45 Years of HDB Kitchen Renovation Excellence in Singapore
Modern Kitchens for Every Home
Since 1980, Classic Furniture has built modern, functional kitchens for Singapore homeowners across brand-new BTOs, mid-age resale flats, and older units that needed a full transformation.
Kitchen renovation is where our 45-year heritage runs deepest. We’ve designed and built thousands of HDB kitchens across every unit type, and every one was produced in-house by our own team. Our Eunos carpentry workshop means the cabinetry isn’t outsourced to a third party, but built by our carpenters, to our standard, and installed by the same crew. Our dedicated designers carry your kitchen renovation in Singapore from the first visit through to handover. Modern layouts. Materials specified upfront. Transparent pricing throughout.
And our 45-year kitchen renovation heritage means we know HDB constraints, BTO regulations, and compact kitchen design better than any firm that started last decade.
Classic Furniture: Singapore’s HDB kitchen specialist, built on four decades of completed homes and the trust of returning families.
Speak to our team about a kitchen designed for the way Singapore homes actually live.
Why Choose Classic Furniture for Your Kitchen Renovation
Five things separate a well-built HDB kitchen from one that looks right on handover day but starts showing its age within three years. Here’s where we stand on each.
45 Years of HDB Kitchen Experience
We’ve renovated HDB kitchens across every unit type since 1980: new BTOs, mid-age resale flats, older units needing full overhauls. That depth of experience means faster decisions, fewer surprises, and kitchens built around how HDB spaces actually work.
In-House Carpentry at Our Eunos Workshop
Most ID firms coordinate carpentry through a third-party workshop. We build it ourselves. Carpentry excellence in-house at Eunos means custom cabinetry is fabricated by our own team, to our own standard, with no middleman between specification and installation.
Design and Build Under One Roof
Our designers and carpenters work as the same team, not separate contractors handed a brief. Our design-and-build integration advantage means one warranty covers the full scope, and the kitchen you approved at design stage is the kitchen that gets built.
HDB-Licensed and Fully Compliant
We’re HDB-registered and licensed, and we manage every regulatory requirement in-house. Permit submissions, cement mortar limits, wet works approvals, we handle all of it so you don’t have to.
Transparent Pricing, Modern Design
Every quotation we produce breaks down cost by item, material, and finish. No vague “starting from” figures. At the same time, the kitchens we design reflect how Singapore homes are actually lived in now: minimalist layouts, handle-less cabinetry, integrated appliances, considered storage.
Contact us to plan a kitchen renovation built around your unit type, your cooking habits, and your timeline.
Kitchen Renovation for Every HDB Home
Every HDB kitchen presents a different set of constraints. A brand-new BTO has HDB restrictions but a clean slate. A 10-year-old resale has a workable structure but a layout that may no longer suit how your family cooks. A 25-year-old flat often needs systems work before the design conversation can even begin.
Our HDB kitchen renovation expertise across unit types means we approach each one differently, with a scope and budget calibrated to what your kitchen actually needs.
New BTO Kitchens
New BTOs come with basic finishes and limited layout flexibility. We focus on cabinetry: handle-less fronts, integrated appliances, and vertical storage that makes a compact space feel considered.
Typical scope covers design, cabinet upgrade, and finishes.
Budget: S$8,000 to S$15,000
Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks
Resale HDB Kitchens (5 to 10 Years Old)
Mid-age kitchens often have a sound structure but a layout that hasn’t kept pace with how Singapore families cook today. Where space allows, we reconfigure toward a more open connection with the dining area, relocate the stove position, or add a breakfast counter. Electrical and plumbing upgrades are assessed during consultation and scoped upfront.
Typical scope covers design, layout reconfiguration, systems review, and full finishes refresh.
Budget: S$15,000 to S$30,000
Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks
Resale HDB Kitchens (20 or More Years Old)
Older kitchens are where renovation scope widens considerably. Ventilation is often poor, pipework may be corroded, and wiring rarely meets current load requirements. We carry out a full systems assessment before any design work begins, so nothing is missed once the build starts. From there, the transformation is complete: modern layout, contemporary finishes, and all systems replaced.
