Microcement Application: A Durable and Stylish Solution for Architects and Designers in Commercial Spaces

Commercial spaces are continually evolving to reflect modern design trends. But these days, it’s also about creating environments that make people feel things, that give them a meaningful experience. Modern materials need to keep up with these trends while remaining durable, strong and long-lasting. Enter, microcement. 

Microcement is a design solution that’s not only durable and low-maintenance, but also visually beautiful. Whether it's used for walls, floors or wet areas, it provides a unique finish that enhances any space, even in high-traffic zones.

Why Microcement is a Popular Choice for Modern Interiors

Microcement has rapidly become a favored material among architects, engineers, and contractors who want to deliver innovative and forward-thinking commercial spaces. Its unique structure makes it ideal for creating seamless interiors that captivate, while also enhancing the durability of a space.

Seamless and Versatile Design

The beauty of microcement is that it doesn’t produce joints or grout lines, so it delivers a seamless finish that’s sleek and minimalist. The smooth, continuous surface enhances visual flow and offers a clean and sophisticated look.

Beyond its appearance, this modern cement is incredibly versatile to work with. It can be applied to floors, walls or ceilings, indoors and out. It’s incredibly easy to clean and, with a wide range of colors, it can easily adapt to different design concepts.

Customizable to Any Style

Microcement is available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing architects and designers to tailor a finish to their envisioned style, be that a sleek industrial look or a warm, natural feel. 

Its adaptability means it can be applied across all surfaces in a space (if desired), from walls to floors and even baths and pools. This provides a cohesive aesthetic throughout the entire space.

Low Maintenance

Microcement’s natural water-resistant properties make it exceptionally tough and long-lasting against wear and tear, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. In bathrooms, there’s no fight to keep grout clean and a protective finish can keep hard water stains at bay.

This unique cement is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as lobbies, retail spaces and restrooms. 

Benefits of Microcement Application in Commercial Spaces

Microcement brings style and substance. But it also doubles down by being budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Let’s take a look.

Durability and Strength

Built to handle tough conditions, it’s a solid choice for busy commercial spaces. The cement is tough enough to stand up to heavy foot traffic, knocks and everyday wear and tear without showing damage. While also being resistant to high and low temperatures.

It also has great adhesion to existing materials and holds up to moisture, stains and UV exposure. Even though it’s applied in thin layers, it dries into a super-strong finish that won’t crack or peel. The upkeep is easy and it continues to look great for years.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Materials

Compared to traditional finishes like ceramic tiles or natural stone, microcement offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality. The application technique requires less labor and fewer materials to achieve its look. And, because it can be applied directly over existing surfaces, it eliminates the need for any costly demolitions.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

For architects and designers committed to sustainability, microcement is an excellent choice. It contains no harmful chemicals and with a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements, it offers a reduced environmental footprint.

For those looking to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification on their building design, this form of cement can contribute in a few ways: 

• Low Material Use: It’s applied in very thin layers, reducing overall material use.

• Reuse of Existing Surfaces: Since it can be applied over existing surfaces, it helps to avoid demolition waste.

• Low-Emitting Materials: It’s low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which improves indoor air quality. 

• Thermal Performance: When used effectively as part of a designed system, it can regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Applications in Commercial Spaces

There are various ways that microcement can be applied to enhance commercial building projects, including walls, floors and wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Here’s some inspiration.

Microcement Walls

Using this product on walls provides a smooth, modern finish. Whether applied on bathroom walls, exterior walls or interior partitions, it offers a uniform look that can put the focus back on the architectural features of a space. 

For feature walls, textured or polished finishes can create greater visual impact, while custom colors can be used to match brand identity

Interior walls are waterproof and mold-resistant, while exterior walls are weather-resistant and UV-protective.

Microcement Floors

These floors are resistant to foot traffic (including scuffing) and are low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. They’re perfect for retail, office and hospitality settings. As well as wet or high-humidity environments like spas.

But microcement floors can also be used beautifully in residential spaces to create sleek, seamless, sophisticated bathrooms, staircases or foyers. 

Microcement for Wet Areas

Microcement's water-resistant quality makes it perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens and spa facilities. It prevents water penetration and the growth of mold and mildew, offering hygienic environments. 

The Application: A Brief Step-by-Step Guide for Architects

Professional-grade projects demand careful surface preparation. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to the application process.

Surface Preparation

The first part of any microcement application is to prepare the surface properly. This includes cleaning, repairing trouble spots and taping off adjacent areas. A vacuum cleaner should be used to get rid of dust and debris for optimal adhesion.

Application Process

The procedure begins with applying a primer to enhance the bond between the substrate and the microcement. 

A thin base coat is applied using a steel trowel, then a second coat with fiberglass mesh for reinforcement is applied if needed. Some microcement systems, like Decokrete, do not require mesh between the layers unless a particular project requires additional tensile strength. 

Remember that each layer should be completely dried before the next layer is applied.

Finishing Touches

Once all coats have completely dried, a finishing coat is used to seal the surface against moisture, stains and wear. This final step leaves the surface smooth, strong and resilient. 

Microcement for Commercial Spaces: Durability, Style and Sustainability

To engineers, architects and contractors who want to be leaders in quality and innovation, the use of microcement is an appealing and economical solution. 

Visually pleasing, versatile and durable, it’s the key to creating spaces that impress clients and ultimately those who use the space.

Contact us to learn more about how to include microcement on your next construction project and discover the cost benefits that make it a smart investment.