Low maintenance flooring options for Malaysian homes

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So you're decorating your home, and it's time to decide on the floors. While it may be tempting to think of flooring from a purely aesthetic perspective, it's important to remember that different flooring options require different levels of upkeep, and while one choice may be perfect for the decor, it can lead to headaches later from a maintenance perspective. Between footprints, dust, and spills, floors have to deal with a lot, so it's important to make a decision that fits your lifestyle, and the environment.

In Malaysia the major priority is choosing a floor that will stand up to the high temperatures and humidity that come with a tropical climate. A wrong decision can lead to the floor swelling, rotting, or lifting from the foundations of the home, so it's crucial that you carefully consider how your choice of flooring will stand up to the conditions. But don't worry, this isn't going to dramatically reduce your choices, it's simply a matter of ensuring that your floor is as practical as it is beautiful, so let's get started!

1. Marble

For ultimate opulence you really can't go past marble. Marble has represented luxury for centuries, and its popularity is only increasing with the ages due to the beautiful natural variation in grain and colour. What people don't talk about though is how low maintenance a building material it really is! Due to its high sheen surfaces marble can be quickly cleaned with a broom and mop, and won't absorb spills or stains.

2. Linoleum

The main benefit of linoleum is it's low cost, but has limitless aesthetic possibilities. Linoleum can be styled to replicate any of your favourite materials, or feature patterns like we see at the entrance of this home, giving you complete control over the decor. And like many of the materials featured on this list, cleaning is a breeze due to its resistant surface.

3. Polished concrete

Concrete often doesn't feature prominently in discussions of flooring options, as it is treated as an outside material, but with the advent of minimalism and industrial chic people are starting to recognise its potential for interiors. Polished concrete will not absorb moisture, making it the perfect material for places like the kitchen and dining room, and as you can see here, it has a simple elegance that will work with most decors.

4. Varnished hardwood

Hardwood floors can present some challenges, they can be easily scratched, and are also vulnerable to water damage, swelling, and rot. However if your wood is properly treated you can avoid all of these issues, just talk to a professional about which timber to choose, and how to appropriately treat it.

5. Limestone tiles

For a rustic, Mediterranean look, limestone tiles are a fabulous option. They have the resiliency of stone tiles, but are softer underfoot, and have a gentle colour and texture, so they will add depth to the decor.

6. Laminate flooring

If you love the appearance of hardwood floors, but your budget won't allow for it, then laminate flooring is a great alternative. It's simple to lay down, meaning you can do it yourself, and while it has all of the inherent beauty of woodgrain it is far more resistant to water damage and spills.

7. High gloss porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are great for areas with high temperatures and humidity, as the water will not seep in to the floor. Like marble tiles they are super easy to clean, a quick run-over with a mop will leave them shimmering, and they also serve to reflect light throughout the home, making spaces feel bigger and brighter.

8. Stone

Stone is the hardiest and most reliable building material, but it's not the cheapest, so it's a decision best made in the planning stages to avoid huge renovation costs. Stone will hold up to the elements, is resistant to wear and water, and as you can see here looks magical.

9. Colourful mosaic tiles

To inject a bit of colour into your bathroom or kitchen, mosaic tiles are a great way to go. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they offer you all kinds of options aesthetically.

10. Rugs

You'll notice that carpet is not included on this list. That's because with Malaysia's high humidity carpet runs the risk of absorbing moisture, and quickly becoming mouldy. That doesn't mean you have to forfeit the comforting touch of carpet altogether though, instead use a rug, which can be regularly cleaned and aired out to prevent dust and bacteria from gaining a foothold.

There's plenty of flooring options that will work well in the tropical climate of Malaysia, it's just a matter of being aware, and consulting the professionals. For more great inspiration check out these fantastic images of rustic styled homes!

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