Micro cement flooring gives a room the look of polished concrete without pouring a new slab. It is a thin cement coating spread over a floor in layers, then sealed to resist water and stains. The finished surface is smooth and seamless, with no grout lines or joints.
Micro cement is popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan living spaces because the color runs through the whole floor and the seams never break the look. It will not feel like a plank floor or a tile floor — it feels flat, cool, and hard underfoot. This guide covers how micro cement is laid, where it works best, and what it costs.
| Floor | Look | Thickness | Water Resistance | Best Rooms | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro cement | Seamless, matte concrete look, no joints | About 2–3 mm | High when sealed | Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms | Sweep and damp mop, re-seal from time to time |
| Polished concrete | Hard, glossy or matte stone look | The slab itself, ground down | Medium, needs sealing | Large living areas, lofts, garages | Sweep and mop, re-seal every few years |
| Ceramic tile | Many colours and patterns, with grout lines | About 8–12 mm plus adhesive | High | Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways | Mop and clean grout lines |
| Epoxy floor | Glossy, smooth, often plain or flecked | About 2–5 mm | High | Garages, workshops, utility rooms | Sweep and mop, avoid harsh solvents |
How Micro Cement Flooring Is Applied
Micro cement is made from a mix of fine cement, polymers, aggregates, and colour pigments. It is spread in thin layers, often two or three, over a base such as a concrete screed, tile, or plywood. Each layer dries before the next is spread, and the last coat is sanded to a smooth finish before a sealer is applied.
The base must be clean, dry, and stable before work starts. A floor that bounces or moves will crack the thin layer above it. If the base is tile, the grout lines must be filled. If it is wood, it must be stiff and glued down. If there are cracks, they must be repaired first. A professional will check the moisture level first and fix any weak spots.
Unlike vinyl, micro cement is not a DIY floor for most people. It needs skill and care to spread each thin layer evenly. Most professionals take two to four days to finish a small room, including drying time.
Where Micro Cement Flooring Works Best
Micro cement works best in rooms that need a smooth, seamless floor with no grout to clean. It suits bathrooms, kitchens, open-plan living rooms, and hallways. It can also cover walls and worktops in the same finish for a matched look. In a wet room, the finish must be well sealed, because any gap in the sealer will let water through.
It feels cool and hard underfoot, which suits warm homes but can feel cold in winter. Underfloor heating works well beneath it. The finish is quiet underfoot, as there is no hollow sound when it is laid correctly. This makes it a good match for large, open spaces.
Micro cement is not the best floor for a room with a moving or weak base, or for a room that may need future repairs to pipes or cables below. If the base is weak or has growing cracks — fix the base first, or choose another floor.
Pros and Limits of Micro Cement Flooring
Micro cement is waterproof and easy to clean when it is sealed well. It adds no height to the floor, so it can be laid over an old floor without changing door clearances. It has no grout lines, so dirt and mold have less surface to gather on. It is also strong enough to take normal family use.
The same surface has limits worth knowing before you install it. It can scratch, mark, and show wear from shoes, furniture, and pet claws. It is not as soft or forgiving as vinyl or wood underfoot. It can crack if the base below moves, and it can stain if the sealer is not maintained.
Color and texture can change between batches. Small differences may show from one mix to the next, and the final color can be checked with a sample. Micro cement is also not a cheap floor once labor is included, and repairs are hard to hide if a small area is damaged.
How to Clean and Care for Micro Cement Floors
Micro cement is easy to care for once it is sealed. Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush to pick up dust and grit. Damp mop with plain warm water and a mild cleaner. Do not use bleach, strong acids, or harsh abrasive tools, as these damage the sealer and the colour.
Wipe up spills early, especially coffee, wine, juice, and strong cleaning fluids. These can mark the surface if they are left to dry. Place felt pads under chairs, sofas, and table legs to prevent scratches. Doormats at entry points help too, as grit from shoes is the main cause of fine marks.
Re-seal the floor from time to time, especially in a bathroom or kitchen. The sealer will wear from foot traffic and cleaning. A professional can re-seal a floor without replacing the whole finish. If a crack or stain becomes visible, it is worth calling in a professional for advice.
Micro Cement Flooring Cost
A micro cement floor costs more than vinyl or laminate, and the price depends on the size of the room, the condition of the base, and the number of layers. For most homes, the total cost of materials and labor is £70 to £140 per square metre, once the base repair and sealing are included.
A kitchen or bathroom floor will cost more per square metre than a large open area, because more time is spent on edges, drains, and fitting around fixed items. Material prices are lower than labor because most of the cost comes from the skill of the installer, not the product itself.
To estimate a cost for your room, work out the length and width of your floor, then multiply them to get the area. Use a flooring cost estimator to enter your area and see an approximate cost for a micro cement floor. Always ask for at least two or three quotes from local installers.
FAQ: Micro Cement Flooring
Is micro cement flooring waterproof?
Yes, once it is sealed properly, micro cement is waterproof. The thin layer resists water, but it only stays waterproof if the sealer is in good condition. Re-seal it from time to time to keep the barrier strong, especially in a bathroom or wet room.
How long does micro cement flooring last?
A micro cement floor lasts about 10 to 20 years with good care. Its life depends on the base, the sealer, and how the floor is used. Floors in kitchens and bathrooms need more care than those in a bedroom.
Can micro cement go in a bathroom?
Yes, micro cement is often used in bathrooms because it has no grout to clean. It can coat the shower walls and floor. It needs a good sealer and care in damp areas, and re-sealing will be needed more often in a wet room.
Can micro cement be laid over tiles?
Yes, micro cement can cover old tiles if they are sound and well fixed. The grout lines must be filled to make the surface level before the micro cement is layered. If tiles are loose or cracked, they must be repaired first.
Is micro cement cheaper than polished concrete?
Micro cement is often cheaper than polished concrete when it is installed over an old floor, because there is no need to remove the slab. Polished concrete needs a slab in good condition, and the grinding adds more labor than a micro cement overlay.
Can you DIY micro cement flooring?
A DIY kit can be used for a very small area, but it is hard to get a smooth coat without practice. Most owners hire a professional because the quality of the finish depends on how the layers are spread. A poorly applied finish may crack or stain.
Flooring Cost Estimator
Compare vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile and carpet costs for your room — prices fully editable.
| Flooring type | Material $/sqft | Install $/sqft |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Plank | ||
| Laminate | ||
| Solid Hardwood | ||
| Ceramic Tile | ||
| Carpet |
| Type | Material | Install | Total |
|---|
Cost comparison
📝 Note: Estimates cover material + installation only. Underlayment, old-floor removal, trim and taxes are not included — add ~10–15% for those.
Frequently asked questions
Are these prices accurate for my area?
Prices vary a lot by region and by product quality. The defaults are reasonable US averages, but for a real quote you should edit the material and install prices above using 2–3 local quotes, then re-run the estimate.
Why is tile install so expensive?
Tile installation is slow, skilled work: subfloor prep, mortar, cutting, grouting and sealing. Labor often costs more than the tile itself, especially in bathrooms with plumbing cuts and waterproofing.
Does this include underlayment or old-floor removal?
No. This estimate covers material + installation only. Underlayment, tear-out of old flooring, baseboards and taxes typically add another 10–15% to the project — budget for them separately.
Should I DIY or hire a pro?
Click-lock vinyl and laminate are very DIY-friendly and can save you $2–$4 per sq ft in labor. Hardwood and tile demand experience and special tools — mistakes there get expensive fast, so a pro usually pays for itself.