Tiling Materials and Repairs in Singapore
Prices checked October 2026 against the published price lists of 526 contractors listed on Homees, MOM's 2025 wage data and Qanvast's 2026 report. How we price →
*Reference detail on tiling in Singapore, kept from our earlier editorial reviews. Ready to hire? See [vetted contractors and current prices](/services/tiling).*HDB Tiling Renovation Works
Tiling is a staple for renovation works in-home units, especially HDB. Tiles should complement the design and vibe of your home design. It is the foundation and basis of your decorations and furniture. Tiles are often shouldering the burden of needing to showcase a high aesthetic quality in addition to providing comfortable and practical applications. After all, tiles inevitably determine how your home would turn out to look and feel.
For tiling renovation works, there are a few important points to note. As a homeowner, you should always check whether the contractors are BCA registered.
For HDB renovations, you can cross-reference your HDB tiling company against this list of contractors. For private property renovations, you can check against this list of contractors.
Your contractor should be well equipped with the knowledge of the proper guidelines required to carry out the appropriate renovation. For example, there are specific rules and regulations regarding window renovation in HDB flats. Hence, it is suggested that homeowners engage BCA-approved window contractor registered with HDB to ensure that the renovation complies with the HDB rules and regulations. The timeline and schedule of the renovation work will also affect your renovation permit, so it is best to not delay any form of renovation work lest the permit expires.
Common types of tiles offered by Tiling Companies:
- Ceramic tiles
- Subway tile
- Terrazzo tiles
- Marble tiles
- Stone tiles
- PVC tiles
- Porcelain tiles
- Wood tiles
Singapore HDB Tiling Works
Tiles are commonly used on flooring and wall design due to their versatility and ease of installation. The advantages of having tiles include ease of cleaning, low maintenance, scratch resistance, and most importantly, moist resistance. With the qualities stated, tiles are suited to be fitted in any part of your home.
There are, of course, disadvantages associated with tiling. Each tiling material will have its disadvantages. However, in general, tiles are heavier than other flooring options.
This would not make them the ideal flooring choices for any level other than the ground floor, especially for heavier materials such as terrazzo and ceramic slabs. HDB units will probably not have this issue, but for bungalow homeowners with a second and third level, you might want to consult a tiling professional to check the structural integrity of your home.
Flooring installation is also a time-consuming process. Delays are common during installation as surprises may pop up from time to time. Examples of this may include uneven, chipped tiles and dimension measurement errors. Tiling renovation is also expensive due to the labour-intensive nature of the job.
Tiling Works Related Services
Hiring a tiling contractor may prove to be the best option when it comes to assessing damages to your tiles! From there, there are able to advise you on the net course of action such as tile repair or replacement and in some unfortunate cases, repairing the underlayer through a floor repair serviceman! They say prevention is better than after action! Hence, even prior to the installation of tiles, it is important to hire expert contractors to be able to professionally install the choice of tiles that match the layout and design of your home! You can view our flooring or interior designers pages to hire to design your home spaces
Ceramic Tile
- Cost: $0.5 to $35 per square feet (psf)
- Commonly Available Sizes: 60cm x 60cm, 60cm x 120cm, 90cm x 90cm
- Thickness: 3mm to 10mm
This coat is useful in preventing the staining of the tiles and they are usually used for walls. Usually, the tiles under part are of a reddish or whitish colour. If you are looking at the unglazed version, fret not, is still durable and is usually used for outdoor areas. A thinset (type of adhesive) is used to secure the tiles to the floor or wall. Generally, tiles used for walls are relatively thinner as compared to those used for the floor.
| Pros of Ceramic Tiles | Cons of Ceramic Tiles |
|---|---|
| There are various styling options for ceramic tiles due to the plethora of colors, designs, and sizes they come in | Due to its hardness, this may cause discomfort when people step on them. Unfortunately, unlike vinyl flooring or laminate flooring, padding does not help ‘soften’ your footsteps |
| For the glazed versions, they are great in preventing staining and scratches from being obvious. Both versions are extremely clean as well and simple sweeping and mopping will suffice | This tile is prone to getting cold in night or in cold weather, hence this may not be preferable to some people |
| Due to their water-resistant properties, they are great for usage in areas more prone to getting wet such as kitchens and toilets! | In order to use these tiles, it is important to know if the area you are using these tiles are structurally sound as ceramic tiles are heavy and dense. |
| These tiles do not trap and absorb dust and allergens that may potentially cause discomfort to family members who are sensitive to allergens. |
Porcelain Tile
- Cost:
- Glazed: $3 to $10 psf
- Unglazed/ Homogenous: $2 to $4 psf
- Commonly Available Sizes: 60cm x 60cm, 60cm x 120cm, 90cm x 90cm
- Thickness: 3mm to 10mm
Homogenous tiles are widely used in residential areas (such as HDB) and commercial areas for both indoor and outdoor areas. Furthermore, homogenous tiles do not need to be sealed like other stones such as marble, which may be another selling point for potential buyers. For glazed tiles, they are unable to be sealed due to the additional layer which decreases their porosity. Due to this, sealants are not able to adhere to the surface of the top layer and will fade off.
