Can You Install Microcement Outdoors?
Updated November 2025
Need to upgrade your outdoor flooring? What about your entire facade or swimming pool? Our X-Bond Microcement is a durable and long-lasting external surface that balances function with aesthetics. Read on to find out where you can apply microcement externally, and why it’s becoming one of the most popular outdoor surfaces. Discover our favourite exterior project from this year: A Coastal Alchemy.
But first, a refresher on microcement…
For anyone who doesn’t already know, microcement is a cement and polymer-based coating which is thinly applied to floors, walls, joinery, and a range of other areas. We’ve been installing X-Bond for decades in residential and commercial environments where a concrete aesthetic is desired — but too difficult to achieve with real concrete. If you want to know more about the finishes and capabilities of X-Bond, read our microcement fact page.
Where can you install microcement externally?
As microcement is applied at a minimal thickness (just 2-3mm), it’s a versatile overlay for a range of external applications, including: outdoor flooring, facades, curved walls and columns, staircases, pools, garden pathways, balconies, and decks.
What are the benefits of installing microcement outdoors?
Microcement is applied as a continuous, seamless surface without joints — keeping it low maintenance while visually enlarging a space.
The X-Bond Blade finish is has a very high slip rating thanks to its highly textured surface. This is important in areas that get wet often, like swimming pool surrounds or uncovered pathways.
When hand-installed by our surfacing professionals, X-Bond Microcement is always applied with Liquid Membrane. This is an advanced waterproof and anti-fracture membrane to make sure X-Bond withstands the elements and frequent traffic for long-lasting perfection.
It makes resurfacing damaged or old substrates easy. X-Bond microcement can be applied directly on top of cracked concrete, tiles, wood and more. This is because, instead of removing the existing substrate, we stabilise it with Liquid Membrane. There’s no need for demolition in your next backyard renovation — you can remodel without removal to save costs and time.
Unlike concrete, microcement pavements are resistant to temperature changes i.e. they won’t contract or expand in extreme cold or heat.
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X-Bond is a high-quality exterior microcement system designed to be UV-stable and resistant to fading or discolouration with sun exposure, thanks in part to the high-performance sealer we use as the finish coat.
While all cement-based products can crack if the substrate moves, professional X-Bond installation includes reinforcement mesh and multiple protective layers that significantly reduce the risk.
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Microcement is very low-maintenance, which is one of its biggest advantages in outdoor spaces. Routine care is simple:
Sweep or hose down the surface to remove dirt and debris. You can use high or low-pressure hoses.
Avoid harsh acidic cleaners — use mild pH-neutral products instead.
Because microcement is seamless and non-porous, it won’t grow mould, trap dirt, or require grout cleaning. Small scratches or marks can usually be patched without replacing the entire surface, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective outdoor finish.
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Not all microcement products are suitable for wet areas; but our X-Bond system is. It’s also CodeMark certified, meaning it has automatic deemed-to-satisfy compliance for wet area application.
The microcement itself is highly dense and low-porosity, but a specialised liquid waterproofing membrane and top coat sealing system is what creates a complete waterproof barrier.
X-Bond is ideal for outdoor floors, walls, facades, pool surrounds, and other external areas. Proper installation and sealing ensure long-term protection against water penetration, mould growth, and surface staining.
Exploring a finish you can use for both exteriors and interiors? Learn more: