6 Durable, Low-Maintenance Building Materials For Your Home

Imagine living in a house that you never have to repaint, a kitchen countertop that you never have to replace or a kitchen cabinet that’s going to last for decades.

While there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free house, it is important to invest in quality building materials that will go the distance for you and your home. With some careful choices, you can renovate your home with these long-lasting materials that will take some maintenance chores off your to-do list!

1. Quartz

Quartz is one of the most durable minerals on Earth, which makes it the perfect material to incorporate anywhere in your home. Quartz is an engineered material made from natural stone chips, resins and pigments. Not only will it withstand staining, but it's also resistant to scratches, cuts and high heat.

Besides the bathroom and kitchen counter, you can also use quartz as a feature wall, coffee table surface, cutting board, serving trays or even backsplash to increase the value and appeal of your home. Quartz fuss-free features also help to decrease how much maintenance you need to do year-round.

2. Concrete

Concrete is another material that holds up well over time. Made of a combination of stone, sand, cement and various binders, concrete has been lauded for its ability to be moulded into any number of shapes and then hardened for unbelievable strength.

Concrete is a very useful tool to create an industrial feel interior. Besides walls, you can also use concrete for flooring. Not only does it look good, but concrete floors also don't absorb and hold heat, which makes it comfortable for you to step and walk on it barefooted even on a hot day.

Concrete walls or floors, however, can crack over time due to several factors. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about the minor cracks that appear in your concrete wall as it is inevitable due to temperature reasons; most building materials expand when they are heated, and contract when they are cooled.

3. Stainless Steel

Trendy and elegant, stainless steel is an extremely flexible material in terms of design option. It is made of an alloy of iron, chrome and nickel, which gives it optimal resistance and durability properties which can last for a long time. It also has a natural coating that prevents oxidation, therefore, the material is non-corrosive.

Stainless is also easy to clean and does not succumb to damage from exposure to water or chemical cleaning agents. Because it is so easy to clean and does not absorb bacteria, stainless steel can be considered as a very hygienic material.

Stainless steel silvery and shiny look adapts to almost all design styles and it complements well with woods, leather, lacquer or matte materials. It can be used as a kitchen backsplash, kitchen counter, dining chairs or bar stools, pendant lights and even staircase railing, lending a luxurious look to your home.

4. Mosaic

If you are looking for something beautiful, elegant and timeless, mosaic is a sustainable choice due to its inherent durability and sustainability. Mosaic can be made from raw materials like marble, real pebbles, glass, metal, porcelain and more, ensuring you can achieve any look you dream of. You can use it to enhance the beauty of your flooring design, pools, bathrooms, kitchen, and living space. You can also install them as a backsplash or a mural.

Once installed, mosaic floors, walls or backsplashes are almost maintenance-free. Being non-porous, glass mosaics are resistant to stains, mould and mildew; you also don’t have to worry about the grime staining glass tile. They are very easy to clean and can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any grease or stains.

The most challenging part is keeping the grout clean as it is porous and easy to stain. For regular upkeep, spray grout with a half-and-half mixture of white vinegar and warm water, let it sit for approximately five minutes, scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse with water and finally, let it dry. You can also add baking soda and water paste to the grout before spraying it with vinegar and water solution to tackle tougher stains.

5. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floor is a popular option among homeowners as it is a highly durable material which makes it suitable for homes with lots of foot traffic. Today’s vinyl floor varieties have a resilient protective coating that makes it resistant to staining and dirt. This makes cleanup much easier compared to other types of flooring materials. And unlike hardwood floors, vinyl floors are also resistant to water so you can wipe spills and splashes easily.

Homeowners also love that it is fast and relatively easy to install. In addition, there are tons of colour choices available to fit virtually any design scheme. This allows for achieving, for example, the look of a hardwood floor in any room without the cost or difficult installation.

6. Brick

Brick is one of the most widely used materials in the construction and housing industry due to its durability. When you install a brick wall in your home, you can be certain it will stand up to the test of time.

Today, exposed brick walls are becoming a popular choice among homeowners as it is a great way to add texture, unique character to a home, especially in the living room. Brick walls are also a cool way to create a rustic charm to a modern home.

Renovate your forever home

Regardless of your budget, the right interior designer can help to transform your home into aesthetically pleasing and functional space. Request for a free quote here and we will recommend you up to five reliable interior firms based on your budget, style preference and needs.

All recommendations made by Qanvast will be protected under the Qanvast Guarantee scheme that covers 50% of your contract value, up to RM50,000, in the case that the recommended interior firm becomes insolvent.

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