Kitchen Renovation Singapore: Cost Breakdown, Layouts & Materials Guide

Kitchen Renovation Costs in 2026 Basic Kitchen Makeover: $5,000–$8,000 New cabinet doors (re-lamination), countertop replacement, backsplash, new sink and tap. Suitable if the existing cabinet structure is solid. Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: $8,000–$15,000 Full upper and lower cabinet replacement, quartz countertop, tile backsplash, new sink, and hood. The sweet spot for most HDB homeowners. Premium Kitchen Renovation: $15,000–$25,000+ Custom carpentry with soft-close drawers, premium quartz or Dekton countertop, full-height backsplash, integrated appliances, and island (for larger kitchens). Layout Options for HDB Kitchens Galley (I-Shaped): Most common in 3-room and 4-room HDB. Cabinets on one or both sides of a narrow space. Budget-friendly and efficient. L-Shaped: Standard in 4-room and 5-room HDB. Gives you a natural work triangle between sink, stove, and fridge. Best balance of functionality and cost. U-Shaped: Possible in larger 5-room flats. Maximum storage and counter space, but requires careful planning to avoid a cramped feel. Open-Concept: Involves hacking the kitchen wall — which requires HDB approval and comes with specific rules. The wall between kitchen and living room can typically be hacked in most HDB flat types, but you must replace it with a half-height wall or counter if it's a load-bearing structure. Countertop Materials Compared Quartz ($100–$200/ft): The most popular choice in Singapore. Durable, non-porous, low maintenance. Resistant to stains and scratches. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Granite ($80–$180/ft): Natural stone. Each slab is unique. Requires periodic sealing. Can crack under heavy impact. Solid Surface ($70–$150/ft): Seamless joints make it easy to clean. Scratches can be sanded out. Less heat-resistant than quartz. Laminate ($40–$80/ft): Cheapest option. Looks decent when new but wears quickly. Not recommended for heavy cooking households. Cabinet Material: What Matters The carcass (the body of the cabinet) should be moisture-resistant plywood, not particle board. Singapore's humidity destroys particle board within 3–5 years. For doors, laminate is the most cost-effective. Acrylic gives a glossy, modern look. Solid wood is premium but rarely necessary for HDB. Hinges and drawer slides matter more than people think. Blum and Hettich are the industry standards. Budget hinges start failing within 2 years of daily use. Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes Forgetting to plan for enough power points (you need at least 6–8 along the countertop). Choosing a white countertop without understanding maintenance. Not accounting for the exhaust hood ducting path before finalising cabinet layout. Under-sizing the sink — go for the biggest single-bowl sink that fits. → Match with kitchen renovation specialists on Reno Research → Compare material prices via the Reno Research Group Buy