When your vinyl flooring starts lifting, curling at the edges, discolouring, or trapping dirt no matter how much you clean, it’s usually time to remove it. But before calling a contractor, the biggest question most homeowners ask is:
“How much does it cost to remove vinyl flooring in Singapore?”
The price can vary widely depending on whether the vinyl is click-lock, glued down, or old and brittle. Some floors lift easily, while others require scraping, heat, and heavy labour to detach from the subfloor.
This complete guide gives you a clear, transparent breakdown of vinyl flooring removal costs in Singapore, including a price table, key cost factors, disposal fees, labour expectations, and expert advice to help you budget confidently.
Average Cost to Remove Vinyl Flooring in Singapore (2025)
Below is the current market rate for professional vinyl flooring removal in Singapore:
Average Cost: S$12 – S$30 per m²
This depends heavily on the vinyl type, installation method, room size, and subfloor condition.
Typical Price Range for Homeowners
| Area Size | Estimated Cost |
| Small Room (8–12 m²) | S$150 – S$350 |
| Medium Room (15–20 m²) | S$250 – S$500 |
| Large Rooms / Open Spaces | S$400 – S$800+ |
| Whole 3-Room HDB | S$650 – S$1,000 |
| Whole 4-Room HDB | S$850 – S$1,400 |
| Whole 5-Room HDB | S$1,200 – S$1,800 |
Key Factors That Affect Vinyl Flooring Removal Cost
Removal cost varies from home to home. These are the biggest price drivers:
1. Type of Vinyl Flooring
Each vinyl type behaves differently during removal:
● Sheet Vinyl
- Installed as one large piece
- Hard to lift because glue covers the full area
- Labour-intensive → higher cost
● Vinyl Tiles / Vinyl Planks
- Removed section by section
- Usually easier and faster → moderate cost
● Peel-and-Stick Vinyl
- Adhesive can be extremely strong
- Often leaves residue on the subfloor → extra labour
● Old Vinyl Flooring
- May tear or crumble
- Backing layer often sticks to substrate
- Slows down removal significantly
2. Installation Method (Most Important Cost Factor)
How the vinyl was installed determines 70% of the cost:
● Fully Glued Down
- Requires heat, scrapers, and chemical adhesive removal
- Very slow
- Highest cost
● Perimeter-Bonded
- Only edges are glued
- Lifts much faster
- Lower cost
● Loose-Lay Vinyl
- No adhesive used
- Fastest and cheapest to remove
- Lowest cost
3. Room Size and Layout
A simple room is quicker to clear.
Costs increase when:
- There are many corners and recesses
- Built-in cabinets touch the floor
- Kitchens require moving appliances
- Bathrooms require edge cutting
Large open spaces have a higher total price but a lower cost per m².
4. Subfloor Condition (Cement Screed vs Wood)
After removing vinyl, contractors must check the subfloor.
Concrete Subfloor
- Glue sticks strongly to cement
- Scraping takes longer
Timber Subfloor
- Can splinter or chip
- Must be handled gently
- May require patching
If the subfloor is damaged or uneven, extra screeding may be required.
5. Age & Wear of Vinyl Flooring
Older vinyl:
- Breaks into small pieces
- Tears easily
- Leaves backing stuck behind
- May contain moisture damage
All these increase labour time.
6. Furniture & Site Preparation
Contractors may charge extra if they must:
- Move large furniture
- Disconnect appliances
- Remove skirting or trims
- Protect surrounding areas
To reduce costs, clear the room beforehand.
Cost Breakdown: Vinyl Flooring Removal in Singapore (2025)
| Type of Removal | Price (S$/m²) | Difficulty Level |
| Loose-lay vinyl | S$8 – S$12 | Easy |
| Click-lock vinyl | S$10 – S$18 | Medium |
| Perimeter-bonded vinyl | S$12 – S$20 | Medium |
| Fully glued vinyl | S$18 – S$30+ | Hard |
| Adhesive / glue removal | S$4 – S$12 | Tough |
| Subfloor patching | S$30 – S$80 per area | Depends |
Labour Cost in Singapore
Singapore’s labour cost is higher due to manpower shortages, skill requirements, and disposal regulations.
