Factors That Influence Microcement Price
When it comes to transforming spaces with microcement, one question always comes up first: “How much is this going to cost?” But unlike a fixed-price item on a store shelf, the pricing of a hand-installed surface is a figure that depends on the unique characteristics of your project and the product specified.
So why can’t we just provide a fixed price? It’s a common question asked of the Seamless Overlays team, and we understand the confusion. We can’t give you exact installation costs as we don’t install the microcement — we’re the product suppliers. It’s up to an applicator to provide your quote, and it’s up to us to sell materials to them once you go ahead. The cost of the materials themselves is just one piece of the overall pricing puzzle. As X-Bond is a bespoke hand-installed finish, every project is different. This is why giving an upfront fixed estimate per square metre isn’t possible without knowing your project details.
Keep in mind that, with multiple microcement products now on the market, application methods can vary. By this we mean that the way an installer applies the X-Bond system may differ from the process used for other brands, so there’s no universal pricing guide across the category.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what drives the installation price of our X-Bond Microcement, so you know what to expect when you ask for a quote.
1. Area of Application
The type of surface where X-Bond is applied plays a significant role in pricing. X-Bond Microcement is extremely versatile and can be applied on: floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, and furniture both internally and externally. Different areas have different application requirements and techniques based on their functionality and shape. For example the price per square metre changes for floors vs. walls.
2. Substrate and Preparation
X-Bond is installed directly over a range of pre-existing materials, called substrates. The degree of work required to prepare the substrate for the microcement application depends on the condition and type of the surface. Some of the substrates that require more preparation than others are:
Damaged substrates that need stabilising and repair.
Uneven substrates like tiles that need to be levelled.
Wet areas like showers need waterproofing.
Proper substrate preparation is crucial for durability, and the more extensive the prep, the higher the price.
3. Project Dimensions
The size of the area to be covered is an obvious factor. Larger projects usually benefit from economies of scale, potentially reducing the per-square-metre price. On the other hand, very small projects might incur a higher rate because the fixed costs (e.g. materials) are spread over fewer square metres. For example, small bathrooms or feature walls might have a higher price per square metre while large floors or entire homes can be more cost-effective overall.
4. Intricacy and Design Complexity
Microcement allows for creative finishes and custom textures, but intricate work demands more craftsmanship, which translates to higher costs. For example, having an installer create a custom joinery piece generally involves more time and complexity than a uniform floor finish. Where extra skills, experience, or tooling is involved, there’ll also be extra costs.
5. Geographic Location
Location influences both labour costs and material availability. Luckily, X-Bond is currently installed in most Australian states and territories (and we’re always widening our installer network with monthly applicator training sessions). However in saying this, there are some projects where the nearest applicator will have to travel outside their usual scope. When clients want to proceed with these jobs, it can involve additional travel fees.
6. Cost of Materials
Microcement quality and type vary among suppliers, and the price reflects this. Premium microcement products with enhanced durability or unique finishes like X-Bond are more expensive. The type of waterproofing and sealants used also influences material consumption. Choosing the right quality product(s) for your project needs is key to balancing price and performance, as a more durable microcement system will save you repairs down the line.
7. Cost of Labor (Skill Level Required)
Applying microcement is a skilled trade requiring precision and experience to achieve a flawless finish. Because it’s not a simple DIY material, skilled labor is one of the largest cost components. It’s also a variable component, as labour rates reflect the applicator’s expertise, reputation, and demand. This is why experienced or busier installers may charge more.
8. Finish Chosen
We can’t speak for other products, but our X-Bond range offers four unique finishes — and each requires a different application method, with different tools and techniques. As per these factors, the pricing might be different if you specify one finish versus another. Similarly, if you’d like a custom colour outside of our standard shade range, it might cost extra based on the labour involved in fine-tuning the mix, especially if there’s experimentation required to get the tone just right.
Additional Factors to Consider
Project Timeline
Urgent or rushed projects may require additional labour hours or premium fees — speak to your chosen installer about this.
Accessibility
Generally speaking, microcement application is not an invasive process and doesn’t require much equipment. However, hard-to-access areas or sites requiring scaffolding and other specialised equipment can add to costs.
Warranty and Aftercare
Make sure to check whether warranties or maintenance services are included in the installer’s pricing.
So there you have it: microcement pricing depends on a combination of factors unique to your project — from the area and substrate of application to the project size and complexity. Now that you know what details an installer needs to deliver a quote, you can prepare the relevant project information and ensure a quick, easy quoting process. Make an X-Bond quote enquiry here.