Material Comparison Tool

Compare different materials for your renovation project. Side-by-side comparison of countertops, flooring, siding, and other materials.

Updated January 2025
Expert Verified
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Compare Materials Side by Side

Material Comparison

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Countertops Comparison

MaterialCostDurabilityMaintenanceBest For
Quartz
$50-$100/sq ftExcellentLowKitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas
Granite
$40-$80/sq ftExcellentMediumKitchens, bathrooms, outdoor applications
Marble
$60-$120/sq ftGoodHighBathrooms, low-traffic areas, luxury applications
Butcher Block
$30-$60/sq ftGoodMediumFarmhouse kitchens, islands, budget projects

Quartz

Cost:$50-$100/sq ft
Durability:Excellent
Maintenance:Low

Pros:

  • Non-porous
  • Stain resistant
  • No sealing needed
  • Consistent appearance

Cons:

  • Not heat resistant
  • Can discolor with UV
  • Higher cost
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas

Granite

Cost:$40-$80/sq ft
Durability:Excellent
Maintenance:Medium

Pros:

  • Natural beauty
  • Heat resistant
  • Unique patterns
  • Long-lasting

Cons:

  • Requires sealing
  • Can stain
  • Heavy
  • Expensive
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor applications

Marble

Cost:$60-$120/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:High

Pros:

  • Elegant appearance
  • Cool to touch
  • Unique veining
  • Luxury appeal

Cons:

  • Stains easily
  • Requires sealing
  • Scratches easily
  • High maintenance
Best for: Bathrooms, low-traffic areas, luxury applications

Butcher Block

Cost:$30-$60/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:Medium

Pros:

  • Warm appearance
  • Can be sanded
  • Budget friendly
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Requires sealing
  • Can scratch
  • Not heat resistant
  • Limited colors
Best for: Farmhouse kitchens, islands, budget projects

Flooring Comparison

MaterialCostDurabilityMaintenanceBest For
Hardwood
$8-$15/sq ftExcellentMediumLiving rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Luxury Vinyl Plank
$3-$8/sq ftGoodLowBathrooms, kitchens, basements, rental properties
Tile
$5-$15/sq ftExcellentLowBathrooms, kitchens, entryways, high-moisture areas
Carpet
$2-$8/sq ftFairHighBedrooms, living rooms, low-traffic areas

Hardwood

Cost:$8-$15/sq ft
Durability:Excellent
Maintenance:Medium

Pros:

  • Natural beauty
  • Increases home value
  • Durable
  • Timeless appeal

Cons:

  • Can scratch
  • Moisture sensitive
  • Requires refinishing
  • Higher cost
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Cost:$3-$8/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:Low

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Easy installation
  • Budget friendly
  • Many styles

Cons:

  • Not as durable
  • Can fade
  • Less resale value
  • Plastic feel
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, rental properties

Tile

Cost:$5-$15/sq ft
Durability:Excellent
Maintenance:Low

Pros:

  • Water resistant
  • Durable
  • Many options
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Cold underfoot
  • Can crack
  • Grout maintenance
  • Hard surface
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, high-moisture areas

Carpet

Cost:$2-$8/sq ft
Durability:Fair
Maintenance:High

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Warm
  • Sound absorbing
  • Budget friendly

Cons:

  • Stains easily
  • Wears out
  • Allergen trap
  • Hard to clean
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, low-traffic areas

Siding Comparison

MaterialCostDurabilityMaintenanceBest For
James Hardie Fiber Cement
$8-$12/sq ftExcellentLowAll climates, fire-prone areas, long-term investment
Vinyl Siding
$3-$7/sq ftGoodLowBudget projects, moderate climates, quick installations
Cedar Siding
$8-$15/sq ftGoodHighTraditional homes, natural look, custom applications
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)
$5-$10/sq ftGoodMediumModerate climates, painted applications, mid-range projects

James Hardie Fiber Cement

Cost:$8-$12/sq ft
Durability:Excellent
Maintenance:Low

Pros:

  • Fire resistant
  • Insect resistant
  • Long warranty
  • Paintable

Cons:

  • Higher cost
  • Requires painting
  • Heavy
  • Installation complexity
Best for: All climates, fire-prone areas, long-term investment

Vinyl Siding

Cost:$3-$7/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:Low

Pros:

  • Low cost
  • Easy maintenance
  • Many colors
  • Quick installation

Cons:

  • Can crack
  • Fades over time
  • Less durable
  • Environmental concerns
Best for: Budget projects, moderate climates, quick installations

Cedar Siding

Cost:$8-$15/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:High

Pros:

  • Natural beauty
  • Insulating
  • Repairable
  • Eco-friendly

Cons:

  • Requires staining
  • Insect prone
  • Weathers
  • Higher maintenance
Best for: Traditional homes, natural look, custom applications

Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)

Cost:$5-$10/sq ft
Durability:Good
Maintenance:Medium

Pros:

  • Paintable
  • Insulating
  • Stable
  • Good warranty

Cons:

  • Requires painting
  • Moisture sensitive
  • Limited colors
  • Installation critical
Best for: Moderate climates, painted applications, mid-range projects

How to Choose the Right Material

Consider Your Budget

  • Set a realistic budget for materials
  • Consider long-term value, not just upfront cost
  • Factor in installation and maintenance costs
  • Look for materials that increase home value

Consider Your Lifestyle

  • How much maintenance are you willing to do?
  • Do you have children or pets?
  • How long do you plan to stay in the home?
  • What's your design style preference?

Need Help Choosing Materials?

Get expert advice on the best materials for your specific project and budget.