Microcement Flooring is Trending — Here’s Why
Thirty years ago no one was talking about microcement, but now it’s seen in countless homes and commercial projects. Its seamless finish, versatile applications, outstanding strength, and resurfacing capabilities are just some of the reasons that microcement is becoming an alternative choice to traditional flooring materials like timber, concrete, and tiles.
Let’s five deeper into what microcement is, how it became a design trend, and why we think it’s not just a passing fad but a timeless finish that will only continue to rise in popularity.
What Is Microcement?
If you haven’t heard of microcement, you might be familiar with the term micro concrete or micro topping — which all refer to a cementitious coating that is applied by hand to create a thin yet strong decorative finish on surfaces. It’s not just used on floors; walls, ceilings, joinery, and even furniture can all be covered in microcement.
Microcement’s texture and visual appearance can be similar to concrete, plaster, and even stone. As it’s hand-applied with a trowel, there are visible markings and tonal shifts in the final surface which bring soft tactility and visual depth to a space. However, it can be adapted into a range of textural variations.
SEMCO Surfaces engineered one of the first microcements brought to the market in 1991. Our product X-Bond consists of natural stone for strength, latex polymers for adhesion, and color pigments. The result is a lightweight, durable layer that achieves a seamless joint-free finish over a range of substrates.
Why Is Microcement A Popular Flooring Material?
As surface engineers, we saw a gap in the market for architectural materials that combined modern minimalist aesthetics with flooring performance. That’s what inspired the creation of the X-Bond formula all those years ago, but here’s why clients continue to choose microcement today.
Resurfacing Without Demolition
Microcement can be installed directly over existing flooring (known as substrates) made from tiles, concrete, stone, and more. No need for the messy, expensive removal of old materials. This means less waste, less disruption, and faster turnarounds for flooring renovations.
Seamless Surfaces
With no grout lines and no joints, microcement delivers a sleek, continuous finish. Visually, this creates a modern, minimalist look — while also being easy to clean. It’s ideal for wet zones like bathrooms where grout often gets dirty or moldy.
Ultra-Thin Application
Microcement is super thin — X-Bond is typically applied at 1/8” thick. That means it doesn’t add much height to existing flooring, so you can avoid issues with door clearances or thresholds. Being lightweight, it reduces stress on structural elements for renovations or multi-storey buildings. This is why some clients prefer it to concrete.
Design Flexibility
You’re not limited to only one choice; microcement can be mixed in a wide range of colors. Because it’s a hand-rendered material, it can also be applied using different techniques which create different visual effects. You can achieve many aesthetics: whether it’s a polished concrete vibe, the smooth ‘limewash’ look, or dynamic marble-inspired finishes.
Strength & Durability
Every microcement product has a different formulation, but are widely considered to be more durable than other renders like Venetian Plaster (which have mixed success on flooring). In our X-Bond formula, polymer binders and stone aggregates offer toughness and lasting adhesion to substrates, plus a degree of flexibility. This means it resists cracking when underlying surfaces move slightly due to settlement.
Waterproofing & Wet Area Suitability
When paired with a liquid membrane or waterproofing system (as per manufacturer spec), microcement becomes suitable for flooring in wet areas — bathrooms, kitchens, pool surrounds, and other outdoor zones exposed to moisture. Proper sealing is also key to performance in wet spaces.
Temperature Resistance
X-Bond handles thermal changes well. Underfloor heating? No problem. Outdoors in sun and shade? It won’t degrade quickly under UV. It maintains its integrity even when the temperature fluctuates.
Reduced Maintenance
Without grout to clean, and with fewer cracks to trap dirt and moisture, microcement surfaces are much easier to maintain. Plus with the right sealers, the finish remains looking good for longer. Given its resilience to abrasions, impact, and wear, it’s a low-maintenance option for high-traffic flooring — exceptionally popular in commercial spaces from retail environments and offices to hospitality venues and gyms.
Microcement Flooring Applications
Here are some of the most common applications for microcement flooring.
Kitchen / Living Areas — where you want consistent materials that flow seamlessly between each room, resistant to daily wear.
Bathrooms & Wet Zones — seamless, waterproof floor finishes make these spaces beautiful, safe, and low maintenance.
Retail or Commercial Spaces — high foot traffic means a need for stylish yet durable surfaces.
Outdoor Patios, Pool Surrounds — when weather, moisture, and aesthetics matter.
Feature Walls & Furniture — microcement isn’t just for floors; it opens up creative options.
What to Consider Before Choosing Microcement
To get the most out of microcement floors, make sure you consider:
Surface preparation — substrate must be stable, clean, and appropriate for overlay.
Waterproofing if used in wet zones — you’ll need compatible membranes, sealers.
Finishes & textures — these affect slip resistance, maintenance, and cost.
Formulation — not all microcements are equal!
Choosing X-Bond means choosing a product with a 30 year history with the case studies to prove unmatched durability, as well as the most advanced surfacing technology for lasting performance in all conditions.
Trend Outlook: Why It’s Not a Phase
Microcement will always be popular for three key reasons:
Built to last for decades, the surface is designed to stay in excellent condition, so it won’t look dated or worn unlike alternatives that really need replacing after just a few years.
With plenty of visual possibilities, it adapts seamlessly to any design movement, finding its place in every space and fulfilling any brief for eras to come.
With renovations on the rise, microcement is the perfect choice for those looking to resurface instead of rebuild. Its overlay application makes it ideal for upgrades, and it’ll always be popular among renovators.
X-Bond Microcement is the full package: designer aesthetics, durability, flexibility, and low disruption during installation. For anyone planning a renovation, commercial fit-out, or architectural project, it’s worth considering as an alternative flooring choice to tile, stone, or concrete.