How much does tiling cost in Singapore?
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Key takeaways
- Most tiling jobs in Singapore land between SGD 300–SGD 8,000 — known locally as tiling (hacking and retiling).
- HDB requires renovation permits for floor hacking and mandates waterproofing reinstatement in bathrooms, with works done by HDB-registered contractors within restricted noisy-work hours. Condos apply similar rules through management.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Tiling prices by job size in Singapore
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen backsplash Tile a standard backsplash, tiles excluded | SGD 300 | SGD 500 | SGD 900 |
| Bathroom floor overlay Overlay tile an HDB bathroom floor | SGD 500 | SGD 900 | SGD 1,500 |
| Hack and retile bathroom Hack, waterproof and retile floor plus walls | SGD 2,500 | SGD 4,500 | SGD 8,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per m² (labour, laying) | SGD 25 | SGD 45 | SGD 80 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Singapore typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a tiling pro in Singapore
- For HDB flats use an HDB-registered renovation contractor; floor hacking needs an HDB renovation permit
- Confirm waterproofing redo is included when bathroom floors are hacked — HDB requires it
- Note hacking (noisy work) hours are restricted; plan the schedule accordingly
- Consider overlay (tiling over existing) versus hacking — overlay is cheaper and avoids permits but raises floor level
- Get an itemized quote: hacking, debris disposal, screed, waterproofing, tiling
- Compare packages on Qanvast
Red flags
- Hacking bathroom floors without redoing waterproofing
- Not HDB-registered or no permit for hacking works
- Overlay proposed over drummy tiles
- Lump-sum quote hiding disposal fees
- No spare tiles left with you
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to SGD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Qanvast renovation pricing; HDB renovation guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove old tiles?
Removal is priced per square metre and depends on what's underneath: tiles on board come off fast, tiles on thick sand-cement beds are slow, noisy demolition work. Budget for substrate repairs after removal — you rarely know the wall or floor condition until tiles are off.
What is included in a tiling quote?
Confirm five things: substrate prep (levelling, boards), waterproofing in wet areas, adhesive and grout type, cuts and trims (edge profiles), and silicone to finish. Tiles themselves are usually excluded, and removing old tiles is a separate line that can rival the laying cost.
Why are my new tiles cracking or coming loose?
Almost always substrate or installation, not the tile: movement in the floor, missing expansion joints, adhesive coverage too thin (spot-dabbing), or tiling over a drummy layer. Cracked single tiles from impact are replaceable if you kept spares — always keep a box.
Should I buy the tiles or does the tiler supply them?
Either works, but you usually choose and buy tiles yourself and the tiler supplies adhesive, grout and trims. Order 10-15% extra for cuts and breakage (more for patterns and large formats) and keep leftovers for future repairs. Have tiles on site before the tiler starts.
How long does tiling a bathroom take?
A full bathroom (floor plus walls) typically takes 3-5 days: prep and waterproofing first, then setting, then grouting after the adhesive cures. Add days if old tiles must come off or the substrate needs levelling. Rushing cure times is the classic cause of cracked grout later.
Should I hack or overlay my Singapore bathroom tiles?
Overlay is cheaper, faster and permit-light but raises the floor ~15-20mm and only works over sound tiles. Hacking resets everything but needs an HDB permit, waterproofing redo and noisy-work scheduling. Most full renovations hack; budget refreshes overlay.
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