: U-Factor, SHGC and NFRC](https://renovationtested.com/guides/window-energy-ratings-explained): Every rated window carries an NFRC label. U-factor measures heat loss: lower is better, especially in cold climates. Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how much of the sun's heat gets through: low SHGC suits hot climates, while higher SHGC can help in cold climates. ENERGY STAR sets limits for four US climate zones, so check that a window qualifies for your zone, not just in general.

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