Updated October 2026
Microcement is becoming an increasingly popular finish in contemporary architecture and interior design — but we’ve been installing it in projects around Australia since 1999.
If you’re looking for information about microcement, you’ve come to the right place. In this post we will cover:
What is microcement?
The benefits of microcement
Areas of application
How much microcement costs
Microcement colours & trending design options
What is Microcement?
Microcement (also referred to as micro concrete or micro topping) is a cementitious surface coating that is hand-applied to floors, walls, ceilings, and joinery. It offers an array of design possibilities that achieve unique textural results with seamless, lightweight application.
The composition varies between manufacturers, but microcement systems typically combine cementitious materials with polymers or other additives to improve adhesion, flexibility, and durability.
Microcement also gives architects, interior designers, builders, and home owners the ability to achieve a new finish without the need for demolition. Most systems can be installed directly over substrates including existing concrete, tiles, stone, plasterboard, and masonry.
But not all microcements are created equal; at Alternative Surfaces, we trust X-Bond Microcement, Australia’s first microcement product with 30 years of global history.
The Benefits of X-Bond Microcement
There are many reasons why microcement is becoming a popular choice in projects throughout Australia — and why X-Bond is the leading choice. Some of the benefits of our X-Bond Microcement include:
Applied at a minimal thickness (2-3mm)
Ability to ‘Remodel Without Removal’ bypassing demolition of existing substrates
Achieves a seamless finish that’s grout-free
Easy to maintain with simple cleaning procedures and high resistance to dirt, stains & wear
Range of colours and finishes available
Can be applied over underfloor heating
High slip-rating and foot traffic durability
Can be applied internally and externally
High quality sealers used for residential and commercial uses to resist stains, mold, wear, and de-lamination
Suitable for wet areas thanks to our innovative waterproofing system — all Alt installations of X-Bond Hybrid are CodeMark certified!
Where can microcement be applied?
One of the reasons microcement has become so widely specified is its ability to move between different applications while maintaining a consistent design language.
Microcement Floors: suitable for a variety of residential and commercial settings, including high-traffic areas
Microcement Bathrooms and Showers: microcement can be used across all wet areas including showers, bath surrounds, splashbacks and sink vanities
Microcement Walls and Ceilings: offers an alternative to conventional paint, render and decorative plaster finishes
Microcement Joinery and Furniture: X-Bond can be applied to benchtops, shelving, cabinetry, custom tables and more
Exterior Microcement: applications include facades, balconies, pool surrounds, alfresco areas and external flooring
What is the price of microcement installation?
Projects are priced individually, and there are a number of factors which determine the cost of our microcement installations as the product is hand-trowelled on-site. These factors include:
1. Area of application (e.g. floors, walls, joinery, bathroom surfaces)
2. Total size of area
3. Existing substrate (e.g. tiles, concrete)
4. Surface preparation (e.g. waterproofing or damage repair)
5. Job intricacy
Quotes will always be based off project plans, drawings, and measurements. We provide a starting guide in our article The Price of Microcement.
What X-Bond Microcement colours and textures are available?
The beauty about choosing a microcement finish from the X-Bond range is that there are so many colours and textures you can select from — including custom shades.
X-Bond Hybrid is our classic finish, with subtle trowel movement and tonal variation
X-Bond Natural Concrete is designed to imitate the variation of raw concrete, marked by highly textured areas
X-Bond Mineral is a stucco-like surface with a bumpy, granular appearance unlike traditional microcement
X-Bond Blade is designed for certain flooring applications requiring increased slip resistance; raised chatter marks provide more texture
Read More: The Textures & Colour Options of X-Bond
The latest addition to the X-Bond range is X-Bond Rammed Earth, which takes inspiration from traditional rammed earth construction — but with the Alt touch.
Developed using the X-Bond system, this hand-applied finish recreates the visual depth and horizontal movement associated with rammed earth, without requiring a wall to be constructed from compacted earth. Applied at approximately 5mm thick, it can also be used to resurface existing wall materials like our other finishes can.
What does microcement look like installed?
Below are some images of completed projects using X-Bond Microcement on floors, walls and joinery. As X-Bond is hand trowelled, visible trowel marks and tonal variation is a natural characteristic of the microcement finish. Natural light can highlight these trowel marks.
What makes X-Bond different to other microcement?
We’re extremely proud to have first offered X-Bond Microcement to the Australian market over 25 years ago. Unlike most other Mircrocements that have entered the market in the last few years, our X-Bond has been trusted and specified on residential and commercial projects throughout Australia since 1999.
Not all microcement systems are created equal. Differences in formulation, adhesion, flexibility and compatibility with different substrates can have a significant impact on how a surface performs over time. X-Bond's polymer-modified composition is designed to deliver strength and versatility in a thin overlay, with unmatched durability.
Read More: What Makes X-Bond The Best Microcement
Is microcement easy to maintain?
One of the practical advantages of a seamless surface is the absence of conventional tile grout lines, which can collect dirt and require regular cleaning. For everyday maintenance, microcement generally requires gentle cleaning using products compatible with the installed sealer.
Abrasive cleaning tools and harsh chemicals should be avoided, as they can compromise the protective finish.
Depending on the application, level of wear and type of sealer, periodic maintenance or resealing may be recommended.
Explore our microcement maintenance advice.
Can I see microcement samples?
You sure can! For sample requests in Victoria please contact us here. For all other states you can contact our suppliers page by clicking here. If you’re in the area, come visit out showroom.
How can I get a quote for microcement installation in Melbourne?
We would be glad to quote your project for X-Bond Microcement in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula. Please contact our team by clicking the button below and have your project details ready to fill in the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cracking, staining or adhesion problems can occur when unsuitable substrates, incorrect preparation or incompatible sealers are involved. This is why skilled installation is the key to avoiding issues with your microcement surface.
It is also a hand-applied material, meaning some variation in colour and texture should be expected. We always recommend viewing samples in the lighting conditions the finish will be subjected to before specifying your finish.
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Whether microcement is cheaper than other materials really depends on the specifics of the project. In many cases, it can be more cost-effective — for example, when it’s applied over existing tiles, avoiding removal costs and labour, or when compared to high-end materials like natural stone or designer tiles. However, because X-Bond requires skilled applicators and meticulous preparation, the upfront cost can sometimes be higher than basic options such as standard tiles. Factors like substrate condition, project complexity, chosen finish, and long-term maintenance all influence overall value. In short, microcement can be cheaper — or not — depending on what you’re comparing it to and the scope of the job.
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X-Bond is a specially formulated overlay system composed primarily of:
A stone component as the base medium for strength.
A liquid latex polymer which is mixed into the cementitious material to enhance bonding, flexibility, and adhesion.
Pigments (liquid colourants) added to the mixture to create the chosen shade.
Other components of the system include a liquid waterproofing membrane applied before the microcement mix, and a sealer applied after the overlay is laid to protect the finish.
In short: X-Bond = waterproofing prep (if needed) + natural stone + latex polymer modifier + pigment + sealer, applied thinly (typically 2-3 mm) over suitable substrates.