Which Malaysian laminate flooring is best? Top 5 brands to choose from

Malaysian laminate flooring has long been considered the "gold standard" in the premium laminate flooring segment: hard wood core, good water resistance, and high durability in hot and humid climates like Vietnam. However, when starting to research, many people are confused by a series of questions: Which Malaysian laminate flooring is best? Which brand is worth the money? Is "Made in Malaysia" all the same quality?

In this article, Thien Ha Floor will analyze and evaluate the top 5 Malaysian laminate flooring brands worth buying today, based on actual installation experience, user feedback, and important technical standards – helping you choose the right flooring for your needs and budget for your space.

Criteria for evaluating quality Malaysian laminate flooring

To evaluate which Malaysian laminate flooring is best, you need to comprehensively consider 3 core criteria: origin, technical specifications, and actual user experience. These factors directly reflect product quality, long-term durability, and suitability for Vietnam's climate and usage needs.

1. Fully imported from Malaysia

Not all products labeled "Malaysian laminate flooring" meet Malaysia's strict quality standards. Currently, there are some laminate flooring lines produced in Vietnam or China, which are then marketed as using Malaysian technology, under the name "Made in Malaysia".

However, these products are not genuine imported Malaysian laminate flooring, so they are unlikely to achieve comparable quality. Nevertheless, they are often sold at higher prices to create a perception of good quality.

Therefore, you need to distinguish between 100% imported Malaysian laminate flooring and laminate flooring using Malaysian technology by examining:

• Text on the planks: the back of each genuine flooring plank must have a laser-etched line: "Made in Malaysia" along with the batch number. If it only says "Standard Malaysia" or "Technology Malaysia", it is usually a product manufactured in a third country.

• Certificates: the seller must provide CO (Certificate of Origin) – Certificate of Origin and CQ (Certificate of Quality) – Certificate of Product Quality.

2. Key technical specifications

• Abrasion resistance index (AC Rating – Abrasion Class)

The AC index is a measure of the surface abrasion resistance of laminate flooring, tested according to European standard EN 13329. High-quality Malaysian laminate flooring typically achieves AC4 to AC5. This level provides good scratch resistance against pet claws, furniture legs, and high foot traffic.

• Safety index (E1): ensures formaldehyde emission levels are low (below 0.125mg/m3 of air), absolutely safe for the health of the elderly and young children.

• Fire resistance index (B1): cigarette burn-resistant and does not ignite on the surface.

3. Water resistance and expansion rate

In Vietnam, the climate is hot and humid year-round with high air humidity and frequent rain. Water-resistant laminate flooring helps prevent warping and shrinkage. Although Malaysian laminate flooring is famous for its superior water resistance, the level varies between different lines and brands. You should prioritize choosing types with:

• Low expansion rate: less than 8% when immersed in water for 24 hours, with almost no deformation (according to manufacturer's experimental results).
• High recovery rate: after drying, the planks return to 95-98% of their original shape without swelling or surface peeling.

Some high-end Malaysian laminate flooring lines come with a warranty against water damage, termites, or warping for up to 15-25 years.

4. Secure click-lock system

Reputable brands often have exclusive click-lock technology with a wax coating for moisture protection (vacuum edge protector). This wax layer not only makes installation smoother but also creates a barrier to prevent water from penetrating from the surface into the wood core, while completely eliminating the "squeaky" noise when walking.

5. Long-standing brand

Famous and long-established brands are a great reference point, reflecting stability in production processes, quality control, and long-term warranty. However, brand reputation does not mean all products are of optimal quality, so it is still necessary to combine with the measurable technical standards mentioned above for correct selection.

Malaysian laminate flooring

5 best Malaysian laminate flooring brands today

1. Inovar Laminate Flooring

Among Malaysian laminate flooring brands, Inovar is considered the pioneer and oldest name in Vietnam, appearing on the market since 2004. Currently, this brand is present in over 30 countries and is highly regarded even in demanding markets like Japan and Europe.

Inovar Laminate Flooring meets strict quality and environmental certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, especially the Singapore Green Label (Environmental Green Label).

Strengths of Inovar laminate flooring:

• Good water resistance: with AquaBloc technology and HDF core compressed from tropical natural wood (CoreGuard), Inovar laminate flooring can withstand water for up to 72 hours with almost no expansion. In reality, in many Inovar laminate flooring installation projects in Ho Chi Minh City, the kitchen and living room areas have remained free of swelling or edge gaps after many years.
• Overall durability: good resistance to warping, termites, scratches, and fire. Walking on the floor is firm, quiet, and almost soundless.
• Widespread distribution: Inovar has a nationwide network of genuine dealers, making it easy for customers to view samples, compare, and purchase safely, while enjoying transparent warranty service.

