Kitchen hacking in Singapore: rules, steps and timeline
Kitchen hacking usually means removing old wall and floor tiles, a kitchen wall, or both. Here’s what HDB allows, and how the work runs on site.
Updated 26 October 2026
In short: In HDB flats, kitchen wall and floor tiles can't be replaced in the first three years after the block's TOP, because the kitchen is a waterproofed wet area. After that, hacking tiles needs HDB approval through a registered contractor, the new floor finish and screed can't exceed 50mm, and only non-structural kitchen walls can be removed with approval.
In this guide
What kitchen hacking usually involves
- Removing old floor tiles and screed down to the slab
- Removing wall tiles
- Hacking a non-structural kitchen wall to open up the kitchen
- Removing old cabinets, countertops and sinks before the hacking starts
HDB rules that affect kitchen hacking
| Rule | What it means for your kitchen |
|---|---|
| 3-year wet area rule | Kitchen wall and floor tiles can’t be replaced within three years of the block’s TOP |
| Approval for hacking tiles | Removing existing tiles, rather than overlaying, needs HDB approval through your registered contractor |
| 50mm floor limit | New floor finish and screed together can’t exceed 50mm |
| Kitchen walls | Only non-structural walls can be removed, and only with approval |
| Gas pipes | Leave gas pipes alone; plan cabinets around them |
Before three years, you can overlay new tiles or vinyl on the existing floor instead of hacking. See the full HDB renovation guidelines and the HDB permit guide for hacking.
How a kitchen hack runs on site
- Permit and notice. Your registered contractor gets HDB approval and notifies neighbours at least three days ahead.
- Protection. Lift, corridor and the rest of the flat are covered before work starts.
- Strip-out. Cabinets, sink and appliances are removed.
- Hacking. Wall and floor tiles come off, then the screed. Noisy works only run 9am–5pm on weekdays.
- Debris removal. Debris is bagged and cleared daily, not left in the corridor.
- Handover to the next trade. The surface is left ready for waterproofing, screeding and tiling.
How long it takes
A typical HDB kitchen’s tile hacking is usually one to three working days, depending on the area, number of layers and whether a wall comes down. Noisy works are capped at three consecutive days, so larger jobs are split. More on timing in HDB renovation timing.
Condo kitchens
Condos follow their management corporation’s renovation rules rather than HDB’s. Expect a renovation deposit, set working hours and lift protection requirements, so check the by-laws before booking.
What affects the price
Price depends on floor and wall area, number of tile layers, screed thickness, whether a wall is removed, access and debris disposal. See hacking floor tiles: cost and time, or send photos for a fixed quote.
Related guides
Need help with this?
We handle kitchen hacking across Singapore, with a free site survey and an itemised quotation. See kitchen hacking, or WhatsApp us photos of the unit.
Get a price for your unit
Send photos, the floor plan and your handover date. Site surveys are free and every quotation is itemised.
Questions we get asked
Can’t see yours? Send it on WhatsApp with a photo of the unit.
Can I hack my kitchen tiles in a new BTO?
Not in the first three years after the block’s TOP, because the kitchen is a waterproofed wet area. You can overlay new tiles or vinyl instead.
Do I need a permit to hack kitchen tiles in HDB?
Yes. Removing existing tiles needs HDB approval, which your HDB-registered contractor applies for.
Can I remove my kitchen wall in an HDB flat?
Only if it is non-structural and HDB approves it. Structural walls can’t be removed.
How long does kitchen hacking take?
Usually one to three working days for a typical HDB kitchen, within the 9am–5pm weekday window for noisy works.
Want a price for your unit?
We’ll reply with an initial estimate and a time for a free site survey.