Polished Concrete vs Microcement Flooring

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Feature	Microcement	Polished Concrete
Finish Options	Available in matte, satin, and glossy finishes with a seamless modern look.	Can be matte, satin, or high-gloss with exposed aggregate options.
Thickness	Only 2-3mm thick, making it ideal for renovations without removing existing floors.	Requires 100mm+ thickness for structural strength, making it harder to retrofit.
Durability	Highly durable but prone to surface wear over time if not sealed correctly.	Extremely durable, capable of lasting decades with proper maintenance.
Best Used For	Homes, bathrooms, kitchens, walls, stairs – works over tiles & wood.	Large spaces, garages, showrooms, industrial areas – requires structural concrete.
Slip Resistance	Good grip but can be slippery in high-gloss finishes unless treated.	Polished high-gloss finishes can be slippery unless treated or textured.
Waterproofing	Can be fully waterproof with the right sealer – ideal for bathrooms & wet areas.	Polished concrete is porous unless sealed, requiring periodic reapplication.
Maintenance	Easy to clean – requires resealing every few years to maintain its surface.	Low maintenance – may need buffing or re-sealing every 5-10 years.
Installation Time	Fast application – usually 3-5 days including drying time.	Longer process – can take 2-4 weeks due to pouring, curing, and grinding.
Cost per m² (UK)	£50 - £120 per m² depending on the finish and application.	£80 - £150 per m² for standard polished concrete.
Structural Requirements	Can be applied to existing floors, no structural requirements.	Needs a solid concrete base, often requiring a new pour.

Microcement Pros

Ultra-thin (2-3mm) – can be applied over existing floors like tiles or wood.
Modern, seamless finish available in matte, satin, or glossy textures.
Quick installation – typically takes 3-5 days.
Highly flexible – less prone to cracking than traditional concrete.
Waterproof when sealed – perfect for bathrooms and wet rooms.
More color variety compared to polished concrete.
Ideal for renovations without major structural work.

Microcement Cons

Less durable than polished concrete – top layer may wear over time.
Requires regular resealing to maintain appearance and protection.
Can be expensive depending on the finish (£50-£120 per m²).
Surface can scratch or stain if not properly maintained.
Needs skilled application – DIY installation is difficult.

Polished Concrete Pros

Extremely durable – lasts decades with minimal maintenance.
Hard-wearing surface resists heavy foot traffic and impact.
Low maintenance – requires resealing every 5-10 years.
Natural stone-like appearance with exposed aggregate options.
Does not scratch or stain easily compared to microcement.
Cost-effective for large areas (£80-£150 per m²).

Polished Concrete Cons

Thicker installation (100mm+) – requires a structural concrete base.
Longer curing and installation time – can take 2-4 weeks.
Can be slippery when polished to a high gloss.
Cold underfoot – may require underfloor heating for warmth.
Color options are more limited than microcement.

Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now for concrete floors in England and Wales by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.