Microcement vs Polished concrete
Polished concrete needs a thick slab (60+ mm) poured in place. Microcement achieves a similar look in just 2–3 mm over your existing floor.
Polished concrete requires structural floor preparation, often heating reconfiguration, and 60+ mm depth. Most retrofits can't accommodate it.
Microcement gives the same matte, mineral aesthetic but goes over existing tiles, screed or wood — perfect for renovations.
Use polished concrete on new-builds where slab depth allows; choose microcement for any retrofit or upstairs application.
At a glance
| Microcement | Polished concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 2–3 mm | 60 mm or more — a structural slab |
| Joints | None | Saw-cut control joints required |
| Over existing substrate | Yes — over tile, screed, concrete or wood | No — poured or ground in place |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof once sealed | Porous unless densified and sealed |
| Install time | Typically 5–7 days | Weeks — pouring, curing then grinding |
| Maintenance | Mild cleaner; periodic reseal | Periodic re-polish and densifier |
| Indicative supply cost | €35–€70/m² supply-only | Slab, grinding plant and specialist labour |
| Best use | Retrofits, upper floors, apartments | New ground-floor slabs and large industrial floors |
Where polished concrete still wins
We supply microcement, but it is not the right answer everywhere. These are the cases where we would point you elsewhere.
- You are pouring a brand-new ground slab anyway — polishing the structural concrete you already have is the most economical route to a mineral floor.
- Very large industrial, logistics or retail floors, where machine polishing scales far better than hand-applied coats.
- Extreme abrasion: forklifts, pallet trucks and heavy trolley traffic sit at the upper limit of what a 2–3 mm coating is designed for.
- Full-depth character — aggregate exposure and terrazzo-like grinding effects are only possible in a real slab.
What it costs in Ireland
In a renovation, microcement is almost always the cheaper route because it removes the structural work entirely: no new slab, no build-up in floor height, no re-hanging doors and no reconfiguring underfloor heating. Supply-only materials run roughly €35–€70/m².
Our complete kits are €516.60 for 10 m², €867.15 for 20 m² and €1,186.95 for 30 m², all inclusive of 23% VAT; a 40 m² kit at €1,599.00 covers a typical open-plan floor. Polished concrete only competes on price when the slab is being poured for structural reasons regardless. Full figures are on our pricing page.