Microcement cost: is it worth applying it at home?
Guide updated September 2026 · Prices checked against product pages.
The popularity of microcement is clear, as more and more people are choosing it to renovate their homes. But before deciding on this decorative coating, there is one question almost everyone asks: how much does microcement cost? And the answer is that it depends on several factors.
And if you need some context before we talk numbers, here is what microcement is explained in full.
The kit figures you will see below come from Smartcret's seven microcement kits, whose product page shows the exact price by square metres and substrate before you buy (colour does not change the price).
The price of microcement, like any other surface coating material, is calculated per m². However, the final cost is not only influenced by the square metres of the surface to be covered, but also by the room being renovated, the rate charged by the professional applying it, or the type of system you choose. Not all microcements are the same: there are two-component systems, one-component systems and ready-to-use options. The latter are designed so they can be applied by private users, as you can see in our microcement shop.
Throughout this guide, we will explain all the factors that influence the price of microcement, the approximate cost by room, a comparison with other materials and the real kit prices, checked in September 2026. Let’s get started.
How much does microcement cost per m²?
In the US, a professional applicator charges around $315–420 per m² (roughly $29–39 per sq ft), labour included — and most of that price is labour. But as mentioned above, the price of microcement per m² in 2026 varies depending on several factors that come into play, which we will explain in more detail later on.
But here is a first insight: the most significant reason why the price can increase considerably is the application, as the final cost differs substantially depending on whether you apply it yourself or a professional does it.
And because we know you will want to understand this in more detail, we will explain it right away.
Price per m² when applied by a professional
When this decorative coating is applied by a professional, several elements come into play: the rate, the type of microcement used and the technical complexity of the project. This combination is what can make the price vary significantly when microcement is professionally applied. We explain it below.
On top of the price of microcement, which sits at around $315–420 per m², bear in mind that the type of microcement a professional usually works with is a two-component or one-component system. These systems are less eco-friendly than ready-to-use microcement and, in many cases, require an additional component B and the chosen pigment, as they do not come pre-pigmented. This means more products are needed, which increases the final price.
This is not the case with ready-to-use microcement, because it is a water-based product supplied ready for application. As a result, it can be applied by any private user, whether or not they have previous renovation experience.
On the other hand, in areas with greater complexity because they have corners or drains, or whose surface is very small or humid, such as a bathroom, the rate the professional applies may be higher than in other areas, since they need special treatment and are therefore more expensive.
Price per m² if you apply it yourself
Yes, you read that right. You can apply microcement yourself thanks to ready-to-use microcement. And at a much lower cost. This decorative coating is a relatively new acrylic and sustainable material on the market, and it is becoming increasingly popular in home renovation projects.
Ready-to-use microcement, as its name suggests, comes prepared so that any private user can apply it, with the added advantage of reducing the overall cost of the project, as you save on labour. With a complete kit (primer, pre-pigmented microcement, protective varnish and sanding discs), the material comes to $25–63 per m² (about $2.30–5.80 per sq ft) indoors depending on the kit, the square metres and the substrate, and $49–74 per m² outdoors. Colour never changes the price: all twenty colours cost the same.
A concrete example, with September 2026 prices: an 8 m² (86 sq ft) bathroom costs between $2,520 and $3,360 applied by a professional (range of $315–420 per m², labour included), compared with $395 (shown in your currency at checkout) with the 8 m² bathroom microcement kit on plasterboard, plaster or cement, or $411 on tiles, with the grout filler and the specific primer included. In other words, a saving of between $2,125 and $2,965 in a single room.
Microcement price by room
Now that you have a general idea of the cost of microcement, let’s look at the price of this decorative coating depending on the room you want to renovate. The kit prices that follow are those on the product pages in September 2026; they are the same for all twenty colours and you will see them, to the cent, on each product page before you buy. The "with labour" prices come from the $315–420 per m² range a professional applicator usually charges in the US.
Microcement bathroom cost
The bathroom is one of the rooms most commonly renovated with microcement, so it is the first area we are going to look at. The bathroom microcement kit covers walls, shower, countertop and sink, both on tiles and on plasterboard or cement, and comes in four sizes.
