Materials Guide
Compare remodeling materials to make the best choice for your Boise home. Durability, cost, and climate performance.
Selecting the right materials is one of the most important decisions in any remodeling project. Idaho's climate — with hot summers, cold winters, and low humidity — plays a role in material selection, particularly for exterior products. Below you will find comparison tables for the most common material categories.
Countertops
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Excellent | Very Low | $$–$$$ | Non-porous, stain-resistant, consistent patterns. Most popular for Boise kitchens and bathrooms. |
| Granite | Excellent | Low | $$$ | Natural stone with unique patterns. Requires periodic sealing. Heat-resistant. |
| Butcher Block | Good | Moderate | $$ | Warm, natural appearance. Requires regular oiling. Best for sections, not full kitchen. |
| Laminate | Good | Very Low | $ | Budget-friendly with modern designs. Not heat-resistant. Good for rental properties. |
Flooring
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Excellent | Very Low | $$ | Waterproof, scratch-resistant, realistic wood looks. Ideal for all rooms including basements. |
| Hardwood | Good | Moderate | $$$ | Classic warmth and value. Can be refinished multiple times. Not recommended for bathrooms. |
| Porcelain Tile | Excellent | Low | $$–$$$ | Waterproof, extremely durable. Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. |
| Carpet | Fair | Moderate | $ | Soft and warm underfoot. Best for bedrooms and living areas. Not moisture-resistant. |
Siding
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Cement (e.g., James Hardie) | Excellent | Low | $$$ | Most durable siding for Idaho climate. Fire-resistant, rot-resistant, paintable. |
| Vinyl | Good | Very Low | $ | Budget-friendly, no painting required. Can crack in extreme cold. Wide color selection. |
| Engineered Wood | Good | Low | $$ | Real wood appearance without the maintenance of natural wood. Pre-finished options available. |
Tile
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Good | Low | $ | Versatile and affordable. Available in thousands of styles. Suitable for walls and low-traffic floors. |
| Porcelain | Excellent | Low | $$ | Denser and more durable than ceramic. Suitable for high-traffic floors, showers, and outdoor use. |
| Natural Stone | Excellent | Moderate | $$$ | Marble, travertine, and slate offer unique beauty. Requires sealing. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. |
RemodelingFX partners with industry-leading material manufacturers to ensure quality, warranty coverage, and availability for every project.
James Hardie (Siding)
Trex (Decking)
Shaw (Flooring)
MSI (Tile & Stone)
Kohler (Fixtures)
Delta (Faucets)
KraftMaid (Cabinetry)
Cambria (Quartz)
Pella (Windows)
Sherwin-Williams (Paint)
Moen (Fixtures)
DalTile (Tile)
Material Selection Tips
- Consider Idaho's freeze-thaw cycle when choosing exterior materials
- Opt for waterproof flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
- Balance aesthetics with maintenance — low-maintenance options save time and money long-term
- Ask about manufacturer warranties before finalizing material selections
- Visit our showroom partners or request material samples during your consultation
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