Microcement vs Polished Concrete: Which Is Better in 2025?
As interior design trends evolve in 2025, two finishes continue to dominate residential and commercial flooring: microcement and polished concrete. Both offer minimalist, seamless aesthetics and outstanding durability, but they differ in areas like installation, performance, cost, and more.
If you’re renovating or specifying a project this year, this guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which surface is better for your space in 2025.
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Feature | Microcement | Polished Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 2–3mm | 50–150mm slab (existing or new) |
| Installation | Applied over most surfaces | Requires structural concrete slab |
| Durability | Highly resistant but depends on sealers | Extremely durable; very long lifespan |
| Colours/Finishes | Very customisable | Limited to natural concrete tones |
| Crack Resistance | Flexible & crack-resistant substrate | Can crack naturally over time |
| Best For | Renovations, bathrooms, walls, furniture | Large floors, industrial look, high-traffic areas |
You’ll notice cost isn’t included; the pricing for each material depends on project specifics.
Key Definitions
What Is Microcement?
Microcement is a thin finishing system applied at just 2–3mm thickness. Our product X-Bond features adhesive polymers in its formula to bond to almost any stable surface — tiles, plaster, timber sheeting, old concrete — making it extremely renovation-friendly.
Microcement Benefits
Ultra-thin & lightweight – no structural changes needed
Seamless finish – no grout lines
Huge colour range – and textural customisation
Waterproof when sealed – ideal for bathrooms, outdoors & splashbacks
Can be applied almost anywhere – floors, walls, stairs, joinery
With the continued rise of Japandi, minimalism, and warm organic interiors, microcement remains a top pick for designers seeking texture without the cold industrial feel of concrete.
Learn more in our Microcement Hub
Related Reading: Pros and Cons of Microcement Flooring
What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is achieved by mechanically grinding, densifying, and polishing an existing or newly poured concrete slab. It’s extremely strong, long-lasting, and naturally glossy.
Polished Concrete Benefits
Exceptional durability – decades with minimal maintenance
High-end, industrial aesthetic
Great for large, open spaces
Commercial spaces, luxury modern homes, and large open-plan layouts can benefit from polished concrete for its strength, thermal mass, and architectural presence.
Microcement vs Polished Concrete: The 2025 Breakdown
1. Installation & Renovation Suitability
Microcement: Can be applied over existing substrates with minimal demolition. Perfect for renovations or multi-level buildings where a new slab isn’t possible.
Polished Concrete: Requires an existing structural slab. If your home doesn’t have one, installation becomes significantly more complex and expensive.
2. Thickness & Weight
Microcement: 2–3mm
Polished Concrete: requires 50–150mm slab
Microcement’s minimal thickness allows continuity between rooms without height or weight changes — ideal for bathrooms and kitchen transitions, or structural concerns.
3. Aesthetic Versatility
Microcement can be tinted to a wide range colours, and is hand-applied for more variations in texture finish.
Polished concrete is beautiful but limited to the natural tones of the concrete mix. You can showcase exposed aggregates, or specify a glossy flat finish.
4. Durability & Lifespan
Microcement: is strong but relies heavily on sealing systems and substrate preparation. Longevity also depends on proper maintenance and substrate stability.
Polished concrete: one of the strongest flooring options available today, but also needs to be sealed to guard from stains, moisture and wear.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Microcement: Low maintenance, not NO maintenance! Sweep, mop, or hose down flooring regularly — may need re-sealing every 5-10 years.
Polished Concrete: Simple cleaning and re-polish every 7–10 years.
6. Cost in 2025
Prices vary per project, but generally:
Microcement: priced between AUD $150–$300/m² depending on the area and substrate
Polished Concrete: priced between $100–$350/m² depending on aggregate exposure & slab condition
Read more in last year’s microcement pricing guide.
Submit an enquiry to speak with an installer for more accurate microcement installation pricing on your project.
X-Bond Microcement Gallery
So… Which Is Better in 2025?
Choose Microcement if you want:
A highly customisable aesthetic
A seamless finish across floors, walls, and joinery
A renovation-friendly option
Waterproof surfaces (showers & bathrooms)
Tactile, minimalist finishes
Choose Polished Concrete if you want the strongest, longest-lasting floor possible with a glossy look.
In 2025, the “better” choice comes down to your project type:
Microcement is best-suited for renovations, bathrooms, and design-led interiors
Polished concrete is more popular for new builds, large floors, and industrial spaces
As Australia’s oldest microcement suppliers, it’s always going to be our material of choice! But both offer great results — so choosing the right solution is more about your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and structural conditions.