| Pros of Porcelain Tiles | Cons of Porcelain Tiles |
|---|---|
| Able to mimic the visuals of other floor types such as other stones and even wood! | Due to their higher density, these tiles are heavier and hence, it is important to note the area you are planning to install is structurally sound |
| They are relatively economical, even to ceramic tiles. Despite their potential higher initial cost, the cost can be saved as they may not require sealants and varnishing | Although the maintenance of the tile itself is relatively easy, the grout (material used in between tiles) used would require care over time due to the possible accumulation of grime that will look unsightly if neglected |
| For glazed porcelain, they are usually scratch, heat, chemical, and UV resistant. This allows them to be viable for both indoor and outdoor usage | The installation of tiles is not easy and would be difficult to do so by yourself, hence it is advised to employ the help of professionals |
| They are not prone to absorbing water, allowing them to be used in wetter areas of your house | |
| Usually, cracks are less visible as they are solid colors that stain the whole body of the tile | |
| Maintenance of this tile is not difficult and sweeping and mopping suffice | |
| They are durable and hardy, allowing them to have a decent lifespan | |
| They come in various anti-slip ratings which are at R9 and above (higher the number refers to higher anti-slip) |
Cement Tile
- Cost: $4.50 and above psf
- Commonly Available Sizes: 30cm x 60cm, 60cm x 60cm, 90cm x 90cm
- Thickness: 3mm to 10mm
There is also another form of cement tiles which are called encaustic cement tiles which are acquired from kiln-fired clay. These tiles are slightly more expensive to make due to the usage of heat. Usually, cement tiles can be used in a wide variety of indoor spaces as both a flooring or walling option. Furthermore, the designs that are imprinted onto these cement tiles are extremely unique and may even relate to certain cultures such as Peranakan and even Moroccan!
| Pros of Cement Tiles | Cons of Cement Tiles |
|---|---|
| This material is extremely durable and can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces | Due to their heavy nature, the area in which they are being installed needs to be structurally strong enough. Hence, this may not be suitable for certain areas of your house! |
| Maintenance of sealed cement tiles are relatively simple whereby sweeping and mopping is sufficient in keeping it clean | These tiles are porous and may still absorb some moisture even if it is sealed, hence this may be something to consider when choosing this material |
| Designs of cement tiles are unique and there are definitely options for everyone to choose from | They would require sealing and maintenance of this portion in the future. This aspect is to reduce the staining that occurs to your tiles. |
| They are resistant to heat so you do not need to worry about the tiles being physically damaged under the sun! | Due to their hardness, some people may find that they are a bit uncomfortable to walk on. |
| This material is also environmentally friendly due to it being comprised of natural materials! |
Granite Tile
- Cost: Varies
- Commonly Available Sizes: commonly in 60cm x 60cm
- Thickness: 5mm to 10mm
| Pros of Granite Tiles | Cons of Granite Tiles |
|---|---|
| Unlike other stone materials such as marble, their design is unique in their own way and their patterns are consistent throughout their body. | Similar to other tiles mentioned previously, they are a very dense stone, and hence areas in which they are being installed need to be able to support their weight |
| This material is extremely resistant to scratches and the material itself is very durable | They may be slippery when wet! Since they do not absorb water at all, polished floors may be a cause of concern if it is wet! |
| They are easy to maintain and do not require a lot of specialized cleaning agents to clean them. They also have a long lifespan. | They are sensitive to chemicals and if it is damaged and requires maintenance, this may be a hassle to some people |
| They are non-porous and hence water-resistant, making them suitable for wetter areas of your house | |
| Furthermore, they do not harbor any germs and bacteria within the. Body due to the low porosity |
Marble Tile
- Cost: $8 to $22 psf
- Commonly Available Sizes: 30cm x 30cm, 60cm x 60cm
- Thickness: 10mm+
They are many different types of marble, the commonly known ones are Bianco Carrara Marble, Calacatta Marble, and Statuary Marble. Besides the well-known white and grey marble colourations, they are even more unconventional types such as brick red, beige, and even pink! Hence, one does not need to worry too much if they are looking for a more exotic and unique look if they are considering marble tiles as their flooring or walling option.
