Key Takeaways:
Cabinet Smarts
- Stock = budget-friendly
- Semi-custom = best value
- Custom = perfect fit but pricey
Countertop Choices
- Laminate = cheapest ($10-40/sq ft)
- Quartz = durable, no sealing ($50-100/sq ft)
- GraniteDefinition: A natural stone used for countertops, known for its durability and variety of colors and... = natural beauty needs care ($40-200/sq ft)
Flooring That Works
- Tile = toughest option
- Vinyl = waterproof & soft
- Hardwood = classic but high-maintenance
LightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li... Magic
Under-cabinet + overhead + pendants = perfect combo
LA-Specific Tips
- Dark cabinets hide city grime
- Sun-resistant materials last longer
- Small kitchens need light colors
Save Money Wisely
Splurge on one area (like counters), save on others
Picking the Right Materials for Your LA Kitchen Remodel
Walking into a showroom to pick materials for your kitchen remodel can feel like being a kid in a candy store - everything looks great, but you know you can't have it all. And in Los Angeles, where style meets practical living, choosing the right materials makes all the difference between a kitchen that wows and one that wears out too soon.
After helping hundreds of homeowners with their kitchen remodeling projects, we've learned what works (and what doesn't) in LA homes. Here's your no-stress guide to selecting materials that look great and stand up to daily life.
1. Kitchen Cabinets: The Workhorses of Your Kitchen
Your cabinets get used dozens of times every day, so material matters. Here are your main options:
Stock Cabinets
- Made from particleboard or MDF
- Limited styles and sizes
- The cheapest option ($100-$300 per linear foot)
- Good for: Tight budgets or rental properties
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- Plywood boxes with more finish options
- Some size adjustments are available
- Mid-range price ($300-$600 per linear foot)
- Good for: Most homeowners who want quality without full custom prices
Custom Cabinetry
- Built exactly for your kitchen space
- Highest quality materials (solid wood, plywood)
- Unlimited design options
- Most expensive ($500-$1,200+ per linear foot)
- Good for: Unique spaces or high-end homes
LA Pro Tip: Darker cabinet colors show less dirt in smoggy areas.
2. CountertopsDefinition: Horizontal surfaces in kitchens used for food preparation, commonly made of granite, qua...: Where Looks Meet Durability
Measure your needs in square foot or linear foot for accurate pricing:
Laminate
- Pros: Cheap ($10-$40/sq ft), lots of colors
- Cons: Scratches easily, can't put hot pans on it
- Best for: Budget remodels or rental units
Quartz
- Pros: Durable ($50-$100/sq ft), no sealing needed
- Cons: Can discolor in direct sunlight
- Best for: Busy families who want low-maintenance
Granite
- Pros: Natural beauty ($40-$200/sq ft)
- Cons: Needs yearly sealing, some porosity
- Best for: Traditional styles, homeowners who don't mind maintenance
Smart Choice: Use pricier materials on islands where they show, and cheaper ones on perimeter counters.
3. Flooring: Balance Beauty and Practicality
Porcelain TileDefinition: Durable, moisture-resistant tiles made from porcelain clay, commonly used in bathroom fl...
- Tough as nails
- Cool underfoot (nice in LA heat)
- Can look like wood or stone
Luxury Vinyl
- Soft underfoot
- Waterproof
- Affordable ($3-$7/sq ft)
Hardwood
- Warm and classic
- Can refinish over time
- Damages easily from water
Remember: Your floor should coordinate with your kitchen cabinets, but doesn't need to match exactly.
4. BacksplashDefinition: A protective wall covering behind a kitchen counter, often made of tile, glass, or metal... Read More: Your Chance to Have Fun
This is where you can add personality without breaking the bank:
- Subway tileDefinition: Rectangular tiles often used for backsplashes, known for their classic and timeless look... Read More: Timeless and affordable
- Mosaic: Adds texture and interest
- Quartz slab: Matches countertops for a seamless look
Design Tip: Pick something you won't tire of - you'll see it every day.
5. Lighting Fixtures: The Secret Sauce
Good lighting makes all materials look better:
- Cabinet lighting under uppers
- Pendants over islands
- Recessed lights for general illumination
Don't Skip: Dimmer switches to set the right mood.
How to Choose Without Overwhelm
- Start with your must-haves (durability? easy cleaning?)
- Set your budget (know what you can spend per square foot)
- Pick one splurge item (maybe those custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ...)
- Find cheaper alternatives for other areas
Common Mistake: Choosing materials in isolation - bring samples home to see how they look together.
LA-Specific Material Tips
- For small kitchens:
- Light colors make spaces feel bigger
- Reflective surfaces bounce light around
- For older homes:
- Match the original character where possible
- Check if the floors need leveling first
- For climate:
- Avoid materials that fade in the sun
- Pick heat-resistant options near ovens
When to Call the Pros
Good kitchen remodeling contractors in Los Angeles can:
- Warn you about material pitfalls
- Get trade discounts you can't access
- Handle tricky installations
At Bradco Kitchen & Bath, we help clients:
- Select materials that fit their design style
- Balance aesthetic appeal with practicality
- Stay within their kitchen remodel cost budget
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Materials?
We make it easy with:
- Free material consultations
- Samples you can take home
- Expert project managers to guide you
Let's create a kitchen that looks amazing and works even better!
Schedule Your Free Material Consultation
There you have it - everything you need to pick materials that'll make your kitchen remodel in Los Angeles a success. Remember, the right choices will give you a kitchen you love for years to come!
Bradco Kitchens & Baths
