07426 957332info@decorativesurfacecompany.com Monday to Friday, 7:30am–6pm - TikTok HomeAboutServices Service Areas Our WorkReviewsContactRequest a Free Quote Home - Microcement GuideMicrocement guide # Microcement Guide: Is It the Right Surface for Your Home? What it is, where it works, how it compares, and why the installer makes the difference. Get a free fixed-price quoteCall 07426 957332 Microcement has become one of the most requested finishes for modern homes, but it is not right for every space. This guide explains what microcement is, where it works best, how it compares with tiles and resin, and what makes the difference between a finish that lasts and one that disappoints. ## What microcement actually is Microcement is a cement-based decorative coating applied by hand with a trowel, in thin layers that together are only a few millimetres thick. Once sealed, it forms a continuous surface with no grout lines and no joints. That single, unbroken finish is what gives microcement its calm, architectural look and its practical appeal. Because it is applied by hand, every installation has its own gentle variation in tone and texture. It is not a printed or uniform surface. That subtle movement is a large part of why people choose it over tiles or sheet materials. ## Why so many homeowners are choosing it The first reason is the look. A seamless floor that flows from kitchen to living space, or a wet room where floor, walls and shower read as one surface, makes a room feel larger and quieter. There are no grout lines breaking up the space and no trims or edges drawing the eye. The second reason is disruption. Because microcement is so thin, it can often go over an existing sound, level surface. That can mean less demolition, less waste, and no big change in floor height between rooms. The third reason is practicality. With no grout lines, there are fewer places for dirt and mould to collect, which makes cleaning simpler. Microcement is also compatible with underfloor heating, and its thin build-up conducts heat well. ## Where microcement works in a home Floors: kitchens, open-plan living areas, hallways and extensions are the most common. A continuous floor across connected rooms is where microcement makes the biggest difference. Walls: feature walls, fireplaces and media walls, where the soft hand-worked texture becomes the focal point of the room. Wet rooms and bathrooms: one flowing surface across floor, walls and shower area, sealed for a wet environment. Tanking is always carried out by others beforehand. Stairs: treads, risers and stringers wrapped in one finish so the staircase reads as a single sculpted element. Furniture and worktops: kitchen islands, vanity units and built-in joinery finished to the same tone as the floors and walls around them. ## Microcement compared with tiles Tiles are a familiar, proven choice, but they come with grout lines, and grout is where most bathroom and kitchen cleaning effort goes. Tiles also add more height, and changing them usually means taking the old ones up. Microcement gives a seamless surface with no grout. It can often be applied over existing surfaces, and it can wrap around corners, steps and built-in furniture in one finish. The trade-off is that it relies heavily on the skill of the installer and on a well-prepared substrate. ## Microcement compared with resin People often group microcement and resin together, but they are chosen for different reasons. Microcement is chosen mainly for its appearance and its natural, hand-finished character. It suits homes, feature walls and interiors. Resin is chosen first for performance: abrasion and impact resistance, wheeled traffic, oil and chemical resistance, and a surface you can wash down. Garages, workshops, trade counters and commercial units usually suit resin better. We install both, so we will recommend whichever genuinely fits the space. ## Choosing the right system Not all microcement is the same. Different systems give different looks and suit different surfaces. We install a range of certified systems, including Microtopping, Solidro, Puro Metallio, LIXIO, RASICO, Acid Stain and Architop. Some give a fine, smooth finish. Others give a stronger texture, a metallic effect or a stone-like character. The right system depends on the surface, how the room is used and the look you want. We talk this through at survey and show you real samples, rather than asking you to choose from a screen. ## Why professional installation transforms the result With microcement, the installer matters as much as the material. The finish is only a few millimetres thick, so it follows whatever is beneath it. A substrate that moves, cracks or holds moisture will show through. Layers that are rushed or applied in the wrong conditions can lead to cracking, patchy colour or a weak bond. The wrong seal in a wet area can lead to staining. A professional installer surveys the substrate before quoting, tells you clearly what other trades need to do first, follows the manufacturer's system on every layer and chooses the seal for how the room will be used. We are manufacturer-certified with IDEAL WORK UK for microcement and OX RESIN for resin flooring, carry £10 million public liability insurance and guarantee our workmanship for one year. ## What it costs and how pricing works Every project is different, so the honest answer is that cost depends on the area, the surfaces involved, the system chosen and the condition of the substrate. What we can promise is clarity. Quotes are always free, and we price on a fixed price for the job rather than a day rate, so you know the figure before we start. A 45% deposit covers materials and secures your installation date. ## Is microcement right for you? Microcement is a strong choice if you want a seamless, modern finish, less disruption than a full strip-out, and a surface that is simple to clean. It is less suited to spaces that need heavy-duty performance above all else, where resin is usually the better answer. The best way to find out is a conversation and a survey. We work across Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, York, Manchester, Sheffield, Ripon, Windermere and Kendal. ## Frequently asked questions What is microcement?Microcement is a thin, cement-based decorative finish applied by hand in layers a few millimetres thick. It creates a seamless, joint-free surface on floors, walls, stairs, wet rooms, worktops and furniture. Can microcement be laid over my existing floor?In most cases yes, over a sound, level substrate. We survey the substrate before quoting. Is microcement suitable for underfloor heating?Yes. It is compatible with underfloor heating and conducts heat well because of its thin, seamless build-up. Can microcement be used in a shower or wet room?Yes, once tanking has been carried out by others beforehand. We then seal the microcement appropriately for a wet environment. Should I choose resin or microcement?Microcement is chosen mainly for its appearance and suits homes, feature walls and interiors. Resin is chosen first for performance, such as wheeled traffic, oil and chemical resistance, and usually suits garages, workshops and commercial units better. Are quotes free?Yes. Quotes are always free and priced as a fixed price for the job. ## Related pages - Our installation process - All services - Resin flooring - Areas we cover - Our work ## Ready to talk about your project? Quotes are free and fixed-price, so you know the figure before any work starts. Call Jack on 07426 957332 or send your details and we will come back to you. Request a free quoteCall 07426 957332 Microcement and resin specialists working across Yorkshire and the North West. Manufacturer-certified with IDEAL WORK UK and OX RESIN, with £10 million public liability cover and a one-year workmanship guarantee. ## Services - Microcement Flooring - Microcement Walls - Wet Rooms & Bathrooms - Microcement Stairs - Furniture & Worktops - Resin Flooring ## Areas - Leeds - Bradford - Harrogate - York - Manchester - Sheffield - Ripon - Windermere - Kendal ## Get in touch - 07426 957332 - info@decorativesurfacecompany.com - 5 Horncliffe Way, Menston,Ilkley, LS29 6SP - Monday to Friday, 7:30am–6pmInstagramTikTok © 2026 The Decorative Surface Company. All rights reserved. Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms & ConditionsFounded by Jack Norfolk. Call NowFree Quote