Are There Any Downsides of Microcement?

When you’re considering materials for your project, it’s natural to wonder: what are the cons? Clients have often come to us after researching the downsides of microcement, looking for answers to their questions before making a decision. So what do we tell them?

While microcement does have certain considerations, many of the commonly raised concerns come from poor-quality products or incorrect installation. The X-Bond system has been refined and developed over the last three decades to specifically address the issues encountered with other products and application methods, so you get all the benefits of microcement without the drawbacks.

Let’s break down the most common “cons” you’ll hear, and why they don’t apply when you choose X-Bond.

1. Does Microcement Crack or Delaminate?

The Concern: Overlays have a mixed reputation in the industry, and the most common misconception is that they’ll crack under pressure — especially if an older subfloor or wall is being resurfaced.

The Reality with X-Bond: Cracking and de-lamination typically happen with inferior formulations. X-Bond’s polymer-modified system is designed for advanced adhesion to a substrate, meaning it’ll bond to existing surfaces without de-laminating. These polymers also make X-Bond highly flexible, so it’s engineered to move with buildings as they naturally settle. However, if you’re resurfacing an area with significant structural movement (such as an older home experiencing foundation issues) we wouldn’t recommend any microcement overlay — XBond or otherwise — until the substrate’s long-term stability has been addressed.

Peeling or lifting can also occur where substrates have not been properly cleaned or waterproofed before application. That’s why it’s so important to engage a professional microcement installation team. You wouldn’t trust a barista to service your car, so why trust someone with no surfacing experience to prepare your substrate?

2. Is Microcement Easy to Stain or Scratch?

The Concern: Some believe that microcement is purely decorative, and won’t hold up when exposed to spills, wear, or daily foot traffic.

The Reality with X-Bond: It’s true that unsealed microcement is vulnerable; but every X-Bond installation will be finished with a protective sealer that forms a non-porous barrier against stains, moisture, and scratches. In fact, every single microcement surface should be sealed — if you’re looking at a product that doesn’t require sealer, it’s not true microcement but likely a different coating or composite material.

After sealing, whether it’s in a kitchen, bathroom, or commercial space, an X-Bond surface is designed to handle the demands of daily use while maintaining its beautiful, tactile aesthetic.

3. Is Microcement Slippery When Wet?

The Concern: Because they look so sleek and smooth, seamless microcement flooring might seem unsafe in bathrooms, pool surrounds, or other wet areas.

The Reality with X-Bond: Slip resistance is built into our system. There’s natural texture in an X-Bond surface, due to the trowel application, and all of our finish options meet non-slip requirements for wet areas. You’ll often see X-Bond specified in both residential and commercial projects where safety in wet spaces is a priority — such past projects include gyms and public facilities, residential showers, restaurants, and backyard/pool surrounds.

4. Is Microcement Expensive?

The Concern: People often take microcement off the table unless they have high-end budgets because it’s a hand-applied, specialist finish.

The Reality with X-Bond: While it is a premium product, and specialised labour is incorporated into installation prices, X-Bond offers incredible value because it can be applied directly over existing surfaces. This saves demolition costs by reducing downtime, trades, waste, and machinery. For bathroom renovations, it can come out cheaper than the process involved with re-tiling, for example.

Microcement’s durability also means less maintenance and replacement, making it cost-effective in the long run.

5. Will Microcement Look Dated In A Few Years?

The Concern: Some homeowners hesitate because they worry microcement is just a passing trend. The fear is that today’s modern finish could feel outdated tomorrow.

The Reality with X-Bond: X-Bond has been used in projects worldwide since the ‘90s. Even if it’s the first time you’re hearing about it, it’s not just a trend; it’s already transcended the decades.

Instead of locking you into a “design moment,” X-Bond provides a versatile, minimalist backdrop that evolves with your taste. Pair it with certain accents now, redesign the space later — whatever you do, a seamless and subtly textured surface never dates.

Because it’s so durable, microcement also won’t look worn or damaged like other materials that beg to be replaced after 5-10 years. It’s a solution that architects and designers trust for its longevity.

Plus, it can be customised to suit any design style; you’ll never get sick of a space if it’s authentic to your tastes. You don’t have to go for the industrial concrete look if you don’t want to; from bright pink to soft neutrals, there’s always an option that feels like you.

So, while you might find plenty of “downsides” to microcement if you search online, most are based on outdated information, low-quality products, or poor workmanship. With X-Bond, microcement’s supposed weaknesses are transformed into strengths. You get a seamless, durable, versatile, and beautiful finish that’s built to last. If you’re considering microcement for your next project, make sure you’re choosing a system that’s been designed to perform.