Can You Use Microcement in the Kitchen?

And other questions about microcement kitchens.

X-Bond Microcement kitchen flooring.

With its seamless finish, industrial aesthetic, and impressive durability, it’s no wonder homeowners and designers are asking whether microcement is suitable for kitchen surfaces. The short answer is, yes — microcement is suitable for kitchens!

But with this comes a range of other questions. Can it handle heat and moisture? Is it safe for countertops? What about cleaning and maintenance?

In this post, we’re diving into the most common kitchen-related inquiries about microcement to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your space.

What is microcement, exactly?

Microcement is a cement-based coating applied by hand in thin layers to a variety of surfaces, including floors, walls, ceilings, and joinery. Despite its slim profile (usually just 1/8” thick), it's extremely durable and resistant to the daily demands of a busy kitchen. Best of all, microcement like SEMCO X-Bond is specially formulated to bond to existing materials, so it gives you the ability to remodel old surfaces without the need for demolition.

Why is microcement popular in kitchens?

Kitchens demand surfaces that are not only stylish but also hard-wearing and easy to clean. Microcement checks all these boxes. It’s resistant to stains (when sealed properly), and can be applied seamlessly — no grout lines, no joins where food and other grime can hide. This gives a clean, modern aesthetic that works well with modern interior designs.

Where can I install microcement in the kitchen?

Anywhere there’s stains, water, and traffic. Yep, microcement is suitable for a wide range of applications in the kitchen, including: floors, walls, ceilings, island benches, countertops, rangehoods, joinery, kitchen cupboards, and sink basins. It can be applied over many different substrates including tiles, concrete, MDF, plaster, stone, and laminate.

Is microcement waterproof — can I install it near my kitchen sink?

Microcement is not inherently waterproof, but it can easily be done with the right prep work. Most systems involve liquid waterproofing as an essential step prior to the microcement application (make sure you confirm this with the product supplier). For example, our SEMCO X-Bond is installed with Liquid Membrane™, advanced waterproofing and anti-fracture protection; making it suitable for all wet areas including inside your sink itself! Of course, it’ll need to be finished with a sealer for added protection.

Can microcement be used on kitchen countertops?

Yes, microcement is a great choice for countertops if you're looking for a seamless, slightly tactile surface. Because it’s applied by hand in thin layers, microcement can also be used to finish your cabinets and cupboards! However, countertops are high-use areas, so professional installation and proper sealing are crucial to protect against heat, scratches, and stains. Cutting boards and trivets are still recommended for daily use.

Is microcement heat-resistant?

Microcement is heat resistant and has great thermal conductivity, so heat won’t impact the surface in most cases. Our product X-Bond is even suitable as a coating on underfloor heating and rangehoods.

However, placing hot pots or pans directly on microcement surfaces can damage the sealer or finish over time. So can hot oil or grease if left to sit for too long. It’s best to use a heat mat to protect the surface if you’re resting hot items on it for prolonged periods, and to clean up boiling oil spills as soon as you can.

Can microcement be used in splashback areas or behind stovetops?

A sink splashback; absolutely! A stove splashback; you might encounter issues if hot oils and grease are left to migrate into the sealer, as mentioned above. You won’t often see microcement installed to splashback areas behind cooktops for this reason, as you have to be prepared to take on more frequent maintenance than usually required — and be very sure that the sealer used will withstand what’s thrown at it.

Is microcement easy to clean and maintain in the kitchen?

Yes — daily maintenance is simple. A pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or mop are all you need. Regular sweeping of dirt, sand, or other hard debris on flooring is recommended. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals, which can damage the sealer. However, the great thing about choosing SEMCO is that our sealers provide outstanding protection for as long as 10 years before they need a touch-up.

X-Bond flooring at the Câlin guesthouse kitchen.

Is it food safe?

This depends on the topcoat sealer used to finish the microcement. At SEMCO, the X-Bond sealers can be used in food preparation areas as well as projects such as hospitals, laboratories, and automotive facilities.

Can I choose the color and texture of my microcement?

Definitely. One of the biggest advantages of microcement is customization. You can choose from a wide palette of colors, as well as different textures — the X-Bond range includes a flat uniform finish, a highly tonal polished surface, and something in between.

How long does installation take?

Installation time varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, but most kitchen applications take between 3 to 5 days. This includes drying times between layers and the final sealing process.

How much does it cost?

An installer will price your job based on factors including: the area of application, the substrate you’re applying over, the area’s total dimensions, and the complexity of the job. It will also be impacted by any preparation work needed to ensure a suitable substrate for application — such as levelling existing tiles, or creating an MDF base for your custom joinery.

What are the downsides?

Very little! But there are some considerations to weigh up, which we outline in more depth here: Should You Choose Microcement?

But to summarise; while microcement is durable, it’s not indestructible. Its performance depends largely on the stability of your substrate i.e. application over a damaged substrate will lead to damaged microcement. And while it’s very resilient in the face of daily wear, scuffs, and scratches from furniture, chips and cracks can occur if really heavy objects are dropped on it.

Microcement also requires skilled application for the best results — DIY isn’t recommended. So granted, it’s not as affordable as products you can install yourself without trade skills.

All in all, microcement is a great solution for kitchen surfaces that deliver the best of both aesthetics and function. It's incredibly versatile, durable, low-maintenance, customizable, hygienic… what’s not to love? When installed by a professional and properly maintained, it can provide years of style and performance.

Thinking of using microcement in your kitchen? Feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to answer any questions or help you get a quote.