What is a Microcement: the ultimate guide
Microcement, as the name suggests, is a type of cement—but not just any ordinary cement. It is an innovative, high-performance decorative coating that has become one of the most trending materials for both residential and commercial projects. Highly durable, versatile, and waterproof, microcement creates a smooth, seamless finish on various surfaces, including floors, walls, and even furniture. Originally used as an industrial flooring material in the mid-1950s due to its strength and resistance to cracking, it is now transforming spaces into modern, sleek environments.
Microcement is rapidly growing in popularity in the UK, and if you are considering it to enhance your office or home, we hope this article provides you with all the necessary information on its composition, its application, benefits, costs, and whether it is the right solution for your project.
What is Microcement and How is it Made?
To put it simply, microcement is a very fine type of cement, that serves as a decorating coating material known for its versatility of use, durability and strength. Contemporary, modern, and chic, can be used in any room of the house, including kitchen and bathroom.
Microcement is made of blend of cement and sand, with additives like quartz, polymers, fine aggregates and pigments, to create highly durable yet modern and seamless design that is flexible and resistant to cracking. It is called “micro” because its applied using very thin layers, unlike ordinary cement or concrete. That highly contributes to its flexibility and variety of textures and colours, which enhances the aesthetic appeal.
Why Use Microcement?
Being one of the most customizable products available on the market, microcement offers many advantages over traditional, decorative techniques such as tiles, concrete or epoxy coating.
- Seamless & Modern Look – applied professionally in multiple, thin layers, microcement is very light, and creates a super sleek, uninterrupted finish that has no grout lines or joints. Because it is applied so thinly- layer by layer, it can create a fashionable concrete look in areas where the concrete itself would be too thick and heavy. This technique makes it perfect for open-plan spaces, modern interiors and minimalist designs.
- Highly Durable & Resistant – The unique composition and application technique of microcement make it strong and seamless. The polymers in microcement enhance its flexibility, making the surface stronger than traditional cement and resistant to impact, scratches, and cracks. Its application in multiple thin layers ensures high bonding strength, eliminating weak points such as grout lines, which further enhances its durability. This makes microcement highly suitable for high-traffic areas in both homes and businesses. Additionally, microcement can withstand high temperatures and UV light, preventing deterioration. And can be used in the kitchen, or with underlying heating floor systems.
- Waterproof & Ideal for Wet Rooms – Microcement excels in waterproofing beyond any other known material for interior surfacing. It is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and showers. The incorporation of resins helps prevent the growth of mold and algae, ensuring better hygiene. Its meticulous application in multiple layers, with sealant applied in between, gives microcement exceptional waterproofing capabilities. To achieve the best results, it is essential to prioritize the correct base, primer, and protective coatings. Always hire a professional microcement installer.
- Versatile & Can Be Applied to Any Surface – Microcement can be applied to almost any type of surface due to its high adhesiveness. It can be placed directly over tiles, wood, plasterboard, or concrete, eliminating the need for demolition—a game changer in renovations that significantly shortens the process. Proper surface preparation and priming are essential to ensure strong adhesion. From walls and floors to stairs, worktops, and even furniture, microcement offers a highly cost-effective solution.
- Customisable Colours & Textures – Microcement comes in a variety of colors and textures, allowing for a unique customization to meet specific needs and aesthetic preferences. From natural earthy tones that create a serene, modern home to bold, contemporary hues that energize creative commercial spaces, there is something to suit every taste. To complete the look, you can choose from a matte, satin, or gloss finish to match any style
Microcement Applications: Where Can It Be Used?
Microcement is like no other with its bonding properties with nearly any surface. It can be used on almost all surfaces like tiles, wood, worktops etc, making it a simpler choice when it comes to renovation. It is an investment designed to withstand the pressure of time, and seamlessly blend trough decades. For the best quality and guaranteed results, always adhere to professional advice.
1. Microcement Walls
Microcement is a great choice for modern and elegant living rooms, giving it a sense of calmness and stillness. Combined with minimalistic walls in kitchens, and bathrooms, you can decorate the entire home making it a seamless and low-maintenance space, that you can simply enjoy.