On plasterboard, plaster or cement: $231 for 4 m², $395 for 8 m², $733 for 16 m² and $978 for 24 m². On tiles (with grout filler and adhesion primer included): $243 for 4 m², $411 for 8 m², $786 for 16 m² and $1,025 for 24 m². Applied by a professional, the same surface costs between $1,260 and $1,680 (4 m²), $2,520 and $3,360 (8 m²), $5,040 and $6,720 (16 m²) or $7,560 and $10,080 (24 m²).
Microcement flooring cost
A seamless floor creates a sense of spaciousness that no other type of flooring can match. Would you like to find out how much a project like this would cost? The microcement kit for floors and stairs comes in six sizes, from 4 to 96 m² (with the Smart Medio finish, the one for floors).
On cement, concrete or plasterboard: $238 (4 m²), $395 (8 m²), $778 (16 m²), $1,059 (24 m²), $2,022 (48 m²) and $3,973 (96 m²). On tiles or floor tiles: $250 (4 m²), $417 (8 m²), $809 (16 m²), $1,106 (24 m²), $2,116 (48 m²) and $3,973 (96 m²). That is between $63 per m² on the smallest surface and $41 per m² on the largest. Applied by a professional, a 16 m² floor comes to between $5,040 and $6,720, and a 96 m² floor between $30,240 and $40,320.
Microcement over tiles cost
Applying microcement over tiles usually requires more preparation material than other surfaces. For example, filler will be needed to cover the grout lines, as well as a specific primer for wet areas (if the tiles are in a bathroom or kitchen). If the application is carried out by a professional, this can increase the final cost of the project.
There is no separate "for tiles" kit: on each product page (bathroom, kitchen, walls, floors) you choose the "Tiles and floor tiles" substrate and the kit arrives with the Smart Jointer grout filler and the maximum-adhesion Smart Primer PLUS primer. That substrate costs between $12 and $94 more than the same kit on plasterboard, depending on the size: $243 for 4 m² of tiled wall, $411 for 8 m², $786 for 16 m² and $1,025 for 24 m²; for a tiled floor, from $250 (4 m²) to $3,973 (96 m²). You will find all the microcement kits for tiles gathered on a single page.
Microcement kitchen cost
The kitchen, along with the bathroom, is another area of the home where microcement truly shines: walls, floor, splashback… A kitchen renovation with microcement applied by a professional would cost between $1,260 and $10,080 depending on its size (from 4 to 24 m²).
With a kit, the kitchen microcement kit (walls, splashback and countertop) costs $231 for 4 m², $395 for 8 m², $733 for 16 m² and $978 for 24 m² on plasterboard, plaster or cement, and $243, $411, $786 or $1,025 on tiles. For the kitchen floor, the kit is the floors and stairs kit from the previous section.
Microcement wall cost
Walls are one of the surfaces most often renovated with microcement, mainly because they completely transform a room and also because microcement is so easy to apply on them. It is also the cheapest kit per m²: the microcement kit for walls costs $218 for 4 m², $370 for 8 m², $684 for 16 m² and $905 for 24 m² on plasterboard, plaster or cement, that is, between $55 and $38 per m². On tiles it comes in 4, 8, 16 and 24 m² at $231, $386, $737 and $951. Applied by a professional, 12 m² of wall cost between $3,780 and $5,040, and 24 m² between $7,560 and $10,080.
Factors that influence the price of microcement
Microcement is a coating with countless advantages. One of the most important is its excellent adhesion, which has made it a must-have solution in the renovation of thousands of homes.
This adhesion allows microcement to be applied over existing materials without having to remove them, making it a more cost-effective alternative to demolition work and the need to apply for building permits, as is often the case with traditional renovations.
However, despite these benefits, when considering microcement for our homes, there are many key factors that influence the price of microcement and should be taken into account.
The square metres to be covered
In most microcement installation quotes, there are fixed costs and minimum working hours, no matter how small the project is. Therefore, the more square metres there are to cover, the lower the price per m² will be, as the fixed costs are spread across the total microcement price.
