Microcement FAQs

Answers to common questions about Ecoflor® Micro Concrete — installation, durability, suitability, maintenance and more. Can’t find what you’re after? Contact us.

Getting Started

What is microcement?

Microcement is a decorative, cement-based coating applied in ultra-thin layers to create a seamless, grout-free surface for floors, walls and other surfaces. Ecoflor® Micro Concrete is our Australian-formulated microcement system, designed as a complete kit for floors, walls, tiles and more.

Is it a DIY product, or do I need a professional installer?

Ecoflor® is designed as a complete 3-coat system that's manageable for any skilled home handyman or tradesperson — no fibreglass mesh required. Every kit comes with step-by-step installation guides, technical data sheets, and direct support from our team before, during and after your project.

What does it cost per m²?

Cost depends heavily on whether you DIY or hire a professional. Ecoflor's floor kits work out to roughly $51–$71/m² for materials — the bigger the kit, the lower the per-m² cost (e.g. a 100m² kit is about $51/m², a 20m² kit about $71/m²). A professional installer typically charges $200–$250+/m² for labour and materials combined, and most installers won't take on jobs smaller than 40–50m² — which is exactly why Ecoflor's DIY kit system exists: it makes microcement viable for smaller jobs and budgets a professional installer wouldn't touch.

What substrates can it be applied to?

Ecoflor® can be applied to floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, benches and benchtops both indoor and outdoor, on various substrates including concrete, tiles, plasterboard, Blueboard, MDF board and FC sheeting.

What is the surface preparation?

All surfaces must be clean, structurally sound and free of dust, moisture, oils and other surface contaminants. Clean or ground concrete and other cementitious surfaces are best suited for Ecoflor® MicroConcrete application.

Installation

How do I apply Micro Cement over tiles?

View our Tile Covering Installation Guide, or seek technical advice from Ecoflor®.

How does it compare to tiles?

Microcement gives a completely different look and feel to tiles — a single continuous, seamless surface rather than a grid of individual pieces, so there's no pattern repeat and no grout lines breaking up the space. That seamlessness is also the practical win: without grout lines there's nothing for dirt, soap scum or mould to collect in, so day-to-day cleaning is simpler than tiled floors or walls. It's also much thinner — at around 2–3mm total system thickness, it can be applied directly over existing tiles without demolition, and unlike a full re-tile (which typically raises floor height enough to cause issues at doorways and transitions), it barely changes floor level at all.

How do I apply Micro Cement on FC Sheet or chipboard subfloor?

Ecoflor® can be applied over FC sheet and chipboard subfloors as part of the standard floor system — see our Floor Application Guide for full instructions, or contact us for substrate-specific advice.

How long does it take to install?

Wall applications take up to 2 days, while floor applications may extend to 3 days.

What are the site requirements?

Restrict access to the area being worked on throughout the Ecoflor installation process. Other trades entering the area can contaminate prepared subfloors, primers and applied cements, potentially causing damage before sealing and curing.

How long after installation can we walk on it?

During the initial 7-day curing period the flooring is suitable for walking, but shoes should be removed. Avoid wet cleaning, mopping, or using water and detergents on the floor during this time.

Do you have a recommended installers list?

We do not refer installers. Ecoflor® installation is manageable for any skilled home handyman or tradesperson using the step-by-step instructions provided.

How much coverage does one kit provide, and how do I pick the right size?

Ecoflor® floor kits are sold in fixed coverage sizes — currently 20m², up to 100m² — so you buy for your actual project area rather than a per-metre rate. Larger kits work out to a lower cost per m². If you're not sure which size covers your space, contact us for a materials estimate.

Can it be used on benchtops, stairs and other surfaces, not just floors?

Yes — Ecoflor® can be applied to floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, benches and benchtops, indoor and outdoor. Because floor and wall can be finished in the same material and colour, you can run a genuinely continuous surface through a room with no visible transition — something tiling and most other materials can't replicate.

Does it need fibreglass mesh reinforcement?

No. Ecoflor®'s Base Coat is formulated with a liquid acrylic polymer and kept under the research-identified cracking threshold, so it's engineered to be highly crack-resistant without requiring mesh reinforcement — unlike many competing high-strength systems that rely on mesh to manage cracking risk.

Performance & Durability

How durable is it?

Ecoflor® is known for its durability across floors, walls, stairs and countertops, due to resistance to cracking, hardness and wear resistance once cured and sealed, versatility across substrates, and long lifespan when installed and maintained correctly.

Is it independently lab-tested? What's its strength?

Yes. Independent NATA-accredited testing (Sharp & Howells, AS 1012) measured Ecoflor® MicroConcrete Base Coat at up to 20 MPa compressive strength and 6.1 MPa flexural strength after 28 days of curing.

Does it crack?