| Pros of Marble Tiles | Cons of Marble Tiles |
|---|---|
| They are strong and durable | The high price of marble and its installation makes it undesirable for many people who are on a budget |
| It is not an issue to have pets or children as these tiles do not get scratched easily | Marble tiles are prone to staining and hence people should be careful to not spill acidic liquids on this flooring |
| Cleaning and maintenance of these tiles are easy and they semi water-resistant | Repairment of marble is not possible and the tiling would have to be replaced if there is a crack in it |
| When maintained properly, marble can have a relatively long lifespan | Marble is prone to cracking or denting if a heavy object is dropped onto it |
Read more: Everything To Know About Marble Flooring
Slate Tile
- Cost: $2 to $15
- Commonly Available Sizes: Varies
- Thickness: 3mm to 10mm
For the ungauged versions, the stone is in its raw form and the backing of it is uneven and sometimes rough. Hence, this makes it more difficult for installation and would normally utilize in a more outdoor setting. On the flip side, gauged version, the backside of the tile has been made smoother for easier installation in indoor areas.
Due to the extra processing, this will likely make the tiles more costly! Just to note, these two terms refer to the backing of the tiles and for the front surface of the tiles, there are different finishing to it such as cleft and honed. The former means it has more of a natural and uneven look while the latter refers to it having a smoother aesthetic
| Pros of Slate Tiles | Cons of Slate Tiles |
|---|---|
| These tiles offer a more rustic and natural look for indoor areas, especially the cleft version. This provides a very unique look to any indoor space! | Due to the heavy nature of the tiles, this will make installation harder and professional services are almost guaranteed needed |
| They are extremely tough and durable, making them scratch-resistant and allowing them to have a decently long lifespan. | Building on the previous point, due to the heaviness of the tiles, the floor must be able to withstand the weight of the slate tiles being used |
| Due to their high density, this makes the stone extremely resistant against water, hence this allows it to be used in both wetter indoor areas as well as outdoor areas. | This material is hard, hence standing on it for extended periods may cause discomfort |
| Since it is a stone, you will be glad to know that they do not emit any harmful toxic gases that are usually present in synthetic floor tile!! | Usually, due to the cleft versions of this stone, this may make it more painful to walk on |
| One major selling point for this tile is that they are easy to clean and regular sweeping and mopping will do just fine! | Although the material is hard, dropping heavy items on it may cause it to break or crack |
| Out of the many stone options, the slate may be verging on the slightly pricier side! |
Read more: Different Types of Flooring Materials For Home Owners To Choose (Updated)
Glass Tile
- Cost: Varies
- Commonly Available Sizes: Varies
- Thickness: Varies
| Pros of Glass Tiles | Cons of Glass Tiles |
|---|---|
| These tiles come in various forms and colors and coupled with its unique translucent, see-through property, this provides an extremely fashionable and modern design for your indoor areas | Although they are beautiful, this beauty does not come cheap and hence this material may come at a higher price depending on its quality and design! |
| They are easy to clean and sweeping and mopping will suffice | In order for the tiles to look flawless, professional help is usually required to ensure the back installation adhesives cannot be seen from the front of the tiles |
| They are moisture and stain-resistant as they lack the ability to absorb water | Glass can be quite slippery if there is water or moisture on its surface, hence one must be careful |
| The likelihood of mold growing on it this material is also very low, hence one does not need to worry about that problem as much! | |
| Similar to the previous tiles mentioned before, glass is also environmentally friendly which can be recycled if needed! |
Terrazzo Tile
- Cost: Varies
- Commonly Available Sizes: 30cm x 30cm, 60cm x 60cm, 80cm x 60cm
- Thickness: 15mm+
| Pros of Terrazzo Tiles | Cons of Terrazzo Tiles |
|---|---|
| This tiling can be easily customized to fit the aesthetic of your house! | They are usually difficult to install by yourself, hence it is advised to employ the help of professionals |
| Terrazzo is very durable and if maintained properly, it can last for a long time! | Terrazzo is generally more pricey than other tilings, hence it is good to know that this may cause financial strain if your budget is not high |
| Generally, they are low maintenance, and sweeping and mopping of the tiles will suffice! | |
| They are able to resist damage from the sun very well, hence they do not fade easily over time |
Mosaic Tile
- Cost: Differs based on material and design of tiles
- Commonly Available Sizes: Based on the shape and pattern of tiles
- Thickness: Dependent on the pattern of tiles
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Glass
- Cement
| Pros of Mosaic Tiles | Cons of Mosaic Tiles |
|---|---|
| The visual aesthetic that this tiling provides is something to be commended for. They can easily turn a dull room into something more exciting and eye-catching! Furthermore, with the wide array of choices, you can be certain that there are many different patterns and designs to choose from! | They are usually more expensive due to the different tile shapes and patterns that can be manufactured, hence this beautiful work does come with a higher price tag! |
| Depending on the material, the tiles may be easy to maintain! For example, glass tiles, usually are easy to maintain due to their ability to not absorb water, and hence wiping will suffice! | If not installed properly, the adhesives used may be seen through the semi-see-through property of the glass material! |
| Usually, mosaic tiling is environmentally friendly as the materials mentioned above are mostly natural and some can even be recycled! | If not careful, the high impact may cause these tiles to break as they are made up of glass and other brittle material! |
Peranakan Tile
- Cost: Cost will vary based on designs
- Commonly Available Sizes: 20cm x 20cm, 60cm x 60cm, 80cm x 80cm, 100cm x 100cm
- Thickness: 3mm to 10mm
These tiles usually are filled with bright colours with many geometric shapes that give them both a quaint and exuberant feel! If you are looking for a more traditional and cultural feel, these tilings may be just for you! Some of these tiles are adorned with beautiful floral designs while others are geometric shapes! Originally, designs of the tiles were hand-carved onto the ceramic tiles.