The condition of the surfaces
The preparation work required before applying microcement is essential to determine how much the final cost may be. The surface must be level, free from damp and smoothed if it has textured paint or any irregularities, so that cracks or defects do not appear once the microcement has been applied.
It is also very important to take into account the material of the substrate you want to cover. In other words, microcement can be applied over almost any surface (terrazzo, marble, tiles, plasterboard, cement or plaster) but, depending on the material, the primers and sealers required may vary, and with them, the price of microcement.
The complexity of the project
The more complex the application, the more time it requires, and therefore the higher the microcement cost will be due to labour. For example, covering a staircase with small corners and details is not the same as coating a smooth wall with no obstacles. So, the greater the technical difficulty, the higher the final cost will be.
Labour
Microcement application is a handcrafted and labour-intensive process that requires very precise steps and drying times to achieve the best results. In many cases, professional installers need specialist training and extensive knowledge of the products they use, as they must be highly meticulous with mixtures and quantities.
They also need specific tools, such as mixing drills to homogenise the microcement, trowels to achieve different application effects, sandpapers with different grit levels, and more. All of this can increase the cost due to the experience and expertise required from professionals.
However, the cost of microcement is different when using a ready-to-use system, because you save on labour by applying it yourself.
The quality of the system
The quality of the products used has a major impact on the price of microcement. This is especially important when looking for a very specific finish, or when covering a surface with special characteristics, such as a shower, a small space or an area with many corners and hard-to-reach details.
Colours and finishes
Microcement colour ranges have expanded significantly in recent years. There are now so many options to choose from that it can often be difficult to settle on just one shade.
However, combining different microcement colours can increase the application cost, as it slows down the installation process and also raises the budget needed for materials.
The same applies when looking for different finishes, highly textured effects, or extra matt or glossy results, as these require specific products and more hours of specialised labour.
Microcement price compared to other materials
Microcement is a very cost-effective option compared to other materials available on the market, such as granite, marble or ceramic tiles. This is because it is a decorative coating that does not require major building work, allowing you to save a considerable amount of money. Compared with tiles or ceramics, microcement (without labour costs) comes out ahead in terms of time, complexity and cleanliness during installation.
With microcement, you avoid the need to remove the existing material before applying a new one, as happens with many other materials. Even so, DIY microcement is the most economical option after paint, but unlike paint, microcement lasts between 15 and 20 years (depending on the maintenance it receives), covers tile grout lines, is water-resistant and provides a more refined aesthetic.
Is microcement expensive? The honest truth
We cannot objectively say whether microcement is expensive or cheap because, as you can see, it always depends on several factors that influence the final cost and on the perspective from which you look at it.
Microcement offers certain advantages that justify its price: it is a highly durable material that can last for years, and it is resistant to moisture and daily wear, making it ideal for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is applied directly over existing surfaces without having to remove them first, it is very easy to clean and it is environmentally friendly. It also provides an aesthetically appealing finish with seamless, grout-free surfaces, making it a perfect option for those looking for an elegant and minimalist renovation.
Even so, the perception that microcement is an expensive material comes from the time when it could only be applied by hiring a specialised installer. Because let’s be honest: from $315 per m², renovating a space such as a small bathroom, where the installer applies a minimum rate, is a considerable investment.
In practice, moreover, most applicators do not accept small jobs: between travel and the drying and waiting times between the system's multiple coats, a job smaller than a complete bathroom (around 24 m²) is not worth it for them, and those who do accept it apply minimum rates that send the price per m² soaring. That is why, for small surfaces such as a shower, a countertop or a sink, the ready-to-use microcement kit is not only the most economical option: it is often the only realistic one.
However, when you apply it yourself, the cost can be reduced significantly, as you save on labour.
5 tips to save on the price of microcement
As you have seen throughout this guide, the price of microcement can vary significantly depending on the type of project, the surface and the application method. If you want to prevent your renovation cost from rising too much and save on your project, pay attention to these tips to reduce your budget as much as possible.