2. Microcement Kitchens
Microcement kitchens are sleek, modern and highly durable. It is perfect for contemporary homes, offering a very practical solution for seamless and non-porous countertops, walls, and floors. This stylish material resists stains, moisture, and heat making it functional and long-lasting. With its low-maintenance properties, microcement enhances functionality, aesthetics, and minimalism built to last.
3. Microcement Bathrooms & Wet Rooms
Microcement bathrooms and wet rooms combine exceptional durability and stylish design, creating a sleek and waterproof finish. Non-porous and non-slip surface resists moisture, mould and stains, making it perfect for showers, walls and floors. It also makes bathrooms more hygienic, due to its low maintenance attributes.
4. Microcement Worktops
If you want durable and sleek worktops, microcement offers both. With its modern, seamless look and resistance to stains, moisture, and heat, it is an ideal material for busy kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. The minimalist design provides a smooth, contemporary finish, while microcement’s long-lasting quality ensures beauty and functionality for years to come.
5. Microcement for Floors
Ideal for both residential and commercial spaces, microcement floors offer long-term performance and versatility. They combine style with exceptional durability, providing a smooth, low-maintenance solution for homes and businesses. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor flooring, microcement also works well with underfloor heating due to its excellent thermal conductivity.
6. Outdoor Microcement
Outdoor microcement is a versatile, weather-resistant surface that combines beauty with durability. Ideal for patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas, it features a seamless finish that withstands the elements, including moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. The modern, minimalist look adds elegance to any exterior, while its low-maintenance nature ensures lasting appeal. Whether you’re enhancing your garden, terrace, or outdoor kitchen, microcement offers a sleek, functional solution built to endure.
Microcement vs Other Materials: Which is Best?
1. Microcement vs Tiles
✅ Microcement is seamless, waterproof, modern aesthetic, and leaves no grout lines.
❌ Tiles grout which collects dirt, and can crack over time.
2. Microcement vs Polished Concrete (Cost & Durability)
✅ Microcement is more flexible and lighter in weight, so it is easier to install and works very well on existing floors.
❌ Polished Concrete requires a thicker application and needs expansion joints,which makes it more costly.
3. Microcement vs Epoxy
✅ Microcement is more natural in texture making it more breathable and flexible, which is better with underfloor heating.
❌ Epoxy is highly durable but can turn yellow over time. It also lacks the textured appeal of microcement.
Can Microcement Be Used Over Tiles or Wood?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of microcement is that it can be applied directly over existing tiles or wooden surfaces, eliminating the need for removal and demolition. This saves both time and money on renovations.
However, it is essential to seek professional expertise, as different surfaces require different preparation methods. Microcement over tiles requires a bonding primer, while applying it over wood works best when the wooden base is stable and moisture-resistant
Is Microcement Waterproof?
Microcement is naturally porous, but when sealed with a protective topcoat, it becomes 100% waterproof. When properly sealed, it can be used in wet rooms, bathrooms, and showers, making the area low-maintenance, hygienic, and seamlessly finished.
Microcement Cost & Installation Process
The cost of a microcement bathroom in the UK is calculated based on size, complexity, and finish parameters. Prices typically range from £100 to £180 per m², with larger bathrooms benefiting from a lower price per m². For an accurate quote, contact a professional microcement installer
How to Apply Microcement?
- The first step is surface preparation. The base must be clean and free from loose particles. Cracks and imperfections should be repaired, and a primer must be applied.
- Multiple thin layers of microcement are applied using a trowel.
- Additional layers are added to create the desired texture and colour.
- A sealer is applied using a roller.
Who Does Microcement in the UK?
If you’re looking for expert microcement installers in the UK, Voytec Decorator Ltd offers high-quality installations in Bradford, Leeds, Doncaster, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s for walls, floors, worktops, or bathrooms, we ensure a flawless, durable, and customized finish tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts: Is Microcement Right for You?
If you’re looking for a modern, seamless, and durable surface, microcement is an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and walls. It is waterproof, stylish, and highly customizable, making it a premium yet practical solution for any space
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