Reference retail price for Inovar laminate flooring: 345,000 VND/m² – 605,000 VND/m²

Inovar Laminate Flooring MF879

2. Robina Laminate Flooring

Robina Laminate Flooring is a premium laminate flooring line from Robin Resources Group (Malaysia), manufactured using modern German technology. With an annual production capacity of millions of square meters, Robina not only exports to many countries but is also considered one of the most durable and stable brands in the Malaysian laminate flooring segment.

• Low expansion rate: the Robina Aqua line is warranted for up to 10 days of water immersion, a rare advantage in laminate flooring.
• HDF core from tropical forests: uses Meranti, Acacia… raw materials with high compression density, providing natural termite resistance without the need for harmful chemicals.
• Warm colors, natural wood grain: easy to match with interior decor, suitable for both traditional and modern spaces.

Reference retail price for Robina laminate flooring: 355,000 VND/m² – 510,000 VND/m²

Robina Laminate Flooring 0111

3. Janmi Laminate Flooring

Janmi Laminate Flooring is a premium laminate flooring brand from Robina Sdn Bhd (part of Robin Group Malaysia), manufactured on European imported production lines. It has been present in Vietnam since 2004 and is officially distributed through the Janhome system.

Outstanding features:

• Effective water resistance: Withstands water immersion for up to 72 hours, with an expansion rate of only 8%, lower than the European standard (18%).
• Exclusive Vacumat® technology: Vegetable oil is applied to all 4 edges of the planks, combined with a paraffin-coated click-lock system, making the floor moisture-resistant, significantly reducing noise when walking, and preventing water from penetrating the joints.
• Good thermal balance: The flooring structure maintains stable temperatures, preventing excessive coldness in winter and heat absorption in summer. This provides comfort, especially in the North with its distinct weather changes.

Reference retail price: 460,000 VND/m² – 660,000 VND/m² (See the latest Janmi laminate flooring price list).

4. SmartWood Laminate Flooring

SmartWood Laminate Flooring is a Malaysian laminate flooring brand in the affordable to mid-range segment, manufactured using European technology from tropical wood raw materials. Although not as prominent as major players like Inovar or Robina, SmartWood is still chosen by many families for its accessible price and superior quality within its price range.

This brand previously received the Homedec’11 Quality Award in Malaysia and meets international standards such as ISO and EN13329, ensuring health safety and basic abrasion resistance.

Reference retail price for SmartWood laminate flooring: 315,000 VND/m² – 450,000 VND/m² (See the latest Smartwood laminate flooring price list).

Smartwood Laminate Flooring code 2739

5. Ufloor Laminate Flooring

Ufloor Laminate Flooring belongs to the Robin Group, with water resistance up to 72 hours, thanks to its densely compressed HDF core. This flooring line does not swell or expand significantly when exposed to moisture, especially in kitchens or ground floors of townhouses.

UFloor's wood core uses raw materials from Malaysian plantations, with a hard, durable surface that does not creak when walked on and has no pungent odor from glue or chemicals, making it very friendly for homes with children or sensitive individuals.

Ufloor laminate flooring does not compete on color variety like European brands, but offers classic to neutral wood tones that are easy to use in townhouses or offices. The wood grain is not artificially glossy and looks quite realistic, especially on darker toned flooring.

Note:

Although it meets international standards, Ufloor laminate flooring is still a relatively new brand in the Vietnamese market, with less widespread distribution and a weaker network compared to established names like Inovar or Robina. Additionally, the variety of models is not as rich as higher-end lines, but it still adequately meets common and mid-range needs.

Ufloor Laminate Flooring Ab 318(6)

Where to buy reputable and quality Malaysian laminate flooring

To avoid purchasing substandard or counterfeit products, when choosing a supplier for Malaysian laminate flooring, you should note:

• Possess a clear business license and genuine import certificates.
• Products come with anti-counterfeit stickers and official manufacturer warranty cards.
• Have a showroom for customers to directly view samples, compare colors, and quality.
• The unit has installation experience and can provide suitable solutions for specific spaces.

In Vietnam, Thien Ha Floor is one of the reputable suppliers with over 12 years of experience in distributing and installing genuine Malaysian laminate flooring (Inovar, Robina, Janmi, SmartWood, UFloor…). We have completed numerous projects in townhouses, high-end apartments, offices, and commercial showrooms, receiving high praise from customers for durability, aesthetics, and after-sales service.

Contact for consultation & ordering: 0909 192 557