Typical scope covers design, full systems overhaul, structural work where needed, and finishes.
Budget: S$30,000 to S$50,000
Timeline: 8 to 10 weeks
Executive HDB Units
Executive flats give more room to work with, and the renovation scope reflects that. Islands become viable. Premium countertop materials such as quartz or sintered stone sit comfortably in a larger footprint. Cabinetry can run bespoke, with custom heights, finishes, and integrated lighting throughout.
Typical scope covers design, premium finishes, bespoke cabinetry, and advanced systems.
Budget: S$40,000 to S$80,000+
Timeline: 8 to 12 weeks
Every kitchen type calls for a different plan. The in-house expertise stays consistent across all of them.
Modern Layouts for Compact HDB Kitchens
Layout is the decision that shapes everything else in a kitchen remodel. Get it right and a 6 sqm space feels purposeful and easy to cook in. Get it wrong and no amount of premium cabinetry or considered finishes will compensate. Most HDB kitchens sit between 5 and 10 sqm, so the layout choice isn’t purely aesthetic.
Here are the five layouts we work with most, and how each one performs in a compact Singapore home.
Single-Wall Kitchen
All cabinetry and appliances line a single wall, leaving the rest of the floor open. This suits studio apartments, three-room BTOs, and any flat where the kitchen shares its footprint with a dining or utility space.
The trade-off is counter depth, so we compensate with floor-to-ceiling storage, integrated appliances, and handle-less cabinet fronts that keep the visual weight low.
The result is a clean, minimalist finish that works hard in a tight space.
L-Shape Kitchen
Cabinetry wraps two perpendicular walls, creating a natural work triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator.
This is the most common layout in four- and five-room BTOs, and for good reason: it balances counter space, storage capacity, and traffic flow without requiring a large footprint. Corner storage is where L-shape kitchens typically lose efficiency, so we design that junction carefully, using pull-out systems or carousel fittings rather than dead space.
Galley Kitchen
Two parallel counter runs face each other across a central corridor. Galley layouts suit narrow HDB kitchens and long rectangular spaces where a single wall wouldn’t provide enough prep surface.
The workflow is highly efficient. The consideration is width: the corridor between counters needs to stay clear enough for two people to move comfortably.
Where space is tight, we shorten one counter run and introduce a pass-through to the dining area, which opens the kitchen visually without structural hacking.
Island Kitchen
A central island adds prep surface, storage, and often a casual dining position. It’s an increasingly popular choice for remodelling HDB kitchens in five-room and executive units, but it requires genuine floor space to work. We don’t recommend an island where the surrounding traffic flow would be compromised.
Where the footprint supports it, an island changes how the kitchen feels entirely: more sociable, more generous, more considered.
Open-Concept Kitchen
Removing or lowering the wall between kitchen and living or dining creates a sense of space that compact HDB flats benefit from considerably.
The practical consideration is ventilation. Singapore cooking habits, particularly wok cooking over high heat, generate smoke and odour that an open layout distributes through the flat. So we pair every open-concept kitchen remodel with a properly specified range hood and assess window placement during the design phase.
Neutral cabinetry and a continuous floor finish tie the spaces together visually.
Choosing the right layout depends on your floor plan, your cooking habits, and how your family uses the kitchen day to day. Smart layouts for compact HDB kitchens are something we’ve been working through for 45 years. We’ll assess your space and recommend what actually fits, not what looks good in a showroom.
Our Kitchen Renovation Process
A structured process, from first visit to finished kitchen.
Timeline
Step 1: Site Measurement
1 to 1.5 hours, at your home.
Our designer visits to measure your kitchen and assess the space: layout, plumbing, electrical positions, and HDB constraints. You share your vision and budget.
