When it comes to choosing flooring options in Melbourne, two popular materials often come up for comparison: microcement and concrete. Both options offer a modern, sleek aesthetic with exceptional durability, but they differ significantly in terms of application, finish, and overall feel. If you're considering flooring choices for your home or commercial space, understanding the key differences between these two materials can help you make an informed decision.

In this blog post, we’ll compare microcement and concrete floors, and how each might fit into your vision for your space.

What is Microcement?

Microcement is a thin, cement and polymer coating that’s applied directly over existing substrates such as tiles. It offers a versatile and seamless finish that can be used on floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, and even bathrooms or wet areas. The beauty of microcement lies in its ability to create a smooth, continuous surface without the need for grout lines or joints. Microcement offers a wide range of textures and colours, making it a popular choice for contemporary interiors.

X-Bond Microcement walls and ceilings at The Hideaway House (photography by Timothy Kaye)

Architecture: Cera Stribley

What is Concrete Flooring?

Concrete flooring refers to the use of cast concrete as a solid, poured surface. This can either be polished or left as-is to create a more raw, textured look. Concrete floors are known for their industrial, minimalist appeal and are often used in modern residential and commercial spaces.ares, the nearby Place des Vosges.

Source: Pinterest

Key Differences: Microcement vs Concrete Floors

1. Application and Installation

• Microcement: One of the biggest advantages of microcement is its ability to be applied by hand over existing substrates. Whether you have tiles, old concrete, or even timber, microcement can be applied without the need to remove the underlying surface (learn more about remodel without removal here). The process requires skilled application to ensure an even, seamless finish — but no heavy machinery. This makes it less disruptive compared to installing a new concrete floor, however it still takes time and expertise to achieve the best results.

• Concrete Flooring: Concrete floors are typically poured on-site with machines, which involves preparing the area, mixing the concrete, and allowing it to cure. This installation can be time-consuming and may require more preparation work, especially for large or complex spaces. Concrete also cannot be poured over an existing substrate; this is why microcement is a great alternative for concrete resurfacing.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

• Microcement: The seamless finish of microcement is its defining characteristic. Unlike concrete slabs, it doesn’t require joints (with a few exceptions). It’s also highly adaptable to a variety of interior styles, as it can be customised in a wide range of colours and texture options. This versatility makes it a great choice for those who seek the durability of concrete, but are looking for more unique aesthetic variations. View the X-Bond Microcement range here.

• Concrete Flooring: Concrete floors are loved for their raw, industrial appearance. There’s less option for customisation, but if you love the classic concrete look this isn’t a concern (note that X-Bond looks very similar to concrete when specified in Micro). That being said, concrete floors can be enhanced with stains, dyes, or polishing techniques for more individualised results.

3. Durability and Maintenance

• Microcement: Microcement is applied in a thinner layer than solid concrete flooring — X-Bond is applied at 2-3mm thick! This makes it the preferred alternative where lightweight construction is important. Despite its thinness, microcement is very hardy. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, de-lamination; and is suitable for high-traffic areas. It’s important to properly seal and maintain the surface, as improper sealing can lead to staining or damage over time.

• Concrete Flooring: Concrete floors are known for their exceptional durability. They can handle heavy foot traffic, impacts, and heavy machinery in industrial settings. Concrete and microcement are both weather-resistant, however microcement is the go-to where a waterproof and non-porous surface is required. Both materials are low-maintenance.

4. Cost

• Microcement: Microcement costs cary depending on the area of application, substrate of application, project dimensions, and complexity of the installation. It does require more specialised expertise and training than concreting, which can be reflected in pricing. However, because microcement can be applied over existing surfaces, it saves on removal and preparation costs compared to installing a full concrete floor.

• Concrete Flooring: The price for concrete will impacted by similar factors to microcement, such as area of application and size. Concrete floors can be more affordable in terms of raw materials, but may involve higher installation costs due to the preparation and machinery required for pouring the concrete.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Microcement if:

• You’re after a totally joint-free surface.

• You want a concrete alternative that can be applied over existing floors.

• You need a versatile material with a wider range of colours and textures.

• You are working with spaces where a thinner, lightweight layer is beneficial.

Choose Concrete Flooring if:

• You’re looking for that classic industrial, raw aesthetic.

• You’re renovating an entire space and don’t mind installing a new, solid flooring system from scratch.

• Budget allows for a more robust installation process.

Whether you choose microcement or concrete flooring, both options offer timeless beauty and exceptional durability. The best choice will depend on your personal style and the demands of your space. If you’re ready to upgrade your floors with microcement in Melbourne, enquire today to discuss your project with our team.