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HDB Flooring Guide: Tiles, Vinyl and SPC Compared (2026)
Tiles, vinyl and SPC flooring compared for HDB and BTO flats, what each costs per square foot, and when you need an HDB permit.
- Vinyl or SPC over existing tiles needs no HDB permit; replacing tiles does.
- Vinyl overlay is roughly $3.50 to $9 per sq ft all-in; tiling about $6 to $12 per sq ft.
- SPC resists dents and water better than standard vinyl.
Homey Furnishing 2 min read For most HDB and BTO flats, the choice is between keeping or replacing tiles, or laying vinyl or SPC over them. Overlaying is cheaper, faster and needs no HDB permit. Hacking and re-tiling needs a permit and costs more, but gives a fresh start.
Tiles vs vinyl vs SPC
| Tiles (new) | Vinyl | SPC (stone plastic composite) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Hard, cool | Softer, warmer underfoot | Rigid, solid underfoot |
| Water resistance | Excellent | Good; the surface is water resistant | Very good; rigid waterproof core |
| Dent resistance | Excellent | Can dent under heavy furniture | Better than standard vinyl |
| Installation | Hacking or tile overlay | Usually glued or click, over existing tiles | Click-lock, over existing tiles |
| Permit | Needed to replace tiles | Not needed for overlay | Not needed for overlay |
| Typical cost (2026) | About $6 to $12 per sq ft to tile | Roughly $3.50 to $9 per sq ft all-in for an overlay, depending on product | Typically at the higher end of vinyl pricing |
Bathrooms and kitchen wet areas usually stay tiled.
Overlay vs hacking
Overlay (no permit):
- Tiles over one existing layer, with adhesive, up to 13mm.
- Vinyl or parquet over existing tiles.
- Faster and quieter, with less debris.
Hacking and re-tiling (permit needed):
- Old tiles and screed removed and new tiles laid.
- Floor finish and screed together must not exceed 50mm.
- Toilet floors in new flats cannot be replaced for 3 years from the block's completion.
Check door clearances before overlaying, since the floor rises slightly. Doors may need trimming. We can adjust or trim doors after a floor overlay. See door repair.
Which to choose
- BTO with new tiles you dislike: vinyl or SPC overlay is the quickest and cheapest change.
- Resale flat with cracked or hollow tiles: hacking and re-tiling, or fix the worst tiles first. Single cracked tiles can often be replaced. See handyman services.
- Pets or kids: SPC for dent and water resistance, or tiles for maximum durability.
Full cost context is in our BTO renovation cost guide, and rules in our HDB renovation guidelines.
FAQ
Do I need an HDB permit to lay vinyl flooring? No. Vinyl or parquet laid over existing tiles needs no permit. Hacking and replacing floor tiles does.
Is SPC better than vinyl? SPC has a rigid core, so it resists dents and water better than standard vinyl, but it usually costs more and feels harder underfoot.
How much does vinyl flooring cost in Singapore? Roughly $3.50 to $9 per sq ft all-in for an overlay in 2026, depending on the product and the area.
Can I overlay tiles on tiles in an HDB flat? Yes, over one existing layer with adhesive, up to 13mm thick, without a permit.
Sources: HDB Renovation Guidelines (Building Works) and smartcalculator.sg Flooring and Renovation Quotation guides, checked 21 October 2026. Prices are indicative ranges.