Microcement FAQ — Floors, Walls & Ceilings

1. What is microcement and what surfaces can it be applied to?

Microcement is a water-based decorative coating made from a blend of cement, fine aggregates, and liquid polymers. It is applied in thin coats — just 2–3mm — directly over existing surfaces, creating a seamless, grout-free finish.

At Bespoke Surfaces Australia, we specialise in microcement for floors, walls, and ceilings. This focus allows us to deliver exceptional results in the applications where microcement truly excels: open-plan living areas, feature walls, statement ceilings, commercial floors, and architectural interiors.

We use X-Bond Microcement, a premium system developed for high-performance architectural finishes. Whether you're transforming a residential living space or a commercial fit-out, X-Bond delivers a sophisticated, durable result.

2. How much does microcement flooring cost in Melbourne?

Professionally installed microcement floors in Melbourne typically start from $200+ per square metre. The final cost depends on the size of the area, the condition of the existing substrate, the finish type selected, and the complexity of the space.

Factors that influence pricing include:

•       Floor area size — larger areas benefit from better per-metre rates

•       Substrate preparation — concrete, timber, and existing tiles each require different prep work

•       Access and site conditions — multi-storey residential and commercial sites may require additional logistics

The best way to get an accurate figure is to book a consultation. Our team will visit your site or meet you at our Preston showroom to assess the project and provide a detailed quote. Contact us at info@bespokesurfaces.com.au or call 0414 530 859.

3. What types of microcement floor finishes are available?

X-Bond Microcement offers four distinct floor finish types, each suited to different design intentions and environments:

•       X-Bond Micro — a refined, hand-trowelled finish with subtle organic texture from the steel trowel. The most popular choice for interior residential floors, open-plan living areas, and contemporary commercial spaces.

•       X-Bond Blade — engineered for enhanced slip resistance without compromising aesthetics. Ideal for outdoor entertaining areas, commercial entries, and transitional spaces between indoors and out.

•       X-Bond Mineral — a rich, tactile finish with dimensional depth. Best suited to feature floors and design-led spaces where texture is part of the statement.

•       X-Bond Natural Concrete — authentically replicates raw concrete or rammed earth. Delivers industrial warmth and architectural honesty to modern interiors.

All finishes are available across a palette of 10+ colours including warm neutrals, earthy tones, and contemporary shades. Visit our Preston showroom to see full-size samples in person.

4. Can microcement be applied over existing floors without removing them?

Yes — and this is one of microcement's most significant advantages for Melbourne renovation projects. X-Bond Microcement can be applied directly over existing ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, concrete slabs, and timber subfloors, avoiding the cost, time, and disruption of full demolition.

The existing floor must be structurally sound, firmly bonded, and properly primed before application. Our team assesses every substrate as part of the consultation process to confirm suitability and identify any preparation work required.

For Melbourne homeowners renovating without wanting to gut their entire space — microcement is often the most practical and cost-effective path to a completely transformed floor.

5. How long does microcement flooring last?

A professionally installed microcement floor can last 15–25 years or more with correct maintenance. X-Bond Microcement is polymer-enhanced for exceptional resistance to scratches, abrasion, and heavy foot traffic — making it well-suited to both residential and commercial environments.

Key factors that affect longevity:

•       Installation quality — proper preparation and layering are the foundation of a long-lasting floor

•       Sealer quality — the topcoat sealer protects the surface from wear and moisture; premium sealers outperform budget alternatives significantly

•       Traffic levels — commercial floors in high-traffic hospitality venues may require resealing more frequently than residential floors

•       Maintenance — pH-neutral cleaners and periodic resealing extend the life of any microcement floor

Bespoke Surfaces Australia provides a full aftercare guide and ongoing maintenance support for all our Melbourne installations.

6. Is microcement suitable for feature walls?

Absolutely — feature walls are one of the most striking applications of microcement, and one of our specialities at Bespoke Surfaces Australia. A microcement feature wall creates a seamless, textured surface with genuine depth and character that paint, wallpaper, or tiles simply cannot replicate.

Popular applications include:

•       Living room and lounge feature walls in residential homes

•       Fireplace surrounds and TV wall panels

•       Entry halls and stairwells

•       Commercial feature walls in cafés, restaurants, retail spaces, and offices

•       Architectural statement walls in high-end hospitality venues

The X-Bond Mineral and Natural Concrete finishes are particularly popular for feature walls due to their tactile, dimensional quality. The material can be carried continuously from floor to wall for a fully immersive effect — a hallmark of contemporary Melbourne interior design.

7. Can microcement be used on ceilings?

Yes — microcement ceilings are a bold architectural statement and an increasingly popular choice in high-design Melbourne interiors. Extending microcement from floor to wall to ceiling creates a completely cohesive, enveloping environment that is difficult to achieve with any other material.

Ceiling applications require experienced installers due to the complexity of working overhead and the need to maintain consistency across a large uninterrupted plane. Our team at Bespoke Surfaces Australia has the skills and experience to execute microcement ceilings to a high standard.

Microcement ceilings work particularly well in:

•       Open-plan living and dining areas in contemporary homes

•       Commercial hospitality venues seeking a dramatic, immersive interior

•       Architectural spaces where a single continuous surface is part of the design intent

8. What is the difference between microcement and polished concrete?

Both microcement and polished concrete deliver a smooth, seamless, concrete-inspired aesthetic — but they are fundamentally different in how they are applied and where they can be used.

