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
Compare asphalt shingle and metal roofs on typical lifespan, upfront cost, weight, energy, noise, wind ratings and installation, for a roof replacement.
Size a bathroom exhaust fan by room area or fixture count, then compare certified airflow, sound, duct route and controls.
Compare carpet pile, common fibers and cushion specifications by room use, traffic, comfort and the exact product warranty before buying.
- 04
Composite vs PVC vs Wood Decking: Compare Before You Build
Decking
- 05
Entry Door Materials: Fiberglass vs Steel vs Wood
Entry doors
- 06
Fence Materials: Wood, Vinyl and Aluminum Compared
Fence planning
- 07
How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor: Checks Before You Sign
Hiring
- 08
Insert vs Full-Frame Window Replacement: What Changes
Replacement windows
- 09
Insulation R-Values by Type: Batts, Blown-In, Foam and Board
Insulation
Renovation questions, answered
How long does a metal roof last compared with shingles?
Standing-seam metal roofs often last 40 years or more; architectural shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years, depending on climate and ventilation.
Read: Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing →How many CFM does a 5-by-8-foot bathroom need?
That room has 40 square feet of floor area. HVI's area guide works out to 40 CFM, while its consumer guide lists a 50 CFM minimum for bathrooms 50 square feet and smaller; check local requirements and the installation conditions.
Read: Bathroom Exhaust Fan Sizing →Which carpet works best in a busy room?
Compare pile construction, yarn twist, density, cleaning needs and the product warranty. The Carpet and Rug Institute says highly twisted cut-pile yarn holds its shape longer and same-height loops suit high-traffic areas.
Read: Carpet Fibers and Padding →What is the difference between composite and PVC decking?
Composite products commonly combine wood fibers and polymer; PVC boards are made from synthetic polymer. Formulations and cap designs vary, so verify the manufacturer's material description for the exact line.
Read: Composite vs PVC vs Wood Decking →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 →Which fence material gives the most privacy?
The panel design and gaps matter more than the material label. Compare full privacy panels, board spacing, height and how the fence follows the ground.
Read: Fence Materials →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.5 pages
- 02Walls & paintInterior and exterior paint, primers, sheens, drywall, wallpaper, wall panels and trim.1 page
- 03Kitchen remodelCabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash tile, hardware and kitchen layout planning.2 pages
- 04Bathroom remodelShower systems, tubs, vanities, toilets, waterproofing, tile and ventilation fans.3 pages
- 05Windows & doorsReplacement and new-construction windows, entry doors, patio and sliding doors, storm doors and garage doors.3 pages
- 06Roofing & exteriorAsphalt, metal and tile roofing, vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding, gutters, soffits and exterior trim.1 page
- 07Insulation & weatherproofingFiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and rigid insulation, air sealing, vapor control and basement waterproofing.1 page
- 08Decks, fences & outdoorComposite and wood decking, railings, fencing, pavers and patio covers.2 pages
- 09Planning & budgetsRemodel budgets and cost per square foot, permits, hiring and managing contractors, design tools and financing.1 page