Concrete Look Flooring or Real Concrete: What’s Right for Your Space?
/Concrete floors are popular in contemporary interiors for a number of reasons. Aesthetically, concrete isn’t just a passing trend but a timeless, minimalist choice that suits a wide range of design briefs. It’s also an especially practical surface material in high-traffic areas because of its durability and longevity. But when it comes to flooring in residential and commercial projects, there's an important decision to make: should you install real concrete, or use a microcement overlay to get the concrete look? The answer might surprise you, depending on your space, goals, and budget. Here’s how our hand-applied concrete alternative compares to the real thing.
Installation Process
The biggest differences between concrete and a microcement overlay are evident in the installation process. If you’re resurfacing an old material, you typically can’t just pour a new concrete slab directly on top. In almost all cases, the existing surface needs to be removed beforehand. In contrast, microcement has adhesives in its formula which allow it to bond to existing substrates. It’s a quicker, easier option for renovators who aren’t able to achieve the concrete look because they don’t want to demo — like if they’re resurfacing old tiles, for example.
Additionally, microcement is hand-applied in thin layers with a trowel, allowing for precise control over the finish without the need for heavy machinery or large crews. This makes it ideal for projects with limited access and intricate floor plans, or for tight deadlines. In contrast, concrete requires specialised equipment, longer curing times, and generally more disruption (especially in existing spaces).
Weight and Structural Considerations
Microcement is ideal for apartments, upper floors, and retrofits where the concrete look is desired but with a lightweight construction. Where the density of most concrete is around 2400kg per cubic metre, microcement weighs in between 800-1300 kg/m³. When it comes to height, the thickness of a concrete floor depends on its purpose, but it generally starts at 100mm for residential interiors. Microcement is super thin at only 2-3mm.
X-Bond flooring at Deswick office
Durability and Lifespan
Real concrete floors are known for their exceptional durability. There’s a common misconception that microcement isn’t strong enough to compete — which is simply untrue. Microcement, while thinner than concrete, is still hardy and resilient. It won’t be damaged with regular use, and is in fact commonly installed in high-traffic spaces like shop floors, hospitality venues, universities/schools, and office buildings.
If anything, microcement has a longer lifespan. Being as rigid as it is, concrete is prone to developing hairline cracks over time as buildings settle or shift — or when outdoor flooring is exposed to temperature fluctuations. Microcement formulated with flexible polymers that give it elasticity, allowing it to better accommodate movement without cracking.
Both surfaces require sealing to protect against staining and moisture, and both can be fully waterproofed — which levels the playing field.
Look and Feel
A microcement installer can vary the application technique to achieve finishes that replicate both polished and raw concrete textures.
However, microcement presents more opportunities for colour customisation as it can be pigmented during the mixing process, allowing for a wide range of custom colours beyond the standard grey of concrete. It can also be layered with different shades or stains after application to create unique effects, such as marbling, shading, or colour gradients.
In contrast, real concrete’s colour is mostly limited to natural greys and tans unless you use integral pigments or surface stains, which are more permanent and harder to control precisely. Plus, changing or correcting the colour on concrete is difficult once it’s cured (however we know a great product that can help).
In terms of how it feels, concrete provides a more solid, grounded sensation underfoot with natural texture variations from the curing process. It tends to feel colder and harder. In contrast, microcement is a smoother, more uniform finish that feels slightly warmer and softer to the touch. Overall, real concrete offers authentic ruggedness and heft, while microcement delivers a refined, flexible alternative that still captures the concrete look and feel.
Maintenance
Cleaning procedures are more or less the same for concrete and microcement (view our microcement cleaning guide here. When properly sealed, both surfaces are low-maintenance flooring materials offering long-term durability with minimal day-to-day upkeep. Their seamless grout-free finishes make them easy to clean and resistant to the build-up of dirt, moisture, and allergens.
When to Choose Microcement
So, to summarise, choose microcement if you want:
Easier, faster installation – No need to demolish existing floors; microcement can be applied directly over tiles, screed, timber, and more.
Minimal disruption – Ideal for renovations or spaces where concrete pouring isn’t practical (tight access, occupied sites, or fast turnarounds).
Lightweight alternative – Suitable for apartments, upper floors, and retrofits where concrete may be too heavy.
Super thin finish – At only 2–3mm thick, microcement doesn’t raise floor height significantly, avoiding issues with door clearances and transitions.
Flexible and crack-resistant – Formulated with polymers that allow it to accommodate building movement without cracking, unlike rigid concrete.
Durable enough for commercial use – Trusted in high-traffic settings like retail, hospitality, offices, and education.
Greater colour customisation – Pigment is added during mixing (or in some cases layered after installation) to achieve bespoke tones and visual effects.
Smooth, warm underfoot – Feels softer and more refined compared to the hardness and coldness of traditional concrete.
Versatile in finish – Can mimic raw or polished concrete, depending on application style.
Low maintenance – When sealed, it’s stain-resistant, hygienic, and easy to clean, just like concrete.
Eco-conscious choice – Requires fewer raw materials and avoids the waste associated with removing and pouring new slabs.
As a concrete-inspired flooring option, microcement offers a practical and design-forward solution for those who love the aesthetic of concrete but need more flexibility. It’s easier and quicker to install, with far less disruption to the space, and doesn’t require heavy equipment, long curing times, or structural considerations.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your space, style preferences, and how much time and budget you're willing to invest. Either way, the concrete look is timeless — and there's a solution to suit every project.