Step 2: Design and 3D Concept
2 to 3 weeks
Our in-house team produces a layout concept and 3D rendering so you see the finished kitchen before anything is built.
Step 3: HDB Permit Submission
1 to 2 weeks
HDB standard approval runs 3 to 5 business days. We handle permit submission, compliance checks, and approval tracking on your behalf. HDB approval and compliance coordination stays entirely with our team throughout this stage.
Step 4: In-House Build and Installation
4 to 6 weeks for BTO kitchens. 6 to 8 weeks for resale units.
Cabinetry is fabricated at our Eunos workshop. Electrical, plumbing, tiling, and finishing are carried out on site. Your designer runs quality checks at every phase and keeps you updated throughout.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Handover
1 week post-build
We carry out a thorough QC walkthrough before handing over the completed kitchen. All systems are tested and verified. You receive your one-year warranty documentation upon handover.
Our comprehensive kitchen renovation workflow covers the full scope of what we manage from start to finish. One dedicated designer carries your kitchen renovation from consultation through to handover.
HDB Regulations We Manage
HDB kitchen renovations come with a specific set of rules. Most homeowners encounter them mid-project. We deal with them before the build starts.
- Cement Mortar Base Limit: HDB caps the combined thickness of cement mortar base and tile finishes at 50mm in kitchens. We design cabinetry and flooring within this limit from the outset, so there are no surprises during installation.
- HDB Renovation Permit: Most kitchen renovations involving hacking, electrical rewiring, plumbing relocation, or tile removal require an HDB permit. We submit on your behalf, handle all compliance checks, and track approval. Standard turnaround runs 3 to 5 business days.
- Wet Works Approval: Where the scope includes sink relocation or floor drain changes, PUB drainage compliance may apply. We assess this during the design phase and coordinate any required submission.
- Structural Walls: Load-bearing walls in HDB flats cannot be removed or modified. We design within these constraints as standard, so the scope is always realistic from day one.
Forty-five years of remodelling kitchens in Singapore means we know the approval timelines, the common rejection triggers, and how to structure a scope that clears compliance without delays. HDB approval and compliance coordination is managed entirely in-house.
Materials, Finishes and Modern Kitchen Styles
Materials and design style determine how your kitchen performs over time, not just how it looks on handover day. Here’s how we think about the choices.
Cabinetry Options
Cabinet fronts take the most daily wear in any kitchen. The material you choose affects both maintenance and longevity.
- Laminate: The most widely used option in HDB kitchens. Durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of finishes. We specify mid-to-premium grade laminate as standard, which holds up considerably better than budget alternatives over time.
- High-Gloss Laminate: A step up in finish quality, with a reflective surface that makes compact kitchens feel brighter and more open. Suits minimalist and contemporary design directions particularly well.
- Solid Timber: Full wood cabinetry for executive units and kitchens where longevity and craftsmanship are the primary brief. All solid timber pieces are finished at our Eunos workshop. Occasional refinishing keeps the surface in good condition over decades.
Countertops and Backsplash
Countertop choice is largely a durability and maintenance decision.
- Quartz: Non-porous, stain-resistant, and low maintenance. Our most recommended countertop material for HDB kitchens given Singapore’s cooking habits and humidity levels.
- Laminate: Budget-friendly with a wide finish range. Less durable than quartz under heavy daily use, but a practical choice for kitchens with moderate cooking frequency.
- Granite: Premium natural stone with a distinctive aesthetic. Requires periodic sealing to maintain stain resistance. Suits executive units where the premium look is part of the brief.
For backsplash, large-format tiles remain the most popular choice in modern HDB kitchens. They’re easy to clean, visually clean-lined, and work across most design styles. Mosaic tiles suit kitchens where a decorative accent is part of the design direction.
Design Styles
- Minimalist: Clean lines, handle-less cabinets, neutral palette, integrated appliances. Works particularly well in compact HDB kitchens where visual simplicity makes the space feel larger.
