Which Materials Suit Microcement?
How to Select Finished For Your Microcement Interiors
The best part of any design process is choosing the finishes — but, choosing materials that work together is an art. We’re here to help you decide on the perfect interior finishes to complement microcement, whether you’ve chosen X-Bond for your floors, walls, bathroom, or beyond. Luckily for you, microcement provides such a versatile canvas.
Concrete
Microcement was first created as an alternative option to concrete, but they actually make a beautiful pairing together too. In particular, raw concrete (also known as ‘off form’ concrete) provides a great textural balance to the smoother microcement finish. That being said, microcement is definitely more tactile than standard wall paint or polished concrete flooring. The unfinished character of raw concrete won’t feel out of place next to the trowel marks in a microcement wall or floor.
Timber
You really can’t go wrong with wood, which brings a note of warmth to any space. Whether you choose dark, rich hardwoods or lighter varieties like oak and pine, timber brings a natural and organic element to balance the impact of man-made materials like microcement. Wooden furniture, cabinetry, or ceiling beams are some of the best ways we’ve seen designers complement a microcement finish.
Designers in order: Balbek Bureau, DKO Architecture, Mancini Made
Stone
Stone comes in many forms, and all of them can be paired with microcement. It’s all about creating an interplay of smooth and rough textures; stacked, natural stone creates a more intense visual contrast, while polished marble functions as a sleek, elegant juxtaposition to subtly textured microcement.
Use marble with bold veining for a striking contrast. Go for limestone if you’re creating an earthy beachside oasis.
Metal
Microcement naturally makes a great match for industrial designs, and pairing it with metal leans into this aesthetic. Stainless steel, brushed brass, or black iron all work well. The reflective nature of metal surfaces also adds visual interest to an otherwise matte finish. Think metal fixtures in kitchens, tapware in bathrooms, metal stair railings, or decorative lighting.
Textiles
To soften the clean, minimalist look of seamless microcement surfacing, textiles are an ideal partner. Styling rugs, upholstery, and other soft furnishings in rich fabrics like wool, linen, or velvet adds warmth and texture, making a space feel more lived-in and cozy.
Microcement pairs beautifully with a wide range of finishes; the key lies in finding a balance between textures. While these are our favourite material pairings for microcement, the best part is that you can’t really go wrong with such a versatile material.
To get your X-Bond Microcement project started, get in touch with our experts. We facilitate microcement installations all over Australia.