Microcement vs Tiles
Microcement gives you a seamless, grout-free finish at 2–3 mm — tiles require demolition, joints and ongoing grout maintenance.
Microcement bonds directly over existing tiles, saving days of demolition and skip costs. Tiles require subfloor preparation, levelling and grouting.
Visually, microcement is continuous: no joints, no pattern repetition. Tiles deliver a more decorative look but always with grout lines that collect dirt and mould.
On price, supply-only microcement runs €35–€70/m²; tiles range €15–€120/m² plus installation. Microcement removes tile-and-grout cleaning forever.
At a glance
| Microcement | Tiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 2–3 mm | 8–20 mm with adhesive bed |
| Joints | None — one continuous surface | Grout lines throughout |
| Over existing substrate | Yes — bonds over sound tile, plaster, screed or concrete | Usually requires removal and levelling |
| Waterproofing | Fully waterproof once cured and sealed | Tile body is waterproof; grout and joints are the weak point |
| Install time | Typically 5–7 days including cure and sealing | Similar fitting time plus demolition and disposal |
| Maintenance | Mild cleaner; periodic reseal | Ongoing grout cleaning, sealing and occasional regrouting |
| Indicative supply cost | €35–€70/m² supply-only | €15–€120/m² for tiles, plus adhesive, grout and labour |
| Best use | Seamless bathrooms, floors and walls, especially retrofits | Decorative patterns, mosaics and small, simple areas |
Where tiles still win
We supply microcement, but it is not the right answer everywhere. These are the cases where we would point you elsewhere.
- Tight budget with a willingness to DIY — basic tiles and a weekend of your own labour is hard to beat on cost.
- A specific decorative pattern: encaustic, mosaic, zellige or a strong geometric layout that microcement, by definition, cannot reproduce.
- A very small, simple area — a splashback or a single wall — where the setup and preparation for a coating system is disproportionate.
- An unstable or moving substrate. Microcement needs a sound, rigid base; where a floor flexes or a wall is failing, individual tiles tolerate small movement better and can be replaced one at a time.
What it costs in Ireland
On supply-only materials, microcement runs roughly €35–€70/m² depending on the system and finish. 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 20 m² kit covers a standard family bathroom, walls and floor included.
Tiles range from about €15/m² for basic ceramic to €120/m² and beyond for porcelain and natural stone, before adhesive, grout, trims, labour and the cost of removing and skipping the old surface. Because microcement goes over what is already there, the demolition line disappears from the quote entirely. See the full price list on our pricing page.