Microcement Bathrooms: What Are They?
If you’ve been collecting bathroom ideas lately, with a view to carrying out a refresh, you may well have noticed one particular look cropping up again and again.
Smooth walls, barely a join in sight and a finish that looks somewhere between polished plaster and concrete. That’s microcement.
Microcement as a design choice has typically been associated with rather expensive-looking hotels and spas, but now it’s a realistic option for the home too, and there’s a lot to like about it.
So, what is a microcement bathroom, and why might you choose one over more traditional tiles?
Summary
- Microcement creates a smooth, contemporary finish with very few visible joins.
- You can use it on walls, floors and in suitable wet areas.
- It comes in far more colours than the familiar concrete grey.
- Fewer grout lines can make cleaning feel less of a chore.
- Microcement bathroom costs vary, but our bathroom prices start from just £3,000.
What exactly is microcement?
Microcement is a thin decorative coating that creates the solid, continuous finish you see in many modern bathrooms.
It’s a versatile option given that it can cover a range of surfaces, allowing you plenty of choice when planning the room.
And its finished look is probably its biggest selling point. Tiles naturally break a wall into sections, whereas microcement gives you a much cleaner sweep of colour and texture.
Why choose a microcement bathroom?
First things first, it looks fantastic. There’s something about the lack of obvious joins and grout lines that makes even a fairly simple bathroom feel more considered and elegant.
Also, don’t assume you’re limited to grey, either. Warmer stone shades, creams and earthy colours can produce a softer look, while darker tones work well if you fancy something a little more dramatic.
Microcement is also popular for its ability to pair well with other materials. Wood can give the room a warmer feel, while brass fittings add a touch of colour and black taps create a sharper contemporary edge.
Perhaps the nicest thing about microcement is that it doesn’t demand one particular style. You can take it in a minimalist direction or create something much warmer and more relaxed.
What about smaller bathrooms?
Now, this is where microcement gets particularly interesting.
- Grout lines can make a small bathroom feel busier than it really is. Opting for a continuous finish removes much of that visual clutter, which can help a compact bathroom feel calmer and more open.
- You can take that idea further with a lighter colour, a decent-sized mirror and carefully planned lighting. Add wall-mounted storage and suddenly a bathroom that felt rather cramped can look much more spacious.
Of course, the layout still matters. No wall finish can rescue a shower that’s awkward to get into or storage that doesn’t give you enough room for the basics.
Can you use microcement in the shower?
Yes, you can use suitable microcement systems in showers, provided your installer prepares and protects the area correctly.
That last part matters. A professional needs to deal with the surface underneath, waterproofing and sealing rather than relying on the decorative finish to keep water out.
Once everything is in place, carrying the same finish into the shower can look particularly striking. It keeps the clean, continuous appearance going instead of breaking the room up with another material.
Is it easy to keep clean?
If cleaning grout isn’t your favourite weekend activity, this could be another point in microcement’s favour.
With fewer traditional grout lines to scrub, the surface can feel simpler to look after. You’ll still need to clean it, of course, and the installer should tell you which products suit the particular finish they’ve used.
It’s worth following that advice. Strong bathroom cleaners aren’t automatically better, and some products may not suit the sealant or finish.
How much does a microcement bathroom cost?
The honest answer is that microcement bathroom cost depends on what you’re starting with and what you want to achieve.
Room size, preparation work, the chosen finish, fittings and whether you’re changing the layout can all affect the final bill.
That’s why a quote based on the actual bathroom tells you far more than a generic price per square metre.
At Ability Bathe, our bathroom prices start from just £3,000. We can talk through your ideas and budget before helping you decide what will work best in the space you have.
Is microcement right for you?
If you want a bathroom that feels modern without simply following the latest trend, microcement is well worth considering.
- There’s plenty of freedom to make it your own too. You might love the classic concrete look, but you can just as easily choose something warmer and pair it with timber, soft lighting or traditional fittings.
- Looks aren’t everything, though. Your bathroom still needs enough storage, sensible lighting and a layout that feels comfortable to use each day.
We’d always recommend speaking to an expert bathroom installer who will be able to advise you on the best approach to your bathroom refurb.
FAQs
Is microcement suitable for bathrooms?
Yes. Installers can use suitable microcement systems in bathrooms and wet areas when they prepare, waterproof and seal the surfaces correctly.
Does microcement crack?
Microcement can crack, but correct preparation can reduce the risk. Problems with the surface underneath can affect the finished coating, so a professional installer should check and prepare the surface before starting work
Is microcement better than tiles?
Neither option suits everyone. Tiles offer huge choice and familiarity, while microcement appeals to people who prefer a smoother finish with fewer visible joins and grout lines.
Final thoughts
It’s easy to see why microcement bathrooms have attracted so much attention. They look clean and contemporary, offer plenty of choice and give you an alternative to covering the room in conventional tiles.
More importantly, you can shape the look around your own taste. Whether you prefer warm neutrals or something darker and bolder, microcement gives you a surprisingly broad canvas to work with.
You may also find these articles helpful
- Wet Room Ideas to Inspire You
- Bathroom Decor Ideas Explained
- Bathroom Ventilation: A Comprehensive Guide
Ability Bathe are bathroom fitters Devon loves, with a 5 star rating on Google.
We’re bathroom fitters Torquay customers rate highly, bathroom fitters Exeter trusts, bathroom fitters Plymouth… that’s right, we cover the South-West region.
If you’re considering a new bathroom, Ability Bathe can help you put together a stylish design that is tailored to your specific needs. Get in touch with our friendly team to talk through what you have in mind.
