Tiles in Singapore: types, finishes, sizes and HDB rules explained

Porcelain is generally defined by very low water absorption, at or below 0.5% under the ISO tile classification, which is what makes it suitable for wet areas. Houzz Singapore describes homogeneous tiles as among the best floor tiles for their resilience, suitable for both floors and walls.

Note that some sellers use "homogeneous" loosely for any porcelain tile. Ask whether the tile is genuinely full-body, and check the technical data sheet for water absorption and slip rating.

Stacked Homes notes homogeneous tiles are common in Singapore and recommends rough, matte homogeneous tiles for toilets and bathrooms. Qanvast estimates tile material at about $5 to $35 psf and installation at about $4 to $6 psf (2025), excluding hacking.

Houzz Singapore explains that glazed porcelain has its design printed on the surface and coated with a layer of liquid glass, so scratches and cracks show more easily, and suggests it mainly for walls. In practice, many glazed porcelain tiles are rated for floors; check the supplier's data for floor suitability and abrasion resistance.

Qanvast notes porcelain can be glazed to mimic marble, wood or cement. When choosing marble or wood looks, ask how many different faces (print variations) the series has so that the pattern does not obviously repeat. Lay out tiles before fixing to mix them well.

Matte and lightly textured glazed tiles are a practical middle ground for kitchens: Qanvast recommends matte or lightly textured floor tiles there because they resist slipping.

Qanvast describes ceramic as more porous and less dense than porcelain, which makes it more affordable but less suited for high foot traffic; it suggests ceramic for feature walls and dry bathroom areas. Houzz Singapore estimates most ceramic tiles at about $2.80 to $14 psf (an older estimate) and advises cleaning with a neutral, non-acidic detergent.

Popular wall formats include subway tiles laid in a staggered brick bond, small vertical kit-kat tiles, and fish scale or mermaid shapes. These have many grout lines, so consider epoxy grout in splash zones to reduce staining.

In HDB flats, laying wall tiles over existing wall finishes with adhesive needs no permit if the new finish is no thicker than 13mm and there is no third layer.

Houzz Singapore notes large floor tiles look more seamless with fewer grout lines but can create more wastage, and recommends 30 x 30cm or 30 x 60cm tiles for HDB bathrooms because smaller tiles make it easier to form the slope to the floor drain.

For living areas, 60 x 60cm and 60 x 120cm are common, with larger slabs mainly in condos and landed homes. Ask your tiler about the flatness tolerance of the base, levelling clips, whether the tiles will be fully bedded to avoid hollowness, and how pieces will be delivered to your unit.

Remember HDB's 50mm limit on total floor finishes and screed when replacing floors, and allow extra tiles for breakage.

Mosaic sheets are useful in shower areas because the small pieces can follow the floor fall to the drain. Their many joints mean grout choice matters: Qanvast notes cement-based grout is not waterproof and needs periodic touch-ups, while epoxy grout is stain resistant and waterproof but costs more.

Use mosaics as an accent (a niche, a shower floor, a backsplash strip) rather than everywhere, especially in small HDB bathrooms. Ask the tiler to lay sheets so the joints between sheets match the joints within them. For a Peranakan or resort look, see the Peranakan and Resort concepts.

Houzz Singapore notes natural stones such as granite, marble, travertine and onyx are often porous and can stain, so sealing is advised. It suggests polished stone for dry zones, and non-polished, anti-slip treated stone where it must be used in wet areas. It estimated marble at about $21 to $150 psf (an older estimate) and warns against vinegar, lemon juice, acidic cleaners and bleach.

Ask the supplier which sealer to use and how often, whether the tiles are calibrated to a consistent thickness, and to see the actual batch rather than a sample. Marble-look porcelain is a lower-maintenance alternative for bathrooms and kitchens.

Qanvast describes terrazzo as marble, quartz, granite or glass chips set in a cement or resin base and polished. Ask whether a "terrazzo" tile is real terrazzo or printed porcelain: the porcelain version is lighter, less porous and cheaper, while the real thing can be re-polished.

Choose a matte or honed finish for bathroom floors, and keep large-chip patterns for bigger spaces or small accent areas. Terrazzo suits the Retro and Modern concepts.

Many patterned tiles sold today are glazed porcelain or ceramic with the pattern printed on, which keeps them easy to clean. True cement or encaustic tiles have the pattern made from coloured cement and are more porous, so ask about sealing and cleaning before using them in kitchens or bathrooms.

Plan the layout on a drawing before ordering, so the pattern is centred and cut pieces fall at less visible edges. A strip of patterned tiles in the entrance or a single backsplash often gives more impact than a whole floor. See the Peranakan, Bohemian and British Colonial concepts.

SmartCalculator estimates overlay tiles at about $3 to $9 psf installed (2026). HDB's rules for laying floor finishes over existing finishes using adhesive only: there must be only one existing layer (including screed), the new finish including adhesive must not exceed 13mm, the floor trap must not be tampered with, and the work must not cause backflow or lateral seepage into bedrooms. For walls, the overlay must not exceed 13mm and a third layer is not allowed.

The household shelter is different: HDB does not allow adhesive-laid floor tiles or a second layer of tiles there. Home & Decor quotes a tile supplier suggesting tile overlays mainly for smaller areas, with vinyl or laminate for larger rooms.