Microcement vs Tiles: Which Suits a BrisbaneRenovation?

Renovating in South East Queensland often comes down to two finishes: microcement or tiles. This guide offers a clear, builder friendly comparison so you can choose what fits your design, timeline and budget.

Microcement living area, Brisbane

A seamless look without grout

Microcement creates a continuous surface with no grout lines to break up the space or trap dirt. If your brief calls for modern, gallery like, minimalist interiors, a seamless microcement floor or wall is a strong choice.

Installation and downtime

Microcement

Applied thinly over prepared substrates. Most residential projects are completed in 3 to 5 days covering preparation, base coats, finish coat and sealing. A quick return to service is a key advantage.

Tiles

Often involves demolition if overlay is not viable, levelling, setting, grouting and curing. This usually means more trades, more dust and a longer wait before you can use the space.

Can it go over existing tiles

Microcement

Yes, after proper surface preparation that includes cleaning, de glossing, bonding and levelling. Avoiding full demolition reduces mess and shortens the schedule.

Tiles

Overlay options exist in some situations, but build up can affect thresholds and detailing.

Wet areas and maintenance

Both systems can work in bathrooms and laundries with the correct detailing. Microcement is sealed for moisture resistance and cleans well with a mild pH neutral cleaner. With no grout lines there are fewer joints to maintain.

Durability and daily use

Microcement is a high performance coating designed for residential and light commercial use. We specify the right sealer for your project from matte through to satin and we provide a simple care guide. Tiles can excel in heavy impact zones but grout will usually show ageing over time.

Design flexibility

Microcement

Refined texture and a broad tonal range. Colours can be matched to your palette. The material can continue across floors, walls and joinery for a consistent architectural result.

Tiles

Unlimited patterns and formats with defined slip ratings. Grout layout can add visual busyness which is sometimes desired and sometimes not.

Cost drivers to watch

Microcement

Substrate condition, total square metres, detailing such as stairs, risers and drains, and the chosen sealer system.

Tiles

Demolition, levelling, tile selection, trims, grout and labour.

When tiles make sense

Choose tiles when you want a distinct pattern, a specific format size, or you have a zone that is prone to heavy impact such as a commercial kitchen. Many homes combine both materials. A common approach is microcement in living areas and wet areas with tiles as a feature or in selected external zones.

Quick decision checklist

• Want seamless modern lines → choose microcement

• Need to minimise demolition and shorten downtime → choose microcement

• After strong patterns or decorative formats → choose tiles

• Prefer simple cleaning and fewer joints → choose microcement

Ready to compare on your plans

Book your free design consult. Share your area in square metres, your suburb and a couple of photos. We will suggest finishes and provide a ballpark estimate for your timeline.

FAQ

How long does microcement take to install?

Most residential projects are completed in 3–5 days, depending on prep and area size.

Can microcement go over tiles?

Yes—after proper prep and levelling to ensure adhesion and a smooth result.

Is microcement water-resistant?

Yes. With the correct sealing system it’s ideal for bathrooms and wet areas.

How do I maintain it?

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid harsh abrasives. We’ll provide a care guide.