Microcement For Outdoor Spaces: Backyards, Facades and More
The answers to your question: can microcement be used outside? Updated: November 2025
When it comes to creating beautiful and durable outdoor spaces, microcement is perfect. In fact, exterior microcement installations are emerging as a key trend among Australian architects and renovators, thanks to their durability in weather-exposed conditions and ability to create seamless indoor-outdoor flows. So the answer is YES, microcement can be used in external areas, and with great results too.
In this post, we’ll explore how microcement can elevate your outdoor spaces and why it’s an excellent choice for gardens, facades, al fresco dining, pavements, and more.
Leading the pack is our ultra-thin, high-performance system X‑Bond, designed to adhere to existing exterior concrete, tiles and joinery while delivering a sleek, joint-free aesthetic. Whether you’re revitalising a patio, pool deck or façade, this next-generation overlay transforms spaces without the heavy demolition, evolving climate-proof performance and endless design flexibility.
Click here to go back: What Is Microcement?
Read the project feature on this luxury residential microcement case study.
Why Choose Microcement for Outdoor Spaces?
Microcement is a cementitious coating that can be applied to almost any surface by hand, making it an incredibly versatile material for outdoor areas. Here are some of the key benefits of using microcement outdoors:
Remodel Without Removal: Our X-Bond Microcement can be installed straight onto existing surfaces, so you can renovate old tiles, concrete, and more without demolition. This is because X-Bond has added latex polymer in its formula, which is a strong bonding agent for molecular adhesion to almost any substrate.
Weatherproof Finishes: Microcement is highly resistant to weather conditions like rain, UV exposure, extreme heat, and frost, making it an ideal choice for outdoor areas that experience harsh elements. It won’t crack as your substrate expands or contracts due to its super flexible composition and temperature regulating properties. Best of all, it’s easily waterproofed to ensure that your surfaces remain in great condition.
Non-Slip Surface: With the proper finish, microcement can be made slip-resistant, making it a safe choice for pool decks where wet surfaces can be a hazard.
Durability: One of the standout features of microcement is its durability. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and daily wear and tear, making it perfect for outdoor spaces that see a lot of use.
Aesthetic Appeal: With its seamless appearance and subtle texture, microcement creates a modern concrete-esque look that complements a variety of design styles. Available in different textures and colours, it can be customised to match your outdoor design vision.
Outdoor Flooring: A Modern and Durable Solution
From pathways and patios to outdoor dining areas; choosing the right flooring material is essential. Microcement offers several advantages when used for outdoor flooring.
Unlike traditional materials like tiles or pavers, microcement creates a continuous surface with no visible joints or grout lines. This seamless finish is a clean, contemporary element seen more and more in award-winning homes and designs featured in your favourite publications.
Microcement is also very easy to maintain. Simply hosing it down will keep the surface looking fresh, and its durability means fewer repairs or replacements compared to other materials (we’ve never had a delamination issue in 25 years of installing X-Bond — but this can’t be guaranteed for other products on the market).
Read More: The Best Surfaces for Outdoor Flooring
Other Outdoor Applications of Microcement
In addition to standard external flooring and pool surrounds, microcement can be used in various other outdoor applications. The entire facade of your building can be finished in microcement if you want — vertical walls, columns, and flat rooftops included!
Microcement’s resistance and ease of application also make it an excellent material for outdoor kitchen joinery, including BBQ areas and bars. It’s easy to clean and withstands all climates so there’s no need to throw covers over anything if the weather gets rough.
Microcement is more than just a trendy interior finish; it’s a versatile and practical option for outdoor spaces too — whether you’re renovating your backyard, upgrading your pool deck, or building your dream home. Our X-Bond is a weatherproof and low-maintenance choice for clients seeking a long-lasting and visually appealing solution for their outdoor areas, from residential spaces to poolside havens and even schoolyards.
Need design inspiration? View these amazing pools from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, microcement is not slippery when the right texture and sealer are used. Outdoor microcement finishes can be made non-slip by adjusting the final layer’s texture or adding a fine anti-slip additive to the sealer. This makes it safe for areas like pool decks, courtyards, and entryways — even when wet. We use the X-Bond Blade finish for all outdoor spaces, achieving a P4 or P5 slip rating.
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Yes — high-quality systems like X-Bond Microcement are formulated to handle Australia’s temperature extremes. Its flexible polymer composition allows it to expand and contract with the substrate, preventing cracking in both hot and cold conditions. When properly sealed, it also resists UV damage and thermal stress, making it a reliable choice for exterior surfaces exposed to direct sun or fluctuating weather.