In what order should I pick my kitchen materials?

Start with your cabinetry, as it takes up the most visual real estate and budget. Next, choose your countertops, followed by flooring, and finally select the backsplash and hardware to tie it all together.

How long does it take for custom or semi-custom cabinets to arrive?

Depending on the manufacturer and level of customization, cabinetry can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks for delivery once the final order is placed.

Do I need to buy my appliances before designing the cabinets?

Yes. You must select your appliances first so your design-build team has the exact manufacturer specifications (cut sheets) to ensure the cabinets are built to the precise dimensions.

Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel Materials Checklist: Countertops, Cabinets, Backsplash & Floors

Planning a kitchen remodel? Use our comprehensive materials checklist covering cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and fixtures to stay organized.

The Short Answer

A complete kitchen remodel checklist must account for five major material categories: Cabinetry (the structural foundation), Countertops (the primary workspace), Flooring (the functional base), Backsplash (the design accent), and Fixtures & Hardware (the finishing touches). Organizing your selections category by category prevents decision fatigue and keeps your project on schedule.

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Your Comprehensive Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Tackling a kitchen remodel is exciting, but tracking every piece of material required can quickly become overwhelming. At CaliFirst Remodel, we guide homeowners through a structured selection process. Use this checklist to ensure no detail is overlooked before construction begins.

1. Cabinetry: The Foundation of Your Kitchen

Cabinetry dictates your kitchen's layout, storage capability, and primary color palette. * Cabinet Boxes & Doors: Choose between Framed or Frameless (European) styles. * Finish: Painted (e.g., crisp white or deep navy) or Stained Wood (e.g., natural white oak). * Internal Storage Solutions: Roll-out trays, spice pull-outs, and deep drawer bases. * *Showroom Highlight:* Fabuwood offers exceptional semi-custom cabinetry that bridges the gap between high-end design and accessible lead times, perfect for California homes.

2. Countertops: The Workhorse Surface

Your countertop must balance aesthetics with daily culinary abuse. * Material: Quartz (low maintenance), Granite (heat resistant), or Quartzite/Marble (natural beauty). * Edge Profile: Eased/Square, Beveled, or Ogee. * Island Considerations: Will you feature a contrasting island color or a waterfall edge? * *Showroom Highlight:* Engineered quartz from MSI provides unparalleled durability while mimicking high-end natural stones perfectly.

3. Flooring: Grounding the Design

The right floor handles heavy foot traffic, spilled water, and dropped utensils. * Material: Luxury Vinyl Plank (waterproof & resilient), Engineered Hardwood (luxurious & warm), or Porcelain Tile (indestructible). * Transition: Ensure the flooring height aligns with adjacent rooms. * *Showroom Highlight:* COREtec Luxury Vinyl Plank provides a seamless, 100% waterproof solution that looks identical to premium hardwood.

4. Backsplash: The Focal Point

The backsplash bridges the gap between your countertops and upper cabinets. * Tile Style: Subway tile, intricate mosaics, or geometric patterns. * Material: Ceramic, glass, porcelain, or natural stone. * Alternative: Continuing your quartz countertop slab up the wall for a modern, seamless look. * *Showroom Highlight:* Emser Tile offers brilliant ceramic and porcelain options to add texture and color to your cooking space.

5. Fixtures, Hardware, and Lighting

These are the "jewelry" of your kitchen. * Sink: Undermount stainless steel, fireclay farmhouse, or composite. * Faucet: Pull-down sprayer, touchless technology, or bridge faucet. * Hardware: Drawer pulls and cabinet knobs (e.g., matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel). * Lighting: Pendants over the island, under-cabinet task lighting, and recessed ceiling lights. * *Brands to watch:* Kohler, Delta, Moen, and Kichler lighting.

Bring Your Checklist to Life

Checking boxes on a screen is one thing; feeling the texture of a cabinet door against a quartz sample is another. Don't guess on your selections—design your space in the [CaliFirst showroom](/showroom) where you can curate your entire material palette under one roof with expert guidance.

Frequently asked questions

In what order should I pick my kitchen materials?: Start with your cabinetry, as it takes up the most visual real estate and budget. Next, choose your countertops, followed by flooring, and finally select the backsplash and hardware to tie it all together.
How long does it take for custom or semi-custom cabinets to arrive?: Depending on the manufacturer and level of customization, cabinetry can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks for delivery once the final order is placed.
Do I need to buy my appliances before designing the cabinets?: Yes. You must select your appliances first so your design-build team has the exact manufacturer specifications (cut sheets) to ensure the cabinets are built to the precise dimensions.