1. Microcement on Floor Only
Overview:
Applying microcement to the floor alone is the most common and economical option. It delivers a smooth, continuous surface that replaces tiles, vinyl, or other floor coverings.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Least expensive since only horizontal surfaces are treated.
- Minimal disruption: Faster installation compared to multi-surface applications.
- Design focus: The floor can be the main visual feature without overwhelming the space.
- Easier maintenance: No vertical surface cleaning challenges.
- Limited immersive effect: Does not create a fully seamless, wrap-around visual.
- Design matching issues: If the walls are of a different material or finish, the aesthetic may feel less integrated.
- Residential living areas
- Retail floors
- Office spaces seeking modern flooring without major renovation
Overview:
Covering both the floor and walls creates a cohesive, modern look, often seen in bathrooms, kitchens, and high-end retail spaces.
Advantages:
- Seamless integration: Creates visual continuity between horizontal and vertical planes.
- Water resistance: Ideal for wet areas when properly sealed (bathrooms, showers, kitchens).
- Enhanced aesthetics: Eliminates grout lines, making spaces look bigger and cleaner.
- Durable surfaces: Walls are more resistant to scratches and stains compared to paint or plaster.
- Higher cost: Material and labor increase significantly compared to floor-only work.
- More installation time: Requires careful preparation on vertical surfaces.
- Potential touch-up needs: Wall scuffs may be more visible on continuous finishes.
- Bathrooms and wet rooms
- Commercial feature walls
- Luxury kitchens
Overview:
Applying microcement to all three surfaces creates a fully immersive, monolithic space. This approach is often used in luxury spas, art galleries, or minimalist architecture.
Advantages:
- Complete immersion: The entire space feels unified and sculptural.
- High-end, bespoke aesthetic: Gives a unique, modern, and architecturally bold impression.
- Custom lighting effects: Works beautifully with concealed lighting and shadow play.
- Seamless hygiene: No gaps, joints, or grout where dirt or mold can accumulate.
- Highest cost: Largest material and labor investment.
- Complex application: Ceilings require advanced skill to achieve smooth, even finishes without drips or uneven texture.
- Potential maintenance challenge: Any ceiling cracks or damage will require specialized repair.
- Overwhelming design risk: Without careful color and texture choice, the space may feel enclosed or heavy.
- Luxury spas and wellness centers
- High-end minimalist residences
- Artistic or concept-driven commercial spaces
Application Scope | Cost Level | Installation Time | Design Impact | Maintenance Difficulty | Best Use Cases |
Floor Only | Low | Fast | Moderate | Low | Living rooms, offices, retail floors |
Floor + Wall | Medium | Moderate | High | Medium | Bathrooms, kitchens, feature walls |
Floor + Wall + Ceiling | High | Long | Very High | High | Spas, galleries, high-end minimalism |
Choosing between floor only, floor and wall, or floor, wall, and ceiling microcement application comes down to budget, design intent, and functional needs.
- For budget-conscious projects: Floor only is the most practical.
- For immersive but balanced design: Floor and wall offer the best blend of style and practicality.
- For bold, statement-making interiors: Floor, wall, and ceiling create unmatched visual impact but require careful design planning to avoid visual heaviness.