Marble Gum Flooring in Singapore: Cost, Lifespan, and Disadvantages Explained

Marble gum grout, sometimes referred to as marble gumming, is applied to fill grout lines and seal tiles. The result is a unified, glossy surface that mimics high-end marble or polished granite. 

What really stands out is the way marble gum reflects light. Suddenly your space feels brighter, more open, and just that bit more polished.

It is especially popular in HDB renovation packages, where homeowners want to elevate standard homogeneous tiles provided under the Optional Component Scheme (OCS). 

Before you commit to a renovation package, take a look at our article What Are Renovation Packages and Are They Right for You? (Here’s the ‘Catch’).

It highlights what most homeowners overlook!

Seamless, Premium Look

By covering up those grout gaps, marble gum gives you a clean, joint-free look that reflects light and instantly opens up the space.” 

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to installing genuine marble flooring, marble gum provides a similar polished finish at a fraction of the price. The marble gum cost in Singapore usually falls between S$2–4 per square foot, or about S$800–1,300 for a 4-room flat.

Homematch’s ID Pro-Tip: Don’t just look at the upfront savings. Marble gumming is cheaper than natural marble, but it does need repolishing every few years.

If you want something truly low-maintenance, epoxy grout is the better option, though it won’t give you the same glossy, marble-like shine.

Low-Maintenance Grout Alternative

Unlike regular cement grout, which tends to trap dirt and discolours over time, marble gum grout is both waterproof and stain-resistant. For busy homeowners, that means cleaning is quick, simple, and fuss-free.

Convenient Upgrade for HDBs

Instead of messy hacking, marble gumming lets you rejuvenate OCS tiles with minimal disruption. It’s a practical, budget-friendly way for first-time homeowners to give their new flat a sleek, modern lift. No hacking needed!

Curious about what renovation packages actually include and the fine print you should watch out for? We’ve broken it all down in this guide on renovation packages.

While marble gum is cost-effective, it is not permanent. Most applications last three to five years, after which repolishing is needed. How long it actually lasts depends on things like where it’s applied, how you clean it, and how skilled your contractor is.

Foot Traffic Affects Longevity

Busy spots like kitchens and hallways naturally wear down faster. Heavy foot traffic can wear down the finish in as little as three years.

Cleaning Habits Make a Difference

Harsh cleaning products, especially bleach-heavy ones, can eat away at the resin. Stick to gentle cleaners to keep the shine going strong. Many homeowners have reported dullness or yellowing from bleach-heavy cleaning routines.

HomeMatch’s ID Pro-Tip: Skip the bleach. Use a pH-neutral solution and a microfiber mop to keep the marble gum shine lasting longer.

Installer Expertise Determines Results

Marble gum’s longevity relies on workmanship. With an inexperienced renovator, the finish is more likely to end up patchy, with bubbles or scratches appearing over time.

To understand how we ensure you’re paired with the right interior firm, read more in our piece on HomeMatch’s surefire approach to finding the most suitable renovator.

HomeMatch’s ID Pro-Tip: Always ask to see before-and-after photos of previous marble gum projects. Good renovators will have a portfolio, not just promises.

Marble gum has its perks, but it’s not perfect. Before adding it to your home renovation plans, it’s worth knowing where it falls short.

Requires Periodic Maintenance

When talking about marble gum’s lifespan, its shine naturally dulls and requires repolishing every three to five years, especially in high-traffic areas.

Limited Tile Compatibility

Marble gum works best on unglazed, full-bodied homogeneous tiles. While you can apply it to glazed porcelain or ceramic tiles, the finish often looks less seamless and won’t hold up as well.

Slippery When Wet

That glossy finish looks great… until the floor gets wet. 

In bathrooms and other damp areas, it can be quite slippery. For these spaces, epoxy flooring is often recommended as a more slip-resistant alternative.

HomeMatch’s ID Pro Tip: Still set on marble gum for the bathroom? Ask your renovator about adding an anti-slip coating. It’s a small upgrade that can make a big difference in safety.

Highly Dependent on Contractor Skill

The finish depends heavily on the installer’s expertise. Some homeowners have reported disappointing results due to uneven application or poor polishing, especially when hiring inexperienced renovation contractors. 

Choosing a CaseTrust renovation accredited firm can help. They’re vetted for professionalism, so you’re less likely to end up with a finish you regret.

One of the most common home renovation questions we hear is: “Should I go with epoxy or marble gum?”

 Both are resin-based finishes, but their applications differ.

Marble Gum Suits Residential Homes

Marble gum gives you that polished, high-end look without the high-end price tag. It’s great for bedrooms, living rooms, and spaces where style matters more than heavy-duty durability.

Epoxy Flooring Is Built for Durability

Epoxy flooring is harder-wearing and better for high-traffic areas like kitchens, gyms, and commercial spaces. It costs more, but you get the option of either matte or glossy finishes.

Timing and sequencing matters with marble gum, and this question comes up a lot. The general rule: do it after carpentry, but before painting.

Carpentry Risks Damaging the Finish

Heavy furniture installation or drilling can scratch freshly polished floors. That’s why marble gum application is usually scheduled later in the renovation sequence.

Painting After Polishing Can Cause Splatter

Painting is best saved for last. If it’s done after polishing, stray paint splatters can ruin that glossy finish. Renovators usually recommend polishing before the final paint job for the cleanest results.

Getting marble gum floors isn’t a DIY project — it’s a technical job that needs trained professionals and the right equipment. 

Here’s how the process usually works:

Preparing the Surface

First, the old grout has to go. Contractors clean and prep the tiles carefully so the new seal sticks properly.

Applying the Resin

The resin is then hand-mixed to match tile colour before being applied evenly across grout lines, creating a uniform finish.

Polishing and Sealing

Finally, specialist machines bring out the high-gloss shine. This stage is critical; sloppy workmanship here can leave bubbles, uneven patches, or a dull finish.

Unlike tiles or vinyl, marble gum is not sold directly to consumers. It is supplied and applied by renovation contractors and interior designers as part of their services.

Importance of Choosing the Right Firm

The results depend heavily on workmanship, so picking the right company matters. Going with a CaseTrust-accredited interior firm gives you peace of mind on both quality and fair practices.

Not sure how many renovators you should meet before making a decision? We’ve broken that down here.

Marble gumming has become one of Singapore’s most popular flooring hacks, especially for both BTO and resale HDB renovation projects.

It’s not completely fuss-free though, because marble gum needs repolishing every few years, and the finish only looks flawless with skilled application.

That’s why it pays to work with experienced renovators, ideally CaseTrust-accredited interior design firms, so you sidestep the common pitfalls and get a glossy result that actually lasts.

Imagine walking into your home with floors that shine like marble. With HomeMatch’s renovation platform, that vision is just one click away. 

Let us Match you with the right renovators today!