Overview
| Feature | Microcement | Ceramic Tile |
| Material | Cement-based, mixed with polymers | Baked clay or porcelain |
| Appearance | Seamless, minimalist | Patterned or plain with visible grout lines |
| Common Uses | Walls, floors, bathrooms, commercial interiors | Floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens |
| Popular in | Modern, industrial, luxury homes and shops | Traditional, general residential, commercial |
Microcement:
- Made of cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments.
- Offers a seamless, jointless finish—ideal for a modern or minimalist look.
- Color-customizable and adaptable to curved or irregular surfaces.
- Made of natural clay, shaped and baked in kilns.
- Comes in glazed or unglazed formats, available in thousands of colors, textures, and patterns.
- Installed in pieces with visible grout lines.
Microcement:
- Thin-layer application (2–3 mm thick).
- Can be applied over existing surfaces: concrete, wood, plaster, tiles.
- Requires skilled applicators and multiple coats with trowel work.
- Drying & curing time: ~5–7 days.
- Laid piece by piece using tile adhesive.
- Needs surface leveling before application.
- Grouting and spacing take additional time.
- Generally faster and easier to install than microcement (less skill-dependent).
Microcement:
- Highly water-resistant when properly sealed.
- Suitable for bathrooms, wet areas, kitchen countertops, and even pools.
- No grout lines, reducing mold/mildew risk.
- Naturally water-resistant; widely used in wet zones.
- Grout lines can absorb water and may stain or grow mold if not sealed and maintained.
Microcement:
- Flexible and crack-resistant, especially in Malaysia’s humid and shifting ground conditions.
- Can develop hairline cracks if substrate is unstable or incorrectly installed.
- Hard and impact-resistant, but can crack or chip under impact.
- Susceptible to grout deterioration over time.
Microcement:
- Very easy to clean—no grout lines.
- Requires re-sealing every 2–5 years depending on usage.
- Neutral cleaners recommended (no harsh acids).
- Easy to clean, but grout can stain, crack, or harbor mold.
- May need grout cleaning or regrouting over time.
| Element | Microcement | Ceramic Tile |
| Material Cost | RM W–X per sq ft | RM Y–Z per sq ft |
| Installation Cost | RM W–X per sq ft | RM Y–Z per sq ft |
| Maintenance Cost | Low (resealing RM 1–2/sq ft every few years) | Medium (grout repair every few years) |
| Total Installed Cost | RM W–X per sq ft | RM Y–Z per sq ft |
Remark: For Microcement pricing, please refer to Etepox Solution. For Ceramic Tile pricing, please refer to your local contractor.
Microcement:
- Works well in humid, tropical climates.
- Withstands moisture, temperature changes, and indoor-outdoor transitions.
- Popular in urban high-end interiors, cafes, and boutique retail.
- Very common in Malaysian homes and commercial spaces due to availability, affordability, and ease of cooling.
- However, slippery when wet unless anti-slip tiles are used.
Microcement:
- Can be applied over existing tiles or surfaces without demolition.
- Great for renovation projects with minimal dust and disruption.
- Typically needs removal of old tiles unless overlayed with special adhesives.
- Demolition increases noise, time, and waste.
| Feature | Microcement | Ceramic Tile |
| Aesthetics | Seamless, modern | Patterned, traditional |
| Cost | High | Low–Medium |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Good (grout-dependent) |
| Installation | Requires skilled labor | Easier, common tradesmen |
| Durability | Flexible, impact-sensitive | Hard, impact-resistant |
| Maintenance | Easy, needs resealing | Easy, grout upkeep needed |
| Renovation Use | Ideal for overlays | Requires more prep |
| Trend in Malaysia | Modern homes, retail | General use, cost-effective |
- Choose Microcement if you're aiming for a seamless modern look, have a higher budget, and want minimal grout and flexible design.
- Choose Ceramic Tile if you need a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-source option that fits a wide range of interior styles.
VN 2223 
US 1507 
SG 525 
GB 385 
HK 301 
AU 291 
CA 284 
MX 276 
