Tiles have been the default finish in Irish bathrooms and kitchens for decades. Microcement is the newer, seamless alternative — and it's now specified across bathrooms, kitchens, floors and even pools. So which is actually better? Here's a fair, honest comparison across the things that matter.
The look
Tiles mean grout lines, patterns and repetition. Microcement is one continuous, jointless surface. Neither is objectively "better" — but if the goal is a calm, contemporary, quiet-luxury look, microcement wins clearly. Tiles still shine when you specifically want a tile pattern, mosaic or heritage aesthetic.
Seams and grout
Grout is the weak link in most tiled installations: it discolours, cracks and needs sealing or replacing. Microcement removes grout entirely — no lines to scrub, no silicone corners to blacken.
Waterproofing
Both work in wet areas when done correctly. Tiles rely on tanking, grout and sealant at every joint. Sealed microcement has no joints to fail, so once applied and sealed with the correct sealer it behaves as one continuous water-resistant skin — see how the system works.
Durability
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are hard-wearing but can chip and crack on impact — and a chipped tile is difficult to replace invisibly. Microcement is a hand-applied surface: extremely durable when the correct system is used (Microtraffic on floors, pool-grade systems in pools), and repairs blend into the existing finish more easily than a replacement tile.
Maintenance
Microcement is the lower-maintenance option day-to-day: a soft cloth and mild cleaner, with no grout lines to scrub. Periodic resealing keeps it performing. Tiles need grout upkeep and, in wet areas, silicone replacement over time.
Installation time & disruption
A tiled renovation typically means demolition, skip hire, waste disposal, then tiling — often weeks of work. Microcement is applied straight over what's already there (see microcement over tiles), so the job is usually finished in days with far less mess.
Cost
Tile material can be cheap or very expensive; the real cost is often the labour — removing the old surface, tiling, grouting. Microcement removes the demolition and re-tiling stages, so total project cost is frequently lower. Supply-only Complete Kits are fixed price on the shop; professional application is quoted per project via a free quote request.
Where tiles still make sense
- A specific tile look (herringbone, mosaic, patterned encaustic) is the design goal.
- Very tight budget on a small area with no need to remove existing tiles first.
- A heritage property where a tiled floor is period-appropriate.
Where microcement wins
- Seamless, jointless bathrooms, kitchens and floors.
- Renovations where you want to keep the existing substrate.
- Low-maintenance wet rooms with no grout to scrub.
- Contemporary, designer-led interiors.
Frequently asked questions
Is microcement better than tiles?
It depends. Microcement wins on seamlessness, low maintenance and installation speed; tiles still make sense for specific looks or very small, tight-budget areas.
Is microcement more expensive than tiles?
Not usually, once demolition, skip hire and re-tiling labour are factored in.
Does microcement replace tiles completely?
Yes — walls, floors and shower areas can all be finished in microcement, often applied straight over the old tiles.
Considering the switch? See applications, browse the shop or request a free quote.