What microcement is and how it differs from other finishes
Microcement (also marketed as 'micro-concrete', 'micro topping', 'polished cement', 'tadelakt cement') is a thin polymer-modified cement coating applied in 2–4 layers to a total thickness of 2–4mm. The finished surface is seamless, smooth, slightly textured, and available in dozens of muted colours. Microcement differs from related finishes: (1) Tadelakt — a Moroccan lime plaster traditionally used in hammams; finer hand-burnished finish; £180–£380/m². (2) Polished concrete — a thick (50–100mm) poured concrete slab ground and polished; £350–£600/m²; structural floor finish, not a coating. (3) Terrazzo — composite of aggregate in cement matrix; £180–£450/m² (see separate guide). (4) Limewash — a thin pigmented lime paint applied to walls; £40–£120/m²; not the same product. (5) Concrete-effect tile or porcelain — manufactured tile that mimics microcement aesthetic; £40–£140/m². Microcement appearance: seamless, soft matt surface; subtle trowel-mark texture; muted colour palette (off-white, beige, grey, charcoal, terracotta); ideal for contemporary minimalist interiors. Applied finish thickness 2–4mm; weight load on substrate minimal; can be applied over existing tile, plaster, concrete, or timber boards (with primer).
Microcement cost by application and surface area
London 2026 supply & install pricing by application. (1) Wall microcement (living room feature wall, bedroom accent wall, kitchen splashback wall): £140–£220/m² for a 10–20m² area. Application: 3 layers + sealer; 5–8 days for application + cure. (2) Floor microcement (kitchen, hallway, open-plan living area): £160–£260/m² for a 25–50m² area. Application: substrate preparation, primer, 3 layers, sealer; 8–12 days for full application + cure. (3) Bathroom wall microcement (walk-in shower, wet-room enclosure): £220–£320/m² (premium due to waterproofing layer requirement); 6–10 days application. (4) Bathroom floor microcement (full bathroom or shower tray): £240–£340/m². (5) Kitchen worktop microcement (continuous surface from worktop up the splashback wall): £280–£420/m²; needs heat-resistant and stain-resistant sealing. (6) Curved walls or shaped features (curved media wall, sculptural element): £200–£300/m² (premium for hand-application around curves). Total project examples: 30m² kitchen-extension floor: £6,500–£9,500 supply & install. 50m² ground-floor open-plan microcement floor: £11,000–£16,500. Whole bathroom (15m² floor + walls + shower): £4,500–£7,500.
Substrate preparation and waterproofing for microcement
Quality microcement application depends on substrate preparation. Substrate options. (1) Concrete slab — ideal; clean, dry, level (max ±3mm variation), free of cracks; minor cracks treated with crack-bridging primer; full microcement system applies directly. (2) Screed (sand-cement, anhydrite) — acceptable; must be fully cured (minimum 4 weeks for sand-cement, 8 weeks for anhydrite); levelling compound as needed. (3) Existing tile — acceptable; tiles must be sound and well-bonded; tile joints filled with epoxy levelling compound; epoxy primer applied. Cost premium: £30–£50/m² for tile-over preparation. (4) Plasterboard (walls) — acceptable; joints fully filled and sanded; primer applied; microcement applied. (5) Engineered timber boards (suspended timber floor) — possible but requires reinforcement (12–18mm plywood + tile backer board); cost premium £40–£80/m² for substrate preparation. Waterproofing for wet areas: shower walls and floor require a continuous waterproofing membrane (Schluter Kerdi, Mapeguard) under the microcement; £25–£45/m² supply & install. Walk-in shower with microcement: full tanking + microcement = waterproof, seamless walk-in shower with no tiles and no grout lines.
Microcement maintenance and lifecycle
Microcement is one of the lower-maintenance contemporary finishes when properly sealed and cared for. Maintenance regime. Daily: dust and damp-mop with pH-neutral cleaner; avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, bleach) which etch the surface; avoid abrasive scrubbing pads. Annual: deep clean with proprietary microcement cleaner (Topciment Topsealer Cleaner, Ardex Pandomo Cleaner); re-apply protective sealer if needed in high-wear areas. Every 3–5 years: full re-seal of the surface (apply 2 coats of protective sealer) — typically £8–£15/m² for re-seal. Lifecycle: 20–30 years before re-application of microcement layer is needed; the underlying surface remains intact; renovation involves stripping the old sealer, light grinding, and applying fresh 1–2 layers + sealer. Common issues. (a) Hairline cracks — typically appear within first 12 months as substrate settles; repaired by specialist with matching microcement paste, ground flush; £180–£350 per crack. (b) Stains — coffee, red wine, hair dye stain microcement if not cleaned promptly; sealer breakdown allows penetration. (c) Etching — acidic cleaners damage the surface; sealer cannot prevent significant acid attack; localised re-application required. (d) Scratches — soft scratches polish out with fine abrasion; deep scratches require localised re-application. Builderr recommendation: specify microcement only where the client understands the care regime; for high-traffic family kitchen floors with dogs, children and frequent guests, a porcelain or engineered stone alternative may be more practical.
