In every home, the kitchen is more than just a cooking space—it’s the heart of daily living. For resale HDB flats in Singapore, the kitchen is often the most heavily renovated space, especially since many older units come with outdated tiles, old pipes, or poorly planned layouts.
A well-renovated resale HDB kitchen can:
- ✅ Increase your flat’s value and appeal
- ✅ Improve efficiency with modern layouts
- ✅ Provide better storage and durability
- ✅ Enhance safety with updated electrical and plumbing
This comprehensive 2025 guide will cover:
- 📐 Common kitchen layouts for resale HDB flats
- 🪵 Popular materials for cabinets and countertops
- 💰 Cost breakdowns for different budget levels
- 💡 Smart space-saving and design tips
- ⚖️ Compliance rules you must follow
🏠 Common Kitchen Layouts for Resale HDB Flats
Older resale flats often have compact or awkward kitchen layouts. Renovating gives you a chance to redesign the space for better function and flow.
1. Galley Kitchen
- • Two parallel counters with work zones on both sides
- • Best for narrow kitchens (3-room flats)
- ✅ Advantage: Efficient cooking triangle
- ⚠️ Disadvantage: Limited dining integration
2. L-Shaped Kitchen
- • Counters arranged in an L configuration
- • Maximises corner space, ideal for 4-room flats
- ✅ Advantage: Flexible layout, can add a breakfast nook
- ⚠️ Disadvantage: Corners may waste space without custom carpentry
3. U-Shaped Kitchen
- • Three connected counters forming a U
- • Suited for larger 5-room flats
- ✅ Advantage: Maximum storage & work surface
- ⚠️ Disadvantage: Needs more space, not for narrow kitchens
4. Open Concept Kitchen
- • Walls removed, integrates with dining/living area
- • Often paired with sliding glass doors for smoke control
- ✅ Advantage: Spacious, social cooking
- ⚠️ Disadvantage: Requires HDB approval for hacking
🪵 Cabinet Materials for Durability
Cabinetry forms the backbone of every kitchen renovation. Choosing the right materials ensures longevity and resistance to Singapore’s humid climate.
- Plywood with Laminate Finish – Durable, water-resistant, affordable.
- Acrylic Finish – High-gloss, modern look, easy to clean but prone to scratches.
- PVC Laminate – Cost-effective, but less durable.
- Solid Wood Veneer – Premium look, requires maintenance.
👉 Pro Tip: Always choose E0 low-formaldehyde plywood for a safer, eco-friendly option.
🔲 Countertop Materials: Beauty vs Practicality
Countertops take the brunt of daily cooking. The right choice balances budget, durability, and style.
✨ Quartz
S$120–S$180/ft run
Scratch & stain-resistant, sleek and modern. Most popular choice for Singapore kitchens.
🪨 Granite
S$100–S$160/ft run
Natural stone look, highly durable, but requires sealing to prevent stains.
💡 Compact Laminate
S$60–S$90/ft run
Budget-friendly and water-resistant. Good choice for small kitchens.
🔧 Stainless Steel
S$80–S$120/ft run
Industrial, hygienic, and heat-proof. Scratches easily but ideal for heavy cooking.
💰 Cost Breakdown: Kitchen Renovation in 2025
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking Old Tiles | S$3,000–S$6,000 | Includes debris removal |
| Wall & Floor Tiling | S$5,000–S$8,000 | Waterproofing included |
| Plumbing & Electrical | S$2,500–S$5,000 | Gas, sink, rewiring |
| Carpentry (Cabinets) | S$8,000–S$15,000 | Length & material dependent |
| Countertops | S$2,500–S$5,000 | Quartz, granite, laminate |
| Hood, Hob & Oven | S$2,000–S$4,000 | Depends on brand |
| Miscellaneous | S$1,500–S$3,000 | Lighting, backsplash |
Total Estimated Range: S$25,000 – S$40,000 (depending on scope & finishes).
⚖️ Compliance & HDB Rules
- ✅ Hacking works: Requires HDB approval
- ✅ Gas piping: Only licensed contractors
- ✅ Flooring & Tiling: Waterproofing test required
- ✅ Windows: Must follow HDB-approved designs
💡 Space-Saving & Design Tips
- 📦 Pull-out corner units to maximise dead spaces
- 🚪 Sliding glass partitions for open feel + smoke control
- ⬆️ Ceiling-height cabinets for extra storage
- 🎨 Light-coloured laminates to brighten the kitchen
- 💡 LED strip lights under cabinets for task lighting
✅ Kitchen Renovation Checklist
- Finalise budget (add 10% buffer)
- Select preferred layout (galley, L-shape, etc.)
- Choose cabinet & countertop materials
- Confirm appliance placement (fridge, oven, hob)
- Hire an HDB-registered contractor
- Apply for permits (hacking/tiling)
- Plan carpentry fabrication (off-site)
- Inspect all works before handover
📞 Work with SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd
Your resale HDB kitchen deserves more than a facelift—it needs a practical, durable, and stylish transformation. That’s where SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd comes in.
- 🛠️ Custom carpentry built to last
- ✅ HDB-compliant works (permits, hacking, waterproofing)
- 🎨 Design & build service with 3D visualisation
- 📞 Direct support from experienced designers
👉 Call/WhatsApp +65 8839 3899 today to get your FREE kitchen renovation quotation + 3D design.
