Changing your home or office flooring can be a real trouble, so it is important to get it right for the first time to save on cost and avoid the stress of renovation & interior design. You need to consider, beyond aesthetics, the suitability and maintenance of the flooring you’re going with. Bur which type of flooring you’re going with many equally beautiful and practical choices out there?
To find out what types of flooring are common in Malaysia :
1. Parquet
This type of flooring was popular in Malaysia in the 90s and consists of a mosaic of pieces of geometric hardwood.
There are lots of attractive designs available, though herringbone is the standard pattern that you commonly see. Parquet flooring can last for a long time, if properly cared for.
However, in Malaysia’s hot and humid weather, it is not resistant to moisture or bright sunlight and does not work very well. It it also easy to scratch and chip, so if you’re used to mopping and scrubbing it is a bit finicky to maintain. Termites are a potential issue too. Holding it to its best involves a lot of specialized polishing, sanding and sealing which can be expensive time-consuming. Parquet can be a bit creaky and don’t very well absorb sound. Parquet will appeal to those looking for an elegant, beautiful flooring and is more suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.
Pros :
- Elegant and attractive.
- Could be adapted to different patterns and designs.
- Does not absorb heat or cold, therefore its temperature remains constant.
Cons :
- Not moisture-resistant, wear- and termites.
- Could be difficult to maintain.
- Doesn’t absorb good sound and can be creaky.
2. Tiles
Tiles are suitable for areas of high traffic, where wear is high. Tiled floors come in various colours, patterns, and textures as an easy-to-maintain, trouble-free, and durable option. Usually the floor tiles are resistant to heat, and pressure can be cared for with ease. By sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping they can be easily cleaned with occasional tile cleaners servicing for the best results.
Tile floors feel stable despite not absorbing sound well and producing a lot of noise. They also absorb heat readily, and depending on temperature can be uncomfortably cold or hot. While they are the preferred flooring for high-wear and heavy-duty areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and driveway, when wet they become slippery and dangerous.
Pros :
- Comes in different shapes, colours, and textures.
- Facile to maintain and to clean.
- Durable and impervious to humidity.
Cons :
- Durable and impervious to humidity.
- Absorb heat easily, and can get hot or cold uncomfortably.
- Durable and dangerous, particularly when humid.
Tiles need to be regularly cleaned as dirt gets quickly and easily trapped in the grouts.
3. Wood
Wooded flooring comes with 100% solid hardwood, or engineered wood which is a natural wood composite with a middle layer of crisscrossing plywood or softwood. Overall, both types are durable, solid and come in a variety of designs and finishes. They give your home an elegant feel, retain a comfortably consistent temperature and don’t sound as much as tiles. Wood floors are suitable for heavily trafficked and used areas.
Solid hardwood feels stable underfoot and can withstand wear and tear over the long run. While they require pretty heavy maintenance through sanding and refinishing, they don’t need to be replaced over time, and can actually last a lifetime. Engineered wood feels hollow underfoot but adapts well to changing affordable than hardwood floors.
Pros :
- Gives a gorgeous, natural look to your home.
- Not very bruising.
- Temperatures remain fairly constant.
- Durable.
Cons :
- Untreated wood can be susceptible to attacks with termites.
- Requires special maintenance and care.
- Susceptible to wear and tear unless properly attended to.
4. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is available in a variety of designs and colours, and can give your home a truly modern feel. Vinyl is made of PVC and can be easily mounted and maintained bu regular sweeping, vacuuming or mopping.
For deeper cleaning, spacialised vinyl floor cleaners can be used, although maintenance is usually trouble-free. This type of flooring is waterproof and heat-and scratch-resistance and can last for quite a long time depending on the vinyl quality used. The vinyl floors keep a consistent temperature, do not reflect the sound and feel solid and comfortable underfoot.
Pros :
- Is available in a variety of designs and colours.
- Easy to keep.
- Resistance to moisture, temperature and stain.
- Relatively good value for money.
Cons :
- Difficult to Repair.
- Failure to instal can damage over time.
- Susceptible to chemical contamination.
- Not as durable as the wood, tile or stone flooring.
5. Laminate
Laminate flooring is another modern option to choose from with many designs. Unlike vinyl flooring, laminate consist of melamine or fibreboard layers that are fused together and enclosed in a clear, protective buter layer. Also this type of flooring is durable, affordable and easy to install and keep. Also, they retain a consistent temperature and have a soft, comfortable feel with little sound reflection.
They are, however, susceptible to scratches and are not as moisture-resistant, although some types of laminate do come with added water resistance. Laminate flooring is more suitable for areas with less traffic such as your bedroom and living room, though some laminate grades are suitable for use in the kitchen.
Pros :
- Offered in a variety of designs.
- Facile to maintain and to clean.
- Quiet, and comfortably soft.
- More Inexpensive.
Cons :
- Not resistant to stationary water.
- Susceptible to deformation and damage when humid.
- Not as durable as the wood, tile or stone floors.
6. Stone
This type of flooring is made if natural stone and comes in a variety of forms including slate, granite, calcareous stone and luxurious marble. Design-wise, stone is limited to its elegant, unique, stylish and beautiful natural forms and colours. Stone flooring is durable, and easy to clean making it suitable for high-use areas. Moisture, heat, and staining resistance depends on the type of stone used, although most stone floors should be trated with sealant every couple of years to maintain their durability and looks. Also, stone floors should be polished occasionally for optimum cleanliness and shine.
Stone flooring is difficult, and easily absorbs heat. They tend to become noisy too. While generally wear-resistant, some varieties-such as the elegant marble – are prone to scratches and expensive options is stone flooring too.
Pros :
- Stylish, natural and unique look.
- Durable.
- Quite easy to clean and to maintain.
Cons :
- Can be pretty onerous.
- Some types, such as marble scratch easily.
- Is not good at absorbing noise.
- Easily, the temperature changes.
