Planning a kitchen remodel in Eastern Iowa?
Whether you’re updating a starter home in Cedar Rapids or giving your forever home in Iowa City a long-overdue makeover, the finishings you choose can make or break both your budget and your long-term satisfaction.
Countertops | Flooring | Appliances | Backsplash | Trends to Avoid
From kitchen countertops to backsplash materials, flooring to sinks and appliances, the right selections blend durability, design, and functionality. As a trusted Eastern Iowa kitchen remodeler, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sort through the noise and choose finishes that hold up to daily life and look great years down the road.
This week, we’re answering five of the most common kitchen remodeling questions we hear from homeowners.
What’s better for kitchen countertops — quartz or granite?
Whether quartz or granite is a better choice for your kitchen countertops depends on how you live, how you cook, and what kind of maintenance you’re comfortable with. Both materials offer exceptional performance and long-term value, but they shine in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one unique.
Quartz Countertops: Low-Maintenance and Customizable
Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed natural quartz blended with resins and pigments. The result is a highly durable, non-porous surface that resists stains, scratches, and bacteria. One of the biggest advantages of quartz is its consistency: you can get the exact color or pattern you want, and it will look the same across your entire counter.
Style-wise, quartz is incredibly versatile. It can mimic the look of natural stone, like marble or granite, without the variation or maintenance concerns. Homeowners who prefer a clean look often gravitate toward quartz for its smooth surface, subtle veining, and wide range of neutral tones.
From a maintenance standpoint, quartz is a winner. It never needs sealing, and daily upkeep is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth. It’s ideal for busy families, avid cooks, or anyone who wants a stylish surface without the fuss.
Granite Countertops: Natural Beauty and Unmatched Character
Granite is a natural stone that is mined and cut into slabs, which means no two granite countertops are exactly alike. If you’re looking for a kitchen surface with unique character and natural movement, granite delivers in a way that manufactured materials can’t.
In terms of style, granite tends to offer more dramatic veining, bold color contrasts, and organic textures. It works beautifully in traditional, rustic, or high-end transitional kitchens, where the natural variation becomes a feature rather than a flaw.
Granite is incredibly durable and heat-resistant, but it is also porous. That means it requires periodic sealing to prevent stains and bacteria buildup, especially in lighter colors. It’s not difficult to maintain, but it does require more attention than quartz.
Cost comparison: How much do quartz and granite countertops cost?
The cost of quartz and granite countertops can vary depending on the brand, color, and thickness you choose. Overall, quartz countertops cost slightly more because of their consistent look and lower maintenance requirements. Premium quartz brands with ultra-realistic patterns may cost even more.
Granite countertops can be more affordable, especially if you select a standard color or a locally sourced slab. However, rare or exotic granite patterns can easily match or exceed the cost of quartz. Also consider the long-term maintenance costs of sealing granite, which may add up over time.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
If you want a countertop that looks sleek, is easy to clean, and doesn’t require much upkeep, quartz is your best bet. If you love natural character and are okay with occasional sealing, granite delivers a one-of-a-kind look that never goes out of style.
What’s the best flooring option for a kitchen remodel — LVP, tile, or hardwood?
Choosing the best flooring for your kitchen remodel means balancing comfort, performance, and visual appeal, all in one of the most high-traffic areas of your home. Homeowners often ask us whether they should go with LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), tile, or hardwood. The short answer? It depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and whether you’re installing new floors or working with what’s already there.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Comfortable, Practical, and Budget-Friendly
LVP has exploded in popularity for kitchen flooring with good reason. This material is waterproof or highly water-resistant, softer underfoot than tile, and warmer in colder seasons, making it an especially smart choice for Iowa homes. It’s easy to install, which often makes it more affordable, and it’s designed to withstand daily wear and tear from foot traffic, pets, and spills.
Design-wise, LVP has come a long way. Today’s products mimic the look of real hardwood or natural stone with impressive realism. If you’re going for a modern farmhouse, transitional, or even traditional kitchen, there’s an LVP style to match.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: Durable and Long-Lasting
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are tried-and-true options for kitchen flooring. Known for their durability and scratch-resistance, tile floors can handle just about anything you throw at them. They’re ideal for high-traffic households and homes where cleaning up spills quickly is a daily reality.
