Should You Choose Microcement Flooring?
The Pros and Cons of Microcement
Are you tossing up between microcement and another surface for your next construction or design project? Making a pros and cons list? We’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the benefits and possible limitations that could impact your choice, highlighting why microcement is a top pick for flooring. We’ll point out key factors to keep in mind when selecting both your microcement product and installer — as well as the reasons why so many homeowners, architects, and builders around the world are choosing SEMCO X-Bond.
By the end, we hope to ease any concerns surrounding whether microcement truly is the perfect flooring solution for your needs. Get in touch with our team if you’re looking for a US microcement supplier.
What is Microcement?
Microcement (also known as microtopping, microscreed, or micro concrete) is a concrete alternative with a few key differences. Firstly, it contains adhesive polymers so it can be installed directly over existing floor surfaces, typically tiles or concrete. It’s also hand-applied as an extremely thin coating — X-Bond is only 1/8” thick. The result is seamless, textured flooring that’s as durable as concrete but far more versatile.
Microcement flooring is commonly used in high-traffic public spaces, such as commercial buildings, stores, restaurants, and hotels. It’s also a popular choice in modern homes, especially bathrooms. Additionally, microcement works well for outdoor areas, including pools.
For more details, check out our complete guide to microcement.
The Advantages of X-Bond Microcement Flooring
Our engineers created SEMCO X-Bond in 1991 as an innovative alternative to traditional surface materials. It’s now supplied and installed all over the world, from California to Belgium to Australia. Here’s why you should choose X-Bond Microcement for your floors.
Versatile installation
With our Remodel Without Removal method, there’s no need to tear out your existing floor to install microcement. Even if your current floor is damaged, X-Bond can be applied over almost any hard surface, from concrete to tiles, making it incredibly versatile compared to other overlays. This is because SEMCO engineers have incorporated added latex polymers into the X-Bond formula so it can form a strong chemical bond with existing substrates.
Slim profile
X-Bond’s ultra-thin profile, just 1/8” thick, is perfect for projects where a lightweight material is needed, and minimal impact on floor height is crucial. For example, resurfacing an old concrete slab won’t require adjusting door heights, or impact the building’s load-bearing capacity.
Strength and flexibility
Though thin, microcement is as durable as other hard surfaces. X-Bond’s innovative formula is extremely flexible, designed to prevent cracking as the building naturally shifts. It also ensures long-term durability without de-lamination — a problem we’ve never encountered in 30 years of supplying and installing this product.
Waterproof with no worries
Some microcements aren’t waterproof; but the X-Bond Microcement flooring system includes a straightforward waterproofing process. Installers will first use our liquid waterproofing membrane for advanced protection, making X-Bond perfectly suitable for all wet environments such as showers, sinks, steam rooms, and even fully submerged in pools. It’s also mould-resistant, with a high-quality sealer applied for extra protection.
A seamless surface
X-Bond Microcement is applied manually with a trowel, forming a single continuous layer with no seams or joints to create smooth, grout-free floors. This not only simplifies maintenance but also makes it a popular choice in contemporary minimalist designs.
Personalised designs
Unlike concrete, microcement gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of textures and colors, so you can bring your interior design vision to life. For a truly unique finish, ask us about creating a custom X-Bond shade.
Low-maintenance
People often ask; is microcement is easy to clean? The answer is YES. It’s a popular choice for high-traffic areas in retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces due to its low upkeep requirements. Homeowners love it too. A simple wipe or hose down with water, neutral soap, and a dust mop/cloth is all that’s needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming or expensive cleaning methods.
Considerations When Choosing Microcement
Installation technique
The durability of your microcement flooring is conditional on correct installation, especially in wet areas or when working with a damaged substrate. Globally, only certified professionals or people who’ve received in-person training install X-Bond to guarantee the highest quality and durability of every project. However, we are working on a microcement system for DIY projects. As the USA’s exclusive X-Bond Microcement supplier, we can connect you with a certified installer in any state.
Quality varies between microcements
The success of your project also depends on the microcement product you choose. With the growing popularity of this material, many options are available, but few have a track record like X-Bond. The original microcement, X-Bond has 30 years of proven results and numerous case studies to back it up.
Cost factors to keep in mind
Every quote for microcement installation is different, since an applicator bases their pricing on the specific details of the project such as the area of application, its dimensions, and the substrate you’re working with. While a flooring overlay will save money by avoiding demolition costs, additional expenses could arise for waterproofing or repairing damaged substrates before installation.
An unstable substrate will cause issues
As noted, microcement can be applied over damaged surfaces, but the substrate must first be stabilized by an expert. Natural settlement and movement won’t be a problem, but if the surface is severely unstable, this is what can lead to cracks in the microcement. To prevent future repairs, it's essential to prepare the surface properly.
Repairs may be visible
In the event your microcement flooring gets damaged, it can be repaired using the same method it was originally installed — re-troweling it by hand. However, in rare cases, repairs may be noticeable. This is because the initial coating was applied and cured as a seamless layer. An experienced installer will do their best to blend the repair with the rest of the surface.
Fortunately, this isn’t usually a major issue. High-quality microcement like X-Bond is very durable, and with proper care damage is unlikely. Plus, most microcement finishes naturally have tonal variations from the trowel application, making any repairs less visible compared to other materials.
Microcement Compared to Other Flooring
Microcement vs. Tiles
From an aesthetic perspective, choosing between microcement and tiles ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, in terms of practicality, microcement may have an edge. Tiles can be prone to cracking under significant weight, such as from heavy appliances or cabinetry. Additionally, tiled floors can accumulate dirt and mold in the grout lines, and over time, grout may deteriorate, leading to potential water leaks. If you're looking for a seamless, grout-free surface that offers better resistance to pressure, moisture, and grime, microcement could be the better option.
Microcement vs. Concrete
Concrete is a solid choice, but when it comes to resurfacing an existing floor, microcement is the clear winner. Unlike concrete, which can't be applied over another substrate due to its lack of bonding agents, microcement can easily adhere to existing surfaces. It's also much thinner and lighter than concrete while maintaining comparable strength and crack resistance. This gives microcement greater flexibility as a surface material without compromising on durability. For a deeper comparison, check out our microcement vs. concrete blog post.
Microcement vs. Epoxy Flooring
If you’re seeking a more natural concrete-like aesthetic that works well outdoors, microcement is the way to go. Epoxy flooring has a glossy resin finish, while microcement is a more tactile surface reminiscent of concrete and lime or venetian plaster.
When it comes to durability, epoxy floors struggle in outdoor settings. They can yellow with UV exposure, crack or peel in temperature fluctuations, and may even bubble or de-laminate with excess moisture. In contrast, microcement is UV-resistant, handles extreme weather conditions, and can be fully waterproof, making it a far more suitable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.
So, when should you choose microcement?
Microcement is our top flooring recommendation if you:
Prefer the seamless, textured look of concrete
Value versatility and customization
Need to resurface existing floors such as concrete or tiles
Are looking for a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain option for busy areas
In short, the advantages of microcement far outweigh any minor concerns, which can be easily addressed with experienced installers and a premium product.
Reach out to our team to discuss using X-Bond for your upcoming flooring project. We offer nationwide distribution across the US.
