Trying to decide on cement microtopping or polished concrete? Microcement creates a thin layer of just 2-3mm, which sets it apart from polished concrete that needs at least 100mm depth. These flooring systems deliver modern, sleek finishes, but their differences go way beyond their appearance. Your space can have microcement floors installed in 4-5 days. Polished concrete takes much longer and could keep construction going for up to 28 days. The microtopping applications let you update existing surfaces without demolition. This makes them a perfect choice for renovation work. The value of microcement floors depends on your specific needs. They resist cracks better, give you more colour options, and hold up well in busy areas. This detailed guide will help you understand how each option fits your design vision, installation limits, and practical needs before you make your final choice.
What is Microcement Flooring?
Microcement is a versatile cement-based coating that contains cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments. The material goes on in thin layers that add up to just 2-3mm thick. You can install microcement over existing surfaces like tiles, terrazzo, OSB boards, and cement boards to create a smooth surface without joints. The process needs several thin layers (usually 1-2mm each) and finishes with a polyurethane seal that can be matt, satin, or glossy. These floors are very durable but flexible enough to stop cracks from forming, which makes them great for spaces with underfloor heating.
What is Polished Concrete Flooring?
Creating polished concrete takes several steps of grinding, treating, and polishing concrete using resin-bond diamond abrasives. This method turns basic concrete slabs (made of cement, sand, gravel, and water) into smooth, shiny surfaces. The concrete needs to be about 100mm deep. Workers grind the surface to show the aggregate and use chemical densifiers to fill any gaps. You can choose different finishes for polished concrete—from level 1 (matte) to level 4 (highly glossy with 3,000-grit polish). This decorative finish works best in large open spaces and can be done on new or existing concrete slabs.
Microtopping vs Traditional Concrete Finish
Microtopping (which some people call microcement) is a thin polymer-modified cementitious overlay. The colours and textures are easier to control with microtopping than with traditional concrete finishes. This material resists cracks well and stays durable while remaining flexible. Renovation projects benefit from microtopping because it creates less mess than regular concrete work. Both options can give you that industrial-modern look, but microtopping’s hand-trowelled application creates unique textures that machine-polished concrete cannot match.
High-Traffic Areas: Which Holds up Better?
Polished concrete stands out in high-traffic areas, making it perfect for commercial spaces with constant foot traffic. Its exceptional resistance to abrasion and impact makes it a top choice for loading areas and car parks. Microcement isn’t as resilient as polished concrete but delivers impressive durability in both commercial and residential settings. The thin surface stays strong against daily wear, stains, and abrasions. Polished concrete works great in large open spaces over 100m², while microcement fits better in smaller areas.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility
Microcement floors’ most important advantage is how well they work with underfloor heating systems. The thin application (2-3mm) helps transfer heat better and spreads warmth evenly throughout your space. The continuous, joint-free surface eliminates any breaks in heat transfer.
Polished concrete doesn’t work well with underfloor heating applications. When installing microcement over heated floors, the base should have no more than 4-5% moisture. The underfloor heating needs to run at least two weeks after the substrate cures.
Cold Surface Concerns in Winter
Both floors aren’t as cold in winter as people think. Polished concrete’s high thermal mass helps it store heat and release it slowly throughout the day. This feature saves energy during cold months, especially when installed correctly.
Homes without solar passive design can stay warmer by keeping the concrete near north-facing windows uncovered to catch winter sun. Microcement adapts to room temperature and feels cool in summer but warmer in winter.
Wear and Tear
Polished concrete handles furniture movement, pet claws, and active children exceptionally well. Microcement needs sealing to protect against scratches, and tiny cracks might show up if the surface underneath moves. Both floors are hygienic and easy to clean – a quick sweep and occasional mop with ph-neutral cleaners will do. These floors work great for families with pets because they don’t let fleas and mites breed, especially when you have people with allergies.
Microcement Floors for Modern Interiors
Micro concrete floor systems have become popular in today’s design because they create a seamless, joint-free finish that flows through the space. The clean look without grout lines or joints makes microcement floors appealing to anyone who wants modern finishes. These floors let designers create a unified look across floors, walls, and furniture with the same finish that creates a harmonious flow. You can use microcement with design styles of all types, from industrial chic to minimalist elegance.
Colour Predictability vs Natural Variation
Microcement’s biggest advantage is its reliable and consistent colour. Unlike polished concrete that shows natural variations in the concrete mix, microcement gives you precise colour results. This makes it perfect if you have a preference for smooth surfaces with predictable colours. Your options include:
- Neutral tones – whites, greys, and beiges for timeless elegance
- Bold colours – reds, blues, and greens for statement spaces
- Custom shades – bespoke colour matching to complement existing décor
Polished concrete creates unique patterns on each floor, but its final look is harder to predict.
Microcement for Small Spaces and Retrofits
Microcement works great in smaller areas compared to polished concrete. Its thin layer (2-3mm) barely raises floor levels, which makes it perfect to modernise existing spaces. You can apply it right over stable surfaces—including tiles, wood, and concrete—without tearing anything out or doing much prep work. This easy installation saves time, money, and disruption, especially in renovation projects where you want to keep the existing structure.