- Scandinavian: Light timber tones, natural textures, functional layout with warm accents. Suits homeowners who want a kitchen that feels comfortable and considered rather than stark.
- Open-Concept: Kitchen flows directly into dining or living, with cabinetry and floor finishes chosen for visual continuity across both spaces. Best for family-focused homes where the kitchen is part of daily social life.
- Contemporary: Bolder colour choices, statement lighting, a deliberate mix of materials and finishes. Suits executive units and design-forward homes with the floor space to carry it.
- Warm Neutral: Soft greys, warm beiges, timber accents, ambient lighting. A timeless direction that ages well and appeals across generations. Our most requested style for multi-generational households.
Every kitchen we design is matched to your lifestyle, your maintenance preferences, and your budget. Durable materials for Singapore kitchens are chosen around how your household actually cooks and lives, not around what photographs well. See modern kitchen styles in completed projects to understand how each direction translates into a finished space.
Kitchen Renovation Budget Planning
HDB kitchen renovation costs vary considerably. Unit type, kitchen age, layout complexity, material choices, and systems condition all pull the final figure in different directions. Here’s an honest breakdown.
What typically drives the cost of your kitchen renovation:
Unit type and kitchen age
New BTO kitchens start from a clean base and cost less. Older resale kitchens often need systems work before the design conversation begins, which adds to the scope.
Layout complexity
A single-wall kitchen is simpler to build than an L-shape or island configuration. Reconfiguring an existing layout adds design and build time.
Material choices
Laminate cabinetry and laminate countertops sit at the lower end. Premium laminate finishes, quartz countertops, and integrated appliances move the figure up accordingly.
Systems condition
BTO kitchens rarely need electrical or plumbing upgrades. Resale kitchens, particularly those 20 or more years old, often do. This is the cost item that surprises homeowners most often, so we assess it during the consultation and scope it upfront.
Layout complexity
A single-wall kitchen is simpler to build than an L-shape or island configuration. Reconfiguring an existing layout adds design and build time.
Finishes level
Standard tiles and basic hardware versus premium countertops, custom lighting, and soft-close fittings throughout represent a meaningful difference in the final figure.
Indicative budget ranges by unit type:
| Unit Type | Budget Range (SGD) | Typical Scope | Notes |
| 3-Room HDB | S$8,000 to S$15,000+ | Design, cabinet upgrade, finishes | No systems work typically required. |
| 4-Room HDB | S$15,000 to S$30,000+ | Design, layout reconfiguration, systems review, full finishes refresh | Electrical and plumbing assessed during consultation and scoped upfront. |
| 5-Room HDB | S$30,000 to S$50,000+ | Design, full systems overhaul, structural work where needed, finishes | Rewiring and replumbing may be required depending on kitchen age. |
For more information regarding other property sizes, please reach out to our sales team. Terms and conditions apply.
Every quotation we produce itemises cost by scope line, material grade, and finish. No lump sums, no vague figures. Cost-effective kitchen renovation solutions are built around what your kitchen actually needs, not a standard package applied regardless of condition. Where renovation financing is a consideration, we can discuss payment schedules and point you toward bank renovation loan options that suit your project scale. Explore kitchen budget by unit type for a fuller breakdown of what each scope typically includes.
Completed Kitchen Renovations and Client Stories
Over 45,000 homes completed. The three projects below represent what that experience looks like in practice, across three different HDB kitchen types and three different renovation scopes.
Start Your Kitchen Renovation Today
Ready to transform your HDB kitchen? Your first step is a free, no-obligation consultation where we assess your space, understand your vision, and recommend the right scope for your budget and timeline.
What to expect:
- ✓ Free on-site kitchen audit (1 to 1.5 hours)
- ✓ Scope recommendation tailored to your unit type
- ✓ Preliminary design direction and 3D concept
- ✓ Budget estimate aligned to your timeline
Bring photos of your current kitchen and a sense of the direction you'd like to go. Our team takes it from there.
Call us at +65 6747 4119