Polished concrete requires an existing concrete slab, which is mechanically ground and polished. It is structural — part of the building itself — and can only be applied to floors.

Microcement is a 2–3mm overlay applied over almost any existing surface, including tiles, timber, render, and plasterboard. It can go on floors, walls, and ceilings. This makes it far more versatile for renovations, and the only viable option if you want a continuous surface across multiple planes.

For Melbourne homeowners and designers who want the concrete look without the constraints of a concrete slab — or who want to extend the material vertically onto walls and ceilings — microcement is the answer.

9. What does a microcement floor look like — is it purely flat and grey?

Not at all. One of the most common misconceptions about microcement is that it only comes in flat, industrial grey. In reality, X-Bond Microcement offers a wide range of colours and textures that can feel warm, refined, earthy, or dramatic depending on the combination chosen.

The colour palette includes Aspen (warm white), Haze (soft warm grey), Frost (cool light grey), Umber (deep warm brown), Ash, Shade, Dusk, Mist, Smoke, and Terra. Finish options range from the smooth, subtle trowel marks of X-Bond Micro to the raw, dimensional quality of X-Bond Natural Concrete.

The best way to understand the range is to visit our Preston showroom and see full-size samples in natural light. The difference between seeing a sample in person versus a screen is significant — microcement is a material that rewards close inspection.

10. How long does a microcement floor or wall installation take?

A typical residential microcement installation for a floor or feature wall takes 3–5 days. This includes surface preparation, multiple application layers — each requiring adequate drying time between coats — and the final sealing process.

Larger commercial installations or projects covering floors, walls, and ceilings together will take longer, typically 5–10 days depending on scope. The space must be clear of furniture and foot traffic during installation, and we require a minimum of 24–48 hours after the final sealer is applied before normal use resumes.

We provide a detailed project timeline before work begins so you can plan access, furniture removal, and any other trades accordingly.

11. Do you work with architects and interior designers?

Yes — working with architects and interior designers is a core part of what we do. Bespoke Surfaces Australia regularly collaborates with design professionals across Melbourne on residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality projects.

We can provide:

•       Material specifications and technical data sheets for design documentation

•       Full-size finish and colour samples for client presentations

•       Mock-up panels for sign-off prior to installation

•       Site attendance and coordination with other trades

•       Installation methodology documentation for projects requiring it

If you are a design professional working on a project that specifies microcement floors, walls, or ceilings in Melbourne or regional Victoria, we would love to be involved. Contact us at info@bespokesurfaces.com.au.

12. Can microcement be used outdoors?

Yes — X-Bond Microcement is suitable for outdoor floors and walls in Melbourne's climate when the correct finish and sealer system is used. The X-Bond Blade finish is our recommendation for outdoor applications, providing enhanced slip resistance alongside durability against UV exposure, heat, and rainfall.

Popular outdoor applications include:

•       Alfresco entertaining areas and patios

•       Outdoor feature walls and garden elements

•       Commercial outdoor dining and entry areas

Outdoor microcement requires a UV-stable sealer and appropriate thermal movement considerations during installation. Our team will advise on the right system for your outdoor project.

13. How do I maintain microcement floors and walls?

Microcement is straightforward to maintain with the right approach:

•       Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner diluted in water for regular cleaning

•       Avoid acidic or abrasive products — bleach, vinegar, scouring pads, and harsh chemical cleaners will damage the sealer

•       Wipe spills promptly, particularly oils and pigmented liquids

•       Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratching on floors

•       Reseal every 3–5 years in residential settings; more frequently in commercial environments

Bespoke Surfaces Australia provides a comprehensive aftercare guide with every installation. We also offer maintenance resealing services across Melbourne for existing microcement floors and walls.

14. I've been asked about bathrooms or benchtops — do you do those?

Our specialisation is microcement for floors, walls, and ceilings — and that's where we deliver the best results. We've made a deliberate decision to focus on these applications so we can execute them to the highest standard.

If you're planning a home renovation and want to transform your living areas, open-plan spaces, entry halls, feature walls, or ceilings — that's exactly what we do, and we'd love to help.

The great news is that microcement floors and walls can create a dramatic transformation throughout a home without touching wet areas at all. Some of the most striking interiors we've worked on haven't included a single bathroom tile — just continuous microcement surfaces flowing through every living space.

Get in touch to discuss your project at info@bespokesurfaces.com.au or visit our showroom at 254 Plenty Road, Preston.

15. Why choose Bespoke Surfaces Australia for microcement in Melbourne?

We are Melbourne's specialist microcement installer for floors, walls, and ceilings — and that focus is our point of difference.

Rather than doing everything, we have chosen to master the applications where microcement performs best and looks most spectacular: open-plan residential floors, architectural feature walls, commercial hospitality surfaces, and statement ceilings.

•       Certified X-Bond installer — trained and certified in one of the most advanced microcement systems available

•       Specialist focus — floors, walls, and ceilings only, meaning every project gets our full expertise

•       Local Melbourne knowledge — based in Preston, with completed projects across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and Geelong

•       Design collaboration — experienced working alongside architects, interior designers, and builders

•       End-to-end service — consultation, showroom, installation, and aftercare

Visit our showroom at 254 Plenty Road, Preston (by appointment), or contact us by

• Emailing us directly at info@bespokesurfaces.com.au

• Filling out our online inquiry form here

We look forward to understanding your vision and crafting a bespoke X-Bond Microcement solution that elevates your space.