Microcement Commercial Spaces Melbourne

Microcement for commercial spaces in Melbourne

Commercial microcement is a layered cement-based finishing system installed as a thin build-up over a prepared substrate, then sealed for durability, stain resistance, and maintainability. The reason it’s used in commercial fitouts is simple: it delivers a clean, continuous architectural surface with fewer joins, minimal visual clutter, and a premium feel.

For builders and project teams, the “win” is when it’s specified and installed correctly: suitable substrate, correct prep, sensible detailing, and a sealer matched to the environment (traffic, cleaning regime, moisture, chemicals, slip risk, and downtime constraints).

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Typical commercial applications

Commercial microcement can be designed for different environments. The main thing is choosing the right system and sealer for the use-case. Common applications include:

Retail, showrooms, and hospitality

• Seamless floors for retail fitouts and high-end showrooms
• Feature walls behind counters, product walls, entry statements
• Back-of-house areas where cleaning and durability matter

Offices and reception areas

• Reception floors and feature walls
• Boardroom walls, joinery wraps, branded architectural surfaces
• Stair voids and circulation spaces (touch zones)

Medical, wellness, and studio spaces

• Clinics, wellness studios, gyms and pilates spaces (traffic + cleaning)
• Amenities and wash zones (wet area detailing is critical)
• Change rooms and showers (requires compliant wet area build-up)

Multi-res and common areas

• Lobbies, corridors, lift lobbies, shared amenity spaces
• Feature walls and consistent finishes across multiple zones

If you’re after residential-style references too: Microcement flooring • Microcement bathrooms • Microcement walls

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Performance: what commercial teams need to know

In commercial projects, “does it look good?” is only one part. The real questions are about performance under traffic, cleaning regimes, moisture exposure, and the consequences of downtime. Microcement can perform very well when designed correctly, but it is not a single generic product. Performance depends on the system and the site.

Traffic and abrasion

Heavy traffic areas need a build designed for wear: correct substrate prep, level of finish, and protective sealing. Entry grit is a major wear factor, so commercial entry mat strategy matters more than most people expect.

Chemical and staining resistance

Cleaning chemicals vary hugely between hospitality, medical, and office environments. Sealer selection is matched to the expected cleaning products. If a space will be cleaned with harsh chemicals or degreasers, that needs to be known at the start.

Cracking and movement

Any rigid finish can crack if the substrate moves. Commercial slabs, suspended floors, and junctions need realistic assessment. Correct prep and reinforcement strategies reduce risk, but movement cannot be “sealed away”.

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Slip resistance and traction (commercial reality)

Slip resistance is not something to guess. The level required depends on the space (entry, wet zones, food areas, ramps, etc) and project requirements. Microcement finishes can be adjusted with texture and sealer choices, but there is always a balance: more texture can increase traction but also increases cleaning effort.

If slip ratings or specific compliance outcomes are required, we recommend confirming the target performance and selecting the right system and finish accordingly. Share the space type and expectations early so the finish is designed properly.

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Substrates and compatibility

Substrate is the foundation of commercial performance. Microcement is thin, so it reflects weakness underneath. Commercial jobs often involve a mix of substrates across the same site: slab, screed, fibre cement, masonry, or existing tile.

Common substrates

• Concrete slabs and structural screeds
• Self-levelling systems (where required for flatness)
• Existing tiles (possible, if stable and correctly prepared)
• Fibre cement sheeting and masonry (walls and wet zones)

Risk zones

• Movement joints and cracks (must be assessed, not ignored)
• Damp or moisture-affected substrates
• Soft or contaminated surfaces (adhesive residues, oils, curing compounds)
• High-variation slabs that require levelling for an architectural finish

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Preparation: what the “real job” usually is

Prep is where commercial projects are won or lost. It’s also the main reason quotes can vary. The goal is a stable, clean, compatible base with the flatness and integrity required for the intended finish.

Typical prep scope (varies by site)

• Grinding or mechanical prep to remove laitance/contamination
• Crack assessment and treatment (movement vs surface)
• Levelling and smoothing where needed for light-critical finishes
• Primers matched to substrate and moisture conditions
• Detailing around joints, thresholds, drains, and transitions

If you’re comparing quotes, align the prep assumptions. Two pricing offers can look similar but be based on very different prep allowances.

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System selection: matching finish to environment

Commercial microcement should be specified by environment: a reception floor is different to a kitchen back-of-house zone, and different again to amenities. We select build-up and sealing based on traffic, moisture, chemical exposure, and cleaning regime.

Wet areas and amenities

In wet areas, microcement is a finish layer. Waterproofing is a separate compliant layer beneath where required. If you’re coating wet zones, the build must be designed as a wet area system, not treated like a standard wall finish.

Hospitality and food-adjacent zones

Oils, acids, and aggressive cleaning products are common. Sealer selection and detailing matters more than colour choice. If the space will be heavily degreased, that must be planned for.

High traffic floors

Traffic isn’t just footfall. It’s grit, chairs, trolleys, cleaning machines, and maintenance frequency. We’ll advise on practical protection and cleaning strategy to extend life.

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Cleaning and maintenance for commercial sites

The best commercial finishes are the ones that stay consistent after 6–12 months of cleaning. Microcement can be very maintainable, but the cleaning regime must match the sealer and finish level.

General care principles

• Use suitable cleaners (often pH-neutral is best unless the system is specified for stronger chemicals)
• Avoid abrasive pads and gritty powders
• Entry mat strategy reduces wear dramatically
• Spot-clean spills early, especially oils and acidic liquids

If you want a simple maintenance reference: Cleaning & maintenance guide

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Shutdown planning and trade sequencing

Commercial projects often live or die by programme. Microcement needs correct dry times between coats and adequate curing protection. If the space must remain operational, we can plan staged areas or night work depending on scope and access.

Key coordination points

• Access and protection from other trades (especially after base coats)
• Threshold details and transitions to other finishes
• Wet area readiness (waterproofing, falls, drainage details)
• HVAC and site conditions during install and cure

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How long does a commercial microcement install take?

Timelines depend on m², prep scope, site access, and curing requirements. As a rough guide:

• Small fitouts / feature areas: staged over several days including sealing and dry times
• Medium floors: additional time for prep, levelling, multiple coats, and protection
• Wet areas: depends on waterproofing readiness and coordination

For programme planning, share your key dates and site constraints early. We’ll advise the realistic sequence.

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Commercial pricing drivers (what affects the quote)

Commercial pricing is driven by prep, access, risk management, and performance requirements. Two sites with the same m² can be very different depending on substrate condition and programme constraints.

Main drivers

• Substrate condition (contamination, cracks, moisture, flatness)
• Prep requirements (grind, repair, levelling, priming)
• Performance requirements (traffic, cleaning chemicals, wet zones, traction needs)
• Access and staging (night work, shutdown windows, protection)
• Detailing (drains, thresholds, junctions, penetrations)

Fastest way to get a realistic range: Book a commercial consult

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Spec, tender and builder notes

If you’re at tender stage or preparing a spec pack, microcement should be described as a system with prep assumptions, not just a colour or “microcement finish”. The more clarity upfront, the fewer variations later.

Useful info to include in an enquiry

• Area type and use (reception, retail, amenities, BOH, ramps, etc)
• Substrate type and condition (new slab, existing tile, screed, etc)
• Target finish (smooth vs textured) and any traction expectations
• Cleaning regime and chemicals expected
• Programme constraints (shutdown window, staged areas, night work)
• Drawings, photos, and rough m²

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FAQ