Ecoflor® inherently resists cracking, though installers should be aware that movement in substrate joins may reflect through the finish. Independent testing rates it Class A2 for crack resistance, tolerant to cracks up to 411 µm before any visible effect.

Can it be repaired if chipped or damaged?

Repair guidance is coming soon. Seek technical advice from Ecoflor® in the meantime.

Is it stain proof?

The sealers used in the Ecoflor® MicroConcrete System offer stain resistance but are not entirely stain-proof. Spills should be wiped off swiftly, and contact with staining substances and hot items should be avoided.

Is it scratch proof?

The sealers used provide scratch resistance but are not scratch proof. Avoid sliding heavy objects directly over the floor and use appropriate glides, castors and furniture pads.

Is it slip resistant?

Yes — the Ecostar 2K sealer system used in the Ecoflor® MicroConcrete System is independently rated R10 for slip resistance (DIN 51130 ramp test), with a pendulum test value of 63 PTV dry / 25–26 PTV wet (EN 13036-4).

Does Ecoflor offer a cheaper, lower-spec version?

No — every Ecoflor® installation uses the same tested, premium-grade system. There's one grade, used across every project regardless of budget.

Is it a good alternative if my existing slab isn't suitable for polished concrete?

Yes. Where an existing concrete slab isn't a good candidate for polishing (due to age, softness, stains, or damage revealed by removing tiles, carpet or timber), a MicroConcrete overlay achieves a genuine concrete look without depending on the original slab being flawless — it can be applied over repaired concrete, directly over tiles, or onto new structures.

Is it pet-friendly?

Yes — for the things that matter most with pets. The certified Ecostar 2K sealer system is food-safe (certified suitable for environments where food is present, so pet food and water bowls are a non-issue), stain resistant against accident-adjacent substances such as ammonia, acetic acid, coffee, tea and olive oil, and highly cleanable — it passes 5,000+ wet-scrub cycles and can be washed with chlorine-based, alkaline, acid, or disinfectant cleaners without damage. If the surface does pick up wear over time, a water-based sealer topcoat reapplied once or twice a year restores the finish. It's also R10 slip-rated for secure footing on paws as well as feet. Note: there's no lab test specifically for claw-scratch resistance, so see "Is it scratch proof?" above for general scratch performance.

Suitability

Is it suitable for outdoors?

Ecoflor® is generally suitable for outdoor use, though durability and resistance to sun, rain and temperature fluctuations are limited compared to interior applications. Contact Ecoflor® to explore options designed for exterior use.

Is it suitable for bathrooms?

Yes, Ecoflor® is a popular choice for bathroom applications thanks to its seamless, grout-free finish, water resistance, and easy maintenance, provided it is installed by a skilled professional with an appropriate sealer applied.

Is it suitable in the shower?

Ecoflor® microcement can be used in showers when installed correctly as part of a complete system over a waterproofing membrane compliant with Australian Standards (AS 3740 and AS/NZS 4858), with professional installation and proper sealing. The sealer system is independently tested to show no alteration under humidity and temperature-shock testing.

Is it suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes, Ecoflor®'s thin application and good thermal conductivity make it compatible with underfloor heating systems across concrete, cement screed and wooden subfloors, subject to the substrate manufacturer's temperature limitations.

Is it fire safe / rated for commercial use?

The Ecostar 2K sealer system used in the Ecoflor® MicroConcrete System is classified Bfl-s1 under EN 13501-1, the European fire reaction standard for floor coverings, with "s1" indicating very limited smoke production — a rating commercial fit-out specifiers look for when approving flooring for retail and public spaces.

Is it suitable for commercial or retail spaces?

Yes. The sealer system is tested to withstand 5,000+ wet-scrub cycles, resists chlorine-based, alkaline and acid-based cleaning agents and disinfectants, and is certified suitable for environments where food is present — including cold rooms and spaces with humidity above 80%, relevant for cafés and food-retail counters.

Care & Maintenance

Do you provide maintenance instructions?

Yes, After Care Maintenance Instructions are available on the Care Instructions page.

Does it need resealing, and how often?

Yes — apply a water-based floor wax or sealer finish once or twice a year (more often in high-traffic areas), buffed on as directed on the product label. This replenishes the sealer, restores shine, and extends the life of the surface.

Can I put hot pots directly on a microcement benchtop?

No — keep hot items such as pots, cigarettes and matches off the surface, and avoid prolonged contact with oil, grease or food colouring. Use trivets for hot cookware, the same as you would with most sealed surfaces.

Colours & Custom Orders

Do you have colour chips?

Yes, complimentary microcement colour chips are available — select up to six colours and email sales@ecoflor.com.au with your name, phone number, postal address and chosen colour names.

Do you offer tailored packages?

Yes, complete the contact form on the Contact page and Ecoflor® will follow up with project questions to provide a material estimate and customised quotation.

Resources

Where can I find the Technical Data Sheets?

Technical data sheets can be found on the dedicated Technical Data page in the main menu.