A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding and challenging home improvement projects you can take on. It’s about knowing how to balance functionality, beauty, and long-term durability. From countertops and cabinetry to flooring and backsplashes, every decision you make plays a key role in how your kitchen looks, feels, and performs.
Whether you're just starting out or already working through your kitchen remodel checklist, this guide will walk you through the process of choosing kitchen materials that align with your lifestyle, your home's character, and your long-term goals.
Why Material Selection Matters
When you choose materials for your kitchen, you’re deciding how your space will perform and age for decades to come. Do you want low-maintenance surfaces? Do you need heat—or stain-resistant countertops? What about eco-friendly choices or classic finishes that will blend beautifully with an older home?
At Chagrin River Company, our work in Cleveland’s legacy neighborhoods, from Shaker Heights to Waite Hill, means we’ve seen it all. Every project has its own unique needs, and material selection is at the core of every successful kitchen remodel in Cleveland.
Most Popular Materials for Kitchen Remodeling
So, what are the best materials for kitchen remodels? Let’s dive into the most common and most-loved choices among homeowners in the Cleveland kitchen remodeling scene:
1. Countertops
Your countertops are one of the most-used surfaces in the kitchen, so it’s crucial to pick a material that balances beauty with durability. They also serve as a major focal point, setting the tone for the entire design of the space.
Quartz: One of the top trends in Cleveland kitchen renovations, quartz is known for its durability, solid surface, and consistent color. It’s a popular choice among families who want beauty without high maintenance.
Granite: A timeless favorite in Cleveland kitchen remodel projects, granite offers a natural look with unique veining. It’s durable and heat-resistant, ideal for busy cooks. Each slab is one-of-a-kind, giving your kitchen a custom, high-end appearance.
Marble: While beautiful and luxurious, marble is more delicate and requires regular sealing. In our experience, it’s a good fit for homeowners who want classic elegance and are prepared to maintain it.
Butcher Block: For a warm, traditional aesthetic that fits well with older estates in Moreland Hills or Chesterland, butcher block brings a handcrafted look. It's a standout in projects that emphasize artisan finish work, one of our specialties at Chagrin River Company.
2. Cabinetry
Cabinetry is one of the largest investments in any Cleveland kitchen remodeling project. It defines the layout and organization of your space while also giving a visual appeal. Choosing the right material here will ensure both longevity and daily functionality.
Solid Wood: This is the gold standard. Durable, timeless, and perfect for kitchen remodeling projects that aim to maintain the character of a historic home. It can be refinished over time, making it a smart long-term investment.
Plywood: Often used in cabinet boxes, plywood is strong and resists warping better than particle board. We use it frequently in our custom installations across Daisy Hill and Highland Heights.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This budget-friendly option is smooth and paintable, making it a good pick for modern or transitional designs. Just be cautious with water exposure, something we always evaluate when reviewing your kitchen remodel checklist.
3. Flooring
Flooring is where style meets strength. When choosing kitchen materials, consider not only how they look but how they handle foot traffic, spills, and Cleveland’s changing seasons.
Hardwood: Perfect for classic homes and often found in older estates in Hunting Valley or Solon. With proper care, it lasts generations. It also provides a seamless transition to adjacent rooms, especially in open-concept homes.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP is gaining traction for its waterproof qualities and realistic wood look. It’s one of the hottest trends in kitchen remodeling in Cleveland right now. LVP is also softer and more forgiving on dropped dishes compared to tile or stone.
Tile: Durable and endlessly customizable, tile flooring works well in more modern kitchens or European-inspired remodels. Its resistance to moisture and stains makes it ideal for high-traffic kitchens that demand both form and function.
4. Backsplashes
This is where you can have some fun. Backsplashes are a chance to inject some personality without committing to a large surface area. They also serve the practical purpose of protecting your walls from cooking messes while boosting your kitchen's overall aesthetic.
Subway Tile: Classic and clean, especially in white. It complements most design styles and is often a go-to for Cleveland kitchen and design projects. The simplicity of subway tile also allows it to play well with more dramatic countertop or cabinet choices.
Glass Tile: For a bit of shimmer and color, glass adds a modern touch and easy cleanup.
Natural Stone: Perfect for adding texture and depth to your kitchen. It works beautifully in older estates, aligning with our finish carpentry expertise. Stone backsplashes can tie into matching countertops or create a statement wall behind your range or sink.
What's Trending in Kitchen Materials?
We’ve seen a shift in 2025 trends among our clients in Cleveland and beyond. Homeowners are increasingly focused on:
- Sustainable materials: Reclaimed wood, recycled glass countertops, and FSC-certified cabinetry are popular among eco-conscious families.
- Mixed materials: Combining wood with metal or matte finishes is big this year. Think walnut cabinets paired with brushed brass hardware.
- Bold veining and color: Especially in countertops, statement-making quartz slabs with bold veining are taking over Pinterest boards and real-life remodels alike.
- Textured finishes: From cabinets to flooring, more homeowners are choosing materials that add visual and tactile interest.
We always stay ahead of these trends without sacrificing timeless design, which is essential in maintaining the character of the homes we work in.
Our Approach to Material Selection
At Chagrin River Company, we don’t just recommend what’s popular in kitchen design, we help you choose what’s right for your home. Whether you’re renovating a Tudor in Cleveland Heights or updating a farmhouse in Chesterland, we tailor your material selections based on:
- The architectural style of your home
- Your family’s daily routines and long-term plans
- Budget and value goals
- Historical preservation, where applicable
And because we’re a family-owned business, you’ll get honest advice without upselling. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of every material with transparency and care. We know how to balance the beauty of premium materials with the durability needed for real life, especially in homes that demand expert attention!
Trust the Kitchen Renovation Experts at Chagrin River Company
Kitchen renovations in Cleveland often come with surprises, especially in older homes. Our decades of experience in finish carpentry and attention to detail ensure we navigate every twist and turn with confidence.
With kitchen remodel services tailored to fit the unique charm of your home, we go beyond basic remodeling. We restore the heart of the house with craftsmanship and care. So if you're ready to start your kitchen remodel in Cleveland, give us a call! At Chagrin River Company, we don’t just remodel kitchens, we revive them.
