What Is Microcement? Uses, Cost & Care

Microcement keeps showing up in design magazines and Instagram feeds, usually as a seamless, modern bathroom or a warm concrete-look floor. But what actually is it, where does it work, and what should you expect it to cost? Here is a straight answer from an installer who works with it every week in Greater Boston.

So, what is microcement?

Microcement is a thin, cement-based coating made of cement, fine aggregates, polymers and pigment. It is applied by hand in a few very thin layers, usually just two to three millimeters total, then sealed. Because it is so thin, it can go over existing tile, concrete, drywall or other sound substrates without a full demolition, and it wraps floors, walls and showers in one continuous surface with no grout lines.

Where does microcement work best?

The strongest uses are bathrooms and showers, where the seamless, grout-free surface is easy to clean and looks calm and modern; floors in open-plan spaces, where it plays well with underfloor heating; and feature walls or vanities where you want a continuous, tactile surface. It is less suited to areas that flex or move a lot, which is why the substrate prep matters.

What does microcement cost?

Microcement is priced by the square foot and by complexity. A small feature area costs less per foot than a full bathroom with a shower, because showers need more waterproofing detail. The biggest cost driver is the installer, not the material. A cheap job that skips primers, mesh and proper sealing will fail at the edges, so the real question is who is applying it, not just the price per foot. We give a detailed written estimate after seeing the space.

How do you care for microcement?

Day to day, microcement is easy: wipe it with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid harsh abrasives, and reseal periodically in wet areas. Done right and sealed correctly, it holds up to daily household use for years.

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Frequently asked questions

Is microcement the same as polished concrete?

No. Polished concrete is a thick structural slab that is ground and polished. Microcement is a thin coating applied over an existing surface, so it is much lighter and can go almost anywhere.

Can microcement crack?

A properly installed microcement surface with the right primers, reinforcement and substrate prep resists cracking. Cracks usually come from a rushed installation or a substrate that was not stable.

Ready for a written estimate?

Tell us about your project. We put the scope and value in writing before any price, and the owner answers directly.

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