Microtopping Concrete Floor for Bathrooms and Kitchens
Microtopping concrete floors work well in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens because they’re waterproof and seamles. With no grout lines, there’s nowhere for mould and bacteria to grow. In fact, microcement creates continuous surfaces that keep water out while looking stylish. On top of that, it resists stains and handles household cleaners well, making it practical for kitchen floors. You can even use it in shower stalls and bathroom walls to create an elegant, waterproof surface that matches many design styles.
When to Choose Microcement Over Polished Concrete
You should pick microcement if you have height restrictions. It needs only 2-3mm thickness while polished concrete requires at least 100mm depth. This makes micro concrete floors perfect to update existing projects where higher floor levels could cause problems. Small spaces benefit from microcement because you don’t need the heavy grinding equipment that polished concrete floors require. On top of that, it works great on surfaces that need uninterrupted application without expansion joints. Polished concrete needs these joints every 4-5 metres.
Installation Timing and Flexibility
The biggest difference between these flooring systems lies in their installation time. Microcement takes 12 hours to set and 7 days to cure fully. Polished concrete needs 14 days to set and 28 days to harden completely. This means you can schedule microcement installation near the end of your renovation project. Other workers won’t damage your floor. To name just one example, you can install microcement after kitchen fittings are done. Your floor stays perfect throughout construction.
Substrate Preparation and Stability
Both systems need proper substrate preparation. Your microcement base must be:
- Clean without dust and grease
- Flat with few irregularities (microcement won’t fix uneven surfaces)
- Strong and united (remove loose tiles or powdery mortars)
- Dry (moisture content should stay under 5%)
Microcement shows more flexibility than polished concrete. You can install it over existing substrates if they’re stable. This makes it a great choice for renovation projects.
Micro Concrete Flooring Cost vs Value
Microcement floors cost between $150-$220 per square metre. The price changes based on material quality, surface area, design complexity, and installation expertise. The long-term value matters too. Microcement gives you faster installation, update options, and versatile applications. The initial cost might be higher, but you won’t need multiple workers. This could save you money on your overall project.
Comparison Table
| Characteristic | Microcement | Polished Concrete |
| Thickness | 2-3mm | Minimum 100mm |
| Installation Time | 4-5 days | Up to 28 days |
| Cost | $150-$250 per square metre | Not mentioned |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Highly compatible | Not recommended |
| Composition | Cement, water-based resins, additives, mineral pigments | Cement, sand, gravel, water |
| Application Method | Hand-trowelled, multiple thin layers | Mechanical grinding with diamond abrasives |
| Colour Customisation | Predictable results, wide range of options | Natural variations, less predictable |
| Modernise Capability | Applies over existing surfaces | Requires new or existing concrete slab |
| Joint Requirements | Seamless, continuous surface | Needs expansion joints every 4-5 metres |
| High Traffic Performance | Requires a new or existing concrete slab | Excellent durability, ideal for loading areas |
| Moisture Content Requirement | Maximum 4-5% | Not mentioned |
| Best Suited For | Small spaces, renovations, wet areas | Large open spaces, commercial areas |
| Surface Finish Options | Matt, satin, or gloss | Level 1 (matte) to Level 4 (highly glossy) |
| Maintenance | Basic – sweep and mop with ph-neutral cleaners | Durable, suitable for commercial use |
Making Your Final Decision
The choice between microcement and polished concrete flooring needs careful thought about what you’re looking for. This piece shows how these similar-looking options are quite different in thickness, how long they take to install, and where they work best.
Microcement floors are perfect for renovation projects where you need thin layers. You’ll love its 2-3mm thickness, quick 4-5 day installation, and how it goes right over existing surfaces. This makes it ideal to update without tearing everything apart. It also works great with underfloor heating systems, which is a huge plus for creating cosy homes.
Polished concrete takes more time to install and needs more depth, but it’s incredibly tough for busy commercial spaces. The sort of thing I love about polished concrete is how each floor looks unique. No two floors are alike, though you can’t control the look as much as with microcement’s even finish.
Your choice should come down to practical things – your timeline, space limits, what you like, and what you need the floor to do. Microcement shines in small spaces with height limits or renovations. Polished concrete might be your best bet for new commercial buildings that need strong floors.
Both options give you modern, sleek floors that last a long time when installed properly. The best choice isn’t about which one’s “better” – it’s about what matches your project’s goals, budget, and what you’ll need down the road.
FAQs
Q1. How does microcement differ from polished concrete?
Microcement is a thin layer (2-3mm) cement-based coating that offers more control over colour and texture. Polished concrete, on the other hand, is a thicker (minimum 100mm) decorative finish created by grinding and polishing existing concrete slabs.
Q2. What are the main advantages of microcement flooring?
Microcement offers quick installation (4-5 days), compatibility with underfloor heating, seamless finish, and the ability to be applied over existing surfaces. It’s also highly customisable in terms of colour and texture.
Q3. Is polished concrete suitable for all spaces?
Polished concrete excels in large, open areas and high-traffic commercial spaces. However, it may not be ideal for smaller areas or spaces with height restrictions due to its thickness requirements and need for expansion joints.
Q4. How do microcement and polished concrete perform in wet areas?
Microcement is excellent for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens due to its waterproof properties and seamless finish. Polished concrete can also be used in these areas but may require additional sealing and maintenance.
Q5. Which flooring option is more cost-effective?
While microcement typically costs between $150-$250 per square metre, its faster installation and versatility can lead to overall project savings. Polished concrete costs can vary widely depending on the existing substrate and desired finish, making a direct comparison challenging.