The Differences Between Microcement and Polished Concrete

Choosing the best flooring material for your home or business is an important decision. You want something that’s visually pleasing, practical, and low-maintenance. Two popular options right now are microcement and polished concrete, both of which offer sleek, modern visuals with industrial durability. These two options may seem so similar that some people use the terms interchangeably, despite their differences in composition, application, and performance.

Understanding the differences between microcement and polished concrete can help you make an informed decision about which is best for you based on your specific requirements, budget, and design ideas. Rescrete is here with a comprehensive guide to go over some of these subtle distinctions and which option can work best for you.

What Is Microcement?

Microcement is a decorative coating system made from cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments. This versatile material creates ultra-thin layers, typically measuring between two to three millimeters in total thickness. The basic idea of microcement is to have it bond to existing surfaces, so it’s a good option for renovation projects where removing the existing flooring would be costly or impractical.

Microcement has a unique composition that allows for seamless application over different flooring, such as tile, concrete, wood, or metal. Professional installers apply microcement in multiple thin coats, creating a continuous surface without joints or seams. The smooth finish is one of the main reasons why it’s a popular option in contemporary interior design.

What Is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete involves taking existing slabs and putting them through a mechanical grinding and polishing process. Progressively finer diamond grinding tools create increasingly smooth surfaces. The process typically requires concrete slabs that are at least 50-100 millimeters thick to accommodate the grinding process without compromising structural integrity.

Polishing the concrete allows it to achieve different levels of sheen or brightness that resemble a matte or high-gloss finish with reflective properties like a mirror. Contractors may apply chemical densifiers to strengthen the concrete and reduce porosity to create a smoother, stain-resistant surface.

Installation Process Differences

Installing microcement or polished concrete comes with different levels of complexity. Microcement application requires specialized training and typically takes three to five days to complete. Installers must carefully prepare the substrate, apply primer coats, and then build up the microcement in thin layers. They must properly cure each layer before applying the next one, and before applying a protective sealer on top.

Polished concrete focuses more on mechanical processes rather than material application. Grinding and polishing the concrete may take up to seven days, depending on the desired finish or the condition of the existing concrete. This process requires heavy machinery and generates significant dust, necessitating proper containment measures and potentially requiring occupants to vacate the premises during installation.

Thickness and Weight Considerations

Microcement has an ultra-thin profile that makes it a good choice for areas where height can create problems with door clearances. The minimal thickness also means existing fixtures, built-in furniture, and architectural elements typically don’t require adjustment.

Polished concrete maintains the original slab thickness, making it suitable only for spaces with adequate structural capacity and ceiling height. However, this substantial thickness provides excellent thermal mass properties, naturally regulating indoor temperatures and potentially reducing energy costs over time.

Versatility and Application Surfaces

One of the main differences between microcement and polished concrete lies in their level of versatility. Microcement is a much more readily available option since you can lay it on top of a range of existing flooring options. It’s a valuable option for renovations, and you can even apply it to vertical surfaces, stairs, and other design elements throughout the space.

Polished concrete requires existing concrete substrates or new concrete pours specifically designed for polishing. This limitation restricts its application primarily to ground floors, basements, or upper levels with concrete structural systems. Homeowners and businesses can’t apply polished concrete on top of existing tile, wood, or other surfaces without first performing costly and generally unnecessary extra work.

Aesthetic Options and Customization

Both materials offer extensive customization possibilities, though through different means. Microcement provides unlimited color options through mineral pigments, allowing exact color matching to design specifications. While many have mental images of cement, microcement can mimic the colors, designs, and even textures of things, such as tile, marble, and even wood.

Polished concrete achieves its aesthetic appeal through aggregate exposure and polishing levels rather than added pigments. The grinding process reveals the natural aggregate within the concrete, creating unique patterns and visual depth. There’s slightly less variety in color options and involves standard concrete staining or colors added in the original pour.

Durability and Longevity Factors

Microcement’s durability depends heavily on proper installation and maintenance. Properly installed microcement provides fantastic resistance or wear, moisture and staining. However, the thin profile makes it more susceptible to damage from heavy impact or sharp objects compared to thicker flooring systems, making it slightly impractical for businesses that frequently transport heavy stock or machinery.

Polished concrete offers exceptional durability due to its substantial thickness and the densification process used during polishing. This material can withstand heavy traffic, machinery, and impacts that would damage thinner flooring systems. The mechanical polishing process creates a surface that becomes more attractive with age as minor scratches blend into the overall patina.

Maintenance Requirements

Both microcement and polished concrete have relatively straightforward cleaning processes. You can give them a simple dust mopping and the occasional damp cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner. Over time, microcement requires resealing every three to five years to maintain its protective properties and appearance. The resealing process is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require specialized equipment.

Polished concrete requires minimal ongoing maintenance beyond regular cleaning. The densified surface resists staining and doesn’t require frequent sealing, such as other concrete finishes. However, maintaining the desired sheen level may require periodic repolishing in high-traffic areas, though this typically occurs every ten to fifteen years rather than every few years.

Cost Considerations and Budget Planning

Initial installation costs for microcement typically exceed those of polished concrete due to material costs and specialized labor requirements. The ability to apply microcement on top of existing surfaces can reduce expenses that stem from demolishing and disposing of the previous flooring foundation.

Polished concrete generally offers lower initial costs, particularly when applied to new construction or existing concrete in good condition. Long-term costs favor polished concrete due to minimal maintenance requirements and exceptional longevity, potentially making it more economical over extended periods.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Both microcement and polished concrete have distinct benefits, and choosing the right one comes down to your specific project or existing conditions. Always consider current factors, such as existing floors, budget constraints, or aesthetic preferences.

Trust Rescrete for expert concrete floor polishing in Orange County. We deliver exceptional results that fit your distinct needs. Contact us today to learn more about which high-quality flooring solution we can prepare for your home or business.