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How Much Does Microcement Cost



Microcement Bathroom by Raw Surfaces
Microcement Bathroom

As someone deeply involved in the world of interior design and construction, I've seen the rise of microcement first-hand. Microcement, seamless finish, and versatility make it a favourite for stylish, modern renovations and new construction. However, like any material, microcement has its own drawbacks, as every finish does.


In this post, I want to share my thoughts on some disadvantages of microcement so you can make a choice if it's right for you!



Breaking Down the Costs of Microcement

When I first started working with microcement, I quickly realized that it comes at a cost.

Here’s why:

  1. Material Costs: Microcement itself is more expensive than traditional cement-based materials or renders. The high-quality Polymers, pigments, and aggregates used in Microcements makeup come at a premium.

  2. Labour Costs: Applying microcement is a highly skilled process. Unlike standard concrete or render, microcement requires meticulous preparation, layering, and finishing, as well as attention to detail and sealing.

  3. Amount Of Labour: Microcement needs to be applied seamlessly when completing finishing coats and sealing 3 applications are required in 1x day for each process. On average, 1x team member can complete 20-40 sqm of walls per day and 30-50 sqm of floors depending on the layout or complex details, i.e. curves, stairs niches, ledges, and joinery ceilings all take additional time and labour costs. The size and complexity of your project will affect how many people or days are needed to complete it.

  4. Time: Microcement projects can not be completed within the minimum time required to complete a job, which is 4 individual site visits on separate days. Complex layouts or details or additional preparation will extend your project time and cost.

  5. Preparation & Process: The way a surface is prepared for microcement depends on what we are going over, also known as substrate preparation. Preparing the surface for microcement is crucial to its working and is often the downfall of jobs. It involves grinding, sanding, cleaning, protecting surrounding finishes, use of fibre glass meshes, polishing, priming, troweling sealing and some more troweling. Depending on what we are working with, extra preparation, such as waterproofing, demolition & levelling, might be needed of this depend on what we are going over


Is The Cost of Microcement Worth It To You

Everything good and unique in life comes at a cost; microcement is no different.


  1. Durability: Microcement is incredibly durable, flexible, and resistant to cracking, chipping, and wear. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is perfect for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike normal renders, Microcement is made to be used and lived, not just looked at on a wall.

  2. Low Maintenance: Once sealed, microcement surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. Do not produce dust, require minimal effort to clean, and can retain their appearance for years with minimal effort.

  3. Aesthetic Appeal: The seamless, modern look of microcement is unmatched. It provides a sleek, contemporary finish that can elevate the design of any space.

  4. Versatility: Microcement can be applied to almost any surface, including floors, walls, benches, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor areas, and even furniture. Its ability to adapt to different surfaces and styles makes it a versatile choice for both residential and commercial projects.

We love using and installing microcement at Raw Surfaces and even have microcement through our own homes.


However, understanding the cost of microcement early in the planning stage - will save you a lot of hassle. Microcement is not a cheap, budget or entry-level surface and if you find one that is run it will end up costing you more when it needs to be re done!


While the initial cost of microcement may look higher than that of traditional Surfaces that kind of look the same, microcement cost includes all preparation and materials rather than spreading them across multiple trades so you will find the cost is often the same when all things are considered.

Microcement durability, low maintenance, versatility and architectural style make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to create a stylish, modern space that is sure to impress anyone that looks at it.





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