However, those that are made today have the designs imprinted onto them! Now, they are popularly used as floor and wall tiles for backsplashes. Since the material used to make Peranakan tiles are of ceramic, the pros and cons are similar. However, one consideration that you may want to consider would be the cost of the tiling as it will probably cost higher due to the designs.
Tiling Repair
Floor tiles may require repair when it starts to warp or dislodge. This may be common over time, due to the heat and moisture in the air. Both problems are extremely relevant and common in a hot and humid country like Singapore.
Different subfloors can bend, warp, expand, or flex depending on the material they're made from. Hence, it is important for homeowners to perform tile maintenance and repair works.
When a tile begins to dislodge, it may possibly emit a hollow sound on impact or may protrude from the ground. This is dangerous as it may cause injury. In order to prevent this, cover and replace those areas promptly. This is especially so if there are sharp and chipped corners. A thick piece of cardboard or stacked layers of newspaper can help prevent foot traffic from stepping on it directly.
Multiple tile dislodgement or damages may call for tile replacement instead of simple repair work. If you don’t have one on hand from when the tile was originally installed, your original tile retailer company might be keeping spare stock.
How to repair tiles
Hairline cracks, although unsightly, might be a smaller problem than perceived. Sealants or putty should be able to mend the crack. After which, sanding should return the tile to its original texture and look. Apply sealant to the cracks and if needed, use a toothpick or cotton swab to push sealant down into any hard-to-reach and small crevices!
Applying glaze to tiles can also prevent further damage. Colored glazes are also available for tiles and grout with different colors.
Some variants of marble tiles are more expensive to replace. Materials such as onyx and acrylic are also expensive materials that may burn a hole in homeowners’ pockets.
Roof Tile Repair
Roof tile repairs are more complex and dangerous. There is an added layer of safety concern for roof tile repairs, as opposed to floor tile repairs. The complexity of roof tiles would also depend on the material of the roof.
There are three common types of roof material in Singapore, mainly:
- Concrete Roof Tiles
- Asphalt Shingles
- Clay Roof Tiles
Types of Tiling Repair
Here is a list of common tiling projects that tiling companies in Singapore provide:
- Ceramic Tiling Repair
- Marble Tiling Repair
- Vinyl Flooring reinstallation
- Tile Hacking
- Tile replacement
- Tile recolouring
- Tile maintenance
- Floor finishing
- Repair damaged tiles
- Replace warped tiles
- Roof tiling repair
HDB Tiling Repair Contractors
As per any HDB renovation or tiling works, there are regulations to adhere to. Hence, you should choose a contractor with knowledge of the proper guidelines. A good way to do this would be to hire a contractor listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). This will help ensure that your contractor will carry out works that are in compliance with the HDB renovation requirements.
Renovations that have been approved must be done so within three months of the given permit date. This applies to newly completed blocks like BTO flat. For existing HDB flats, the timeline is slightly tighter, being 1 month from the date of the permit.
Questions to ask prospective Tile Installation & Replacement contractor
Questions to ask:
- What is the size of your company (total staff strength)?
- What kinds of training have your staff been through?
- Can you provide a free written estimate outlining all the terms and conditions of what we discuss?
- What are the payment terms and options?
- Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your service or the unit?
- What brands do you carry or service?
- How long will the job take? Will you clean up after the job is completed?
Compare and review the best Tile Installation & Replacement companies in Singapore
View their gallery and portfolio, compare prices of similar tile installation & replacement projects in your proximity. You can read the reviews from previous customers to understand the background of prospective contractors, and how they rate their work, and message them directly to ask any specific questions.
