Renovation Materials Guide: Flooring, Countertops, and Laminates Compared

Flooring Options Vinyl Plank (SPC/LVT): S$3 to S$8 per sqft. The most popular choice for Singapore HDB renovations. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to install and replace. Realistic wood and stone textures available. Lifespan: 8 to 15 years. Porcelain Tiles: S$4 to S$15 per sqft (material only, add S$4 to S$8 for installation). Extremely durable, wide design range, suitable for all areas. The premium choice for living rooms and kitchens. Lifespan: 15 to 25 years. Homogeneous Tiles: S$3 to S$10 per sqft. Full-body colour (colour goes through the entire tile), making chips less visible. Popular for high-traffic commercial and residential use. Lifespan: 15 to 20 years. Engineered Wood: S$8 to S$20 per sqft. Real wood top layer on plywood base. Beautiful but requires maintenance and is sensitive to humidity. Not recommended for wet areas. Lifespan: 10 to 20 years. Marble/Granite: S$15 to S$40 per sqft. Premium natural stone. Stunning but high-maintenance and prone to staining if not sealed regularly. Best for feature areas, not entire homes. Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care. Laminate Options for Carpentry High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): Most common for kitchen cabinets and wardrobes. Durable, affordable, wide colour range. Brands like Formica, Greenlam, and Lamitak offer hundreds of finishes. Acrylic Laminate: High-gloss finish that creates a modern luxury look. More expensive and requires careful handling to avoid scratches. Wood Veneer: Real wood sliced thin and applied to plywood. Premium look and feel but costs 50 to 100 percent more than HPL and is sensitive to humidity. Explore Material Deals → Reno Research’s Group Buy feature offers bulk-discounted prices on popular materials including vinyl flooring, porcelain tiles, quartz countertops, and laminates.