Professional removal ensures:
✔ Smooth, damage-free subfloor
✔ No leftover glue
✔ Proper site protection
✔ Fast turnover for new flooring installation
How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Removal Take?
Small Room: 1–2 hours
Medium Room: 2–4 hours
Large Area: 4–8 hours
Whole HDB Flat: half to full day
Fully-glued vinyl floors take the longest.
Remove Vinyl Flooring or Install New Vinyl Over It?
Many homeowners ask:
“Do I need to remove old vinyl before installing new vinyl?”
Option 1: Install Over Existing Vinyl
✔ Faster
✔ Cheaper
✔ Less messy
BUT only possible if:
- Floor is smooth
- No moisture damage
- Vinyl is not lifting
Option 2: Remove and Install New Vinyl
✔ Best long-term option
✔ Ensures even finish
✔ Prevents dents or air pockets
This is recommended for older, damaged, or curled vinyl flooring.
DIY vs Professional Vinyl Flooring Removal
DIY Removal
Pros:
- Cheaper
- Good for loose vinyl
- Simple tools needed (scraper, heat gun)
Cons:
- Extremely tiring
- Glue removal is messy
- High chance of subfloor damage
- Disposal is your own responsibility
Professional Removal
Pros:
- Fast and clean
- Smooth subfloor for new installation
- Includes adhesive removal
- Includes disposal (most contractors)
- Less dust and hassle
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
Worth it for:
✔ Fully glued floors
✔ Large areas
✔ Renovations before resale
✔ New flooring installation
Vinyl Flooring Disposal Costs in Singapore
| Disposal Method | Estimated Cost |
| Contractor disposal | Usually included |
| Small load | Little to no cost |
| Skip / big haulage | S$100 – S$250 |
| HDB chute disposal | Limited, not ideal for vinyl |
Old vinyl often breaks into many pieces, increasing volume.
How to Save Money on Vinyl Flooring Removal
✔ Clear the room before contractors arrive
✔ Remove trims and thresholds yourself
✔ Combine removal + new flooring installation
✔ Choose a weekday slot (some contractors charge less)
✔ Get price quotes from 2–3 flooring companies
✔ Avoid last-minute bookings
Knowing your vinyl flooring cost beforehand also helps you budget correctly for the replacement.
Conclusion
The cost to remove vinyl flooring in Singapore typically ranges from S$12 to S$30 per m², depending on the type of vinyl, installation method, age, layout, and subfloor condition. Loose-lay vinyl is the cheapest to remove, while fully glued floors require more labour and time.
Proper vinyl flooring removal ensures your subfloor is smooth, even, and ready for a fresh installation. Whether you’re upgrading for comfort, style, or resale value, removing old vinyl correctly will give your new flooring a long-lasting finish.
If you’re exploring Vinyl Flooring Singapore options for your HDB or condo, coordinating your old flooring removal with the new installation is often more cost-effective. Many flooring contractors offer bundled packages that help reduce overall labour costs and speed up the renovation process.
FAQs
1. Do I need to remove old vinyl flooring before installing new flooring?
In most cases, yes—especially if the existing vinyl is damaged, curled, or uneven. Installing new vinyl over old layers may cause bumps, gaps, and weak bonding.
2. Can I install new vinyl over old vinyl in Singapore HDB flats?
Yes, but only if the old floor is flat and well-bonded. If the vinyl is lifting or has moisture issues, HDB guidelines recommend removing it before reinstalling.
3. What tools are used to remove vinyl flooring?
Professionals use heat guns, scrapers, pry bars, adhesive removers, and industrial vacuums to ensure clean removal without damaging the subfloor.
4. Can vinyl flooring be removed without damaging the cement screed?
Yes. Trained installers remove vinyl carefully to avoid chipping or scratching the screed. Damage typically occurs only in DIY attempts.
5. What additional charges should I expect?
Extra fees may apply for furniture moving, skirting removal, difficult glue removal, or haulage of large disposal loads.