Tile is cooler and harder underfoot, which some homeowners find less comfortable, especially if you’re standing and cooking for long periods. It also requires professional installation and may crack over time if installed over an unstable subfloor.
Visually, tile offers a ton of variety. From natural stone looks to patterned encaustic styles, tile allows for big design statements. It’s a great way to add texture or personality to your kitchen floor without sacrificing performance.
Hardwood Flooring: Better for Refinishing Than Replacing
While new hardwood floors used to be the gold standard in kitchen design, most homeowners today are choosing LVP over installing brand-new hardwood, and for good reason. LVP offers the look of wood without the moisture sensitivity, cost, or ongoing maintenance.
That said, if your home already has existing hardwood floors that extend into the kitchen, refinishing them is a beautiful, budget-conscious move. Sanding and refinishing can bring old floors back to life and give your kitchen a cohesive, high-end feel, especially in older or historic homes.
Hardwood adds warmth and character, but it does come with some downsides: it’s more prone to water damage, can scratch easily, and isn’t as forgiving in high-moisture environments. Still, for some homeowners, the look and feel of real wood is worth the extra care.
Style & Longevity: What to Expect from Each Material
When it comes to long-term performance, tile floors will likely outlast other flooring materials. Properly installed and maintained, ceramic and porcelain can last for decades. LVP, while durable, generally has a lifespan of 10–20 years, depending on quality and wear. Refinished hardwood can last another 10–15 years before it may need another round of sanding.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
If you’re starting fresh, LVP gives you the best mix of comfort, durability, and design flexibility. If you’ve got existing hardwood, refinishing it is usually smarter than ripping it out. And if you want a floor that’ll last 30+ years with minimal upkeep, tile is still the king of durability.
Are Stainless Steel Appliances and Sinks Still a Smart Choice for Kitchen Remodels?
Stainless steel appliances and sinks are still an on-trend, stylish, and practical choice for kitchen remodels. While design trends come and go, stainless steel continues to dominate because of its durability, versatility, and timeless look. It’s one of the few finishes that consistently performs well in both traditional and modern kitchen designs.
Stainless Steel Appliances: Timeless and Compatible
Stainless steel remains the most popular finish for kitchen appliances in Eastern Iowa and across the country. It pairs easily with virtually any cabinet color or countertop material and offers the added bonus of being widely available across brands. This makes it easier to mix and match without your range clashing with your refrigerator or dishwasher.
We spoke with one of our kitchen designers, Michelle, who emphasized that stainless steel continues to be the most versatile finish on the market. It works seamlessly across different appliance brands and fits effortlessly into a wide range of kitchen styles and workstations, from warm woods to crisp whites and bold colors. Its adaptability is a big reason why it remains a go-to choice in both modern and classic kitchen remodels.
Stainless Steel Sinks: Still the Workhorse of the Kitchen
Stainless steel sinks, especially undermount styles, remain a top pick for kitchen remodels. They’re heat-resistant, easy to sanitize, and compatible with nearly every countertop material.
Michelle also highlighted a growing trend toward workstation sinks, which feature built-in accessories such as cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders to enhance kitchen functionality. Stainless steel remains the preferred material for these sink styles because it’s durable, easy to clean, and complements the integrated, high-utility design homeowners are asking for.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
If you want finishes that won’t go out of style and pair easily with other design choices, stick with stainless steel for both appliances and sinks. You’ll get long-term value, durability, and a look that’s always in sync with the rest of your kitchen.
What’s the best backsplash material for a kitchen remodel?
Choosing the best backsplash for your kitchen remodel depends on your design goals, your cooking habits, and how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining the space. The great news is that you no longer have to choose between style and practicality; today’s backsplash materials can offer both.
Two of the most popular backsplash options are tile and slab backsplashes, with a variety of styles and colors available to suit nearly every kitchen design. Whether you’re going for timeless and simple or sleek and dramatic, your backsplash can either blend into the background or become a statement piece.
Tile Backsplashes: Classic and Customizable
Tile remains the most popular choice for kitchen backsplashes. It’s available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and textures, with subway tile still leading the pack as a timeless favorite. Tile backsplashes are a great way to add subtle detail or bold personality, depending on how you use color and layout. They can also be updated without disrupting the entire kitchen.