1. Choose a ready-to-use system
Smartcret ready-to-use microcement has been specially designed to be applied directly, with no mixing required. This helps prevent possible mistakes during the preparation process and avoids the need to buy more products than necessary (along with the leftover material that often remains once the application is finished).
2. Do it yourself
By applying it yourself, you save on labour and reduce the overall cost of this material. Our ready-to-use system has been specially formulated for easy and fast application, with no need to be an expert. Because you can apply it yourself, the price of microcement in your renovation budget is drastically reduced, without depending on installer rates or price fluctuations.
And how is that possible? Because the price of this decorative coating usually accounts for only around 20% of a conventional quote, while the remaining 80% goes towards labour. It is also very easy and quick to apply: you simply need to follow the steps shown in the instructions and, thanks to its fast drying time, your surface will be ready to use in one week.
3. Measure the square metres of your surface accurately
Pay only for the square metres you want to cover. Regardless of the area, the price of Smartcret microcement will remain the same, because it depends only on the square metres you want to renovate, with no surprises linked to fixed initial costs. The price ratio will be the same whether you want to cover a 15 m² bathroom or the entire 90 m² floor of a house.
4. Since it is already pigmented, colour does not affect the price of microcement
With Smartcret, you can buy as many products as you need in a wide variety of colours, grain sizes and finishes without increasing your budget. And how is that possible? Because we do not apply a minimum cost, so you can choose all the products, colours and finishes you want without worrying about minimum quantities for each one.
And because the microcement is already pigmented, you do not need to buy pigments separately or see your bill increase because of specific colours. Combining colours has never been so easy!
5. Make the most of existing surfaces to avoid extra costs
Floors, walls, entire rooms with countless corners and details... None of this will affect the price of Smartcret ready-to-use microcement.
Unlike what happens when hiring a professional installer, applying it yourself directly over the existing surface, without removing tiles or flooring, will not increase the cost, regardless of the area you want to cover. You decide where to apply microcement without increasing your budget.
Frequently asked questions about the price of microcement
How much do applicators charge per m² of microcement?
In the US, a professional applicator charges around $315–420 per m² (roughly $29–39 per sq ft), labour included — and most of it is labour. On small jobs (a shower, a sink, a small bathroom) many applicators add a minimum fee — or simply turn the job down — so the real price per m² can climb well above that.
How much is a m² of microcement worth?
With a professional, most of the $315–420 per m² is labour. With a complete ready-to-use kit (primer, pre-pigmented microcement and sealer), the m² comes to $25–63 indoors ($49–74 outdoors) depending on the kit, the surface and the substrate, with no labour to pay: that is the final cost of your renovation.
How much does a square metre of microcement cost?
It depends on who applies it: around $315–420 per m² if a professional does it, and $25–63 per m² if you apply it yourself with a ready-to-use kit. The more square metres, the cheaper the m² works out in both cases.
Which is cheaper, microcement or tiles?
For a renovation, a microcement kit usually works out cheaper than re-tiling: it is applied directly over the existing tiles, with no removal, no rubble and no builder. Tiles only win if you compare material prices alone; as soon as labour comes in (removal, levelling, laying), the balance flips.
How much does it cost to apply microcement over tiles?
With a kit for a tiled substrate (grout filler and adhesion primer included), between $243 (4 m²) and $1,025 (24 m²) on walls, bathroom or kitchen, and from $250 (4 m²) to $3,973 (96 m²) on floors. If a professional applies it, allow around $315–420 per m², a little more if the grout preparation is complex.
How much does outdoor microcement cost?
Professionally applied, it starts in the same range ($315–420 per m²) and can rise with specific weather-proofing treatments. Before deciding, take a look at our outdoor microcement guide to see when it makes sense and which system to use.
Now that you know what influences the price of microcement and how much it can cost depending on the area to be renovated and the surface where you want to apply it, it is time to go one step further: compare your options and choose the solution that best fits your project. In our shop, you can see the products available and buy microcement for your home renovation.
Is your project the floor? The microcement floor guide covers benefits, colours and application in detail.
Reviewed by the Smartcret technical team.
