When it comes to renovating your home, often it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference, and laying the foundations for a makeover with some stylish new flooring will set you up for success.
Uneven, scratched or scuffed flooring can quickly detract from even the most beautifully designed of spaces, so having yours replaced might seem like the obvious way to go. But if you’re short on time and need a quick turnaround, then there is a better option – and it’s the perfect choice for achieving that luxurious aesthetic you have in mind.
Microcement flooring has been enjoying a surge in popularity amongst high-end homeowners in recent years, transforming even the most lacklustre on indoor and outdoor spaces into opulent quarters that are worthy of a place on any Pinterest board or luxury home and garden magazine.
This decorative coating, made from cement, can be used to renovate all types of surfaces and is used in features ranging from staircases to luxury bathrooms – and with a thickness of less than three millimetres, it can be applied without removing existing coatings, making it a quick and easy way to overhaul just about anything.
Offering a stylish look and excellent durability, choosing microcement for flooring projects opens homeowners up to a plethora of different decorative opportunities, and has the potential to fit in flawlessly with a multitude of different design concepts. So, whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your kitchen, bathroom, terrace or any other space in your home, microcement flooring might just be the perfect way to do it.
Why microcement?
Thanks to its excellent durability, microcement is a great choice when looking for a flooring option that is certain to stand the test of time. It’s a resistant choice for high-traffic areas, and can withstand an impressive amount of wear and tear, as well as holding out impressively against abrasive cleaning products – but this functionality thankfully doesn’t mean compromising on the aesthetic.
Thanks to its typical thickness of between two and three millimetres, microcement doesn’t raise the level of floors much, and offers a continuous flooring option with no expansion joints or joints in general, adhering to any surface without the need to remove the existing substrate.
That means that if you’re keen to have your floor renovated, this can all be done in one go, making it a quick and easy-to-install option if you’re hoping for a speedy turnaround and minimal disruption to your day-to-day life while the work is being done.
Unlike some types of flooring, microcement is resistant to UV rays and thus, is not vulnerable to fading or warping, and with a variety of beautiful colours and finishes to choose from, it can help bring your vision for your luxury abode to life, whatever the aesthetic you have in mind.
Types of microcement flooring
The type of microcement flooring that’s right for your home will depend largely on the texture and finish you envision for the finished look.
Microdeck, as one of the most durable choices, is also one of the most popular options, and offers excellent workability, making for the perfect continuous non-slip coating for any existing floor. Standard Microdeck is a two-component microcement and works well for moth projects, although Unlimited Microdeck is superior in that it has the potential to provide a smoother finish.
Ready-to-use microcement is also enjoying an increase in demand of late thanks to the ease and speed at which it can be applied, as well as the wide range of colourways on offer.
There are several other types of microcement to consider, depending on which company you opt to work with on your home renovation project, so be sure to ask them to explain the different options and the pros and cons of each for the particular space in question before you make your final decision.
Cleaning, care and maintenance
Once your microcement flooring has been applied, it’s essential to ventilate your home thoroughly to allow it to dry and achieve the smooth finish you’re hoping for, so the work is best done in the spring or the summer. Avoid stepping or walking on the flooring, or spilling anything on it, during the first week post-application to ensure you get the best possible result.
The good news is that thanks to its excellent durability and smooth finish, it doesn’t take long to clean and need only be washed with water and a mild detergent periodically. Because there are no joints, it’s a quick and easy process – which means less time spent on housework, and more time to live and enjoy your life. You can also apply a protective wax every couple of months to add shine and further increase resistance – but be sure to clean it thoroughly first and avoid treating it for the first two weeks after your flooring has been completed.
How much is microcement flooring?
When it comes to microcement floor cost, this can vary greatly depending on the size of the room or area you wish to renovate and the type of microcement that will help you to achieve the desired result. The state of the existing substrate, and the complexity of the work, also come into play here, but the good news is that microcement is generally competitively priced. Ask your chosen provider for a quote before committing to the work to get an accurate idea of the amount you can expect to spend to have it completed.