One drawback? Tile requires grout, and grout means maintenance. While new sealants and tighter grout lines have helped, this is still something to consider if super low-maintenance is a top priority.
Slab Backsplashes: Seamless and Sophisticated
A slab backsplash uses a continuous piece of material, most often engineered quartz, that matches the kitchen countertops. This approach creates a seamless look that feels clean, modern, and high-end. Without grout lines, slab backsplashes are also incredibly easy to wipe down and maintain.
Designer Michelle shared that many homeowners are drawn to the clean, continuous look that slab backsplashes create and appreciate how well they showcase the beauty of the countertop material. While they aren’t necessarily less expensive than tile, the design impact often makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking a sleek kitchen aesthetic.
Slab backsplashes work exceptionally well in open-concept kitchens where visual simplicity helps tie multiple areas together.
Backsplash Color Trends: Neutral Always Wins
Color choice plays a huge role in how your backsplash functions within the kitchen design. Neutrals like off-white, gray, and beige remain the most popular choices. These hues are safe, timeless, and allow other elements in the kitchen (like your countertops or cabinetry) to shine.
If you’re drawn to bold patterns or colors, the backsplash is one of the easier places to express your personality. Just keep in mind that loud trends are more likely to age quickly, so only go bold if it’s something you know you’ll still love in five years.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
Choose a backsplash material that supports your long-term lifestyle, not just what looks good in a photo. If you’re after a modern, easy-to-clean surface with visual impact, a slab backsplash can elevate your entire kitchen.
What kitchen trends should I avoid if I don’t want my remodel to look dated?
The best way to avoid a dated kitchen remodel is to build your design around features that have proven staying power. While it’s tempting to follow the latest Instagram trends, some of those decisions can start to feel outdated (or impractical) within just a couple of years.
Homeowners often regret following ultra-specific trends that were hot for a season but haven’t stood the test of time. Color schemes based on a trend rather than personal style, and ultra-industrial fixtures are a couple of examples that came on strong but faded fast. Our advice? Be cautious with trends that are more about style than function, and focus on finishes that are likely to hold up visually and structurally.
How to Design a Timeless Kitchen That Lasts
The key to designing a kitchen that won’t look outdated in five years is to blend timeless materials with subtle, flexible style updates. Let your foundational elements, like cabinets, flooring, and countertops, do the heavy lifting, and layer in trends in ways that are easy to change later.
Mix materials, but don’t overdo it. A little contrast adds interest, but too many finishes in one space can quickly feel chaotic. Stick to two or three core finishes (maybe wood cabinetry, a stone-look countertop, and a metal accent) and repeat them consistently throughout the space.
Stick with neutral bases and bring in trends through accessories. Backsplash tile, cabinet hardware, and lighting are great places to try something fresh. If a trend wears out, it’s easier (and cheaper) to swap out a faucet or light fixture than an entire countertop or floor.
Use warm wood tones or classic cabinet styles. Shaker-style cabinets, natural wood finishes, and mid-tone stains are consistently in style because they offer flexibility. You can make them feel traditional, modern, or somewhere in between with just a few small adjustments elsewhere in the room.
Think about your home’s architecture. A mid-century ranch and a farmhouse aren’t meant to have the same kitchen. Let the rest of your house guide your design choices to ensure your remodel feels cohesive.
Avoid hyper-personalized layouts or ultra-trendy focal points. That oversized concrete range hood or neon toe-kick lighting might look cool now, but how will it feel in 5 years? Center your design on what you’ll still love a decade from now.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
If your remodel isn’t for resale within 2 years, think timeless over trendy. Don’t design for Instagram, design for how you actually live.
StraightTALK Wrap Up
Finishes are where your kitchen remodel really comes to life. They set the mood, influence how your space functions, and reflect how you actually use your kitchen — whether you’re cooking nightly dinners, hosting weekend gatherings, or grabbing a quick cup of coffee before work.
The key to getting them right? Choose materials and styles that support your lifestyle now and in the years ahead. From countertops to flooring to backsplash materials, the best options are the ones that balance timeless style with practical performance. Trends come and go — but a kitchen built around how you live will always feel like home.
Want help pulling it all together? Let’s talk. Book a free consultation with one of our kitchen experts and start planning a space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Next up: Not sure which cabinets will work best in your new kitchen? Read our guide to choosing the best kitchen cabinets for your remodel.