Seamless with no visible joins
Microcement creates a continuous surface across a kitchen island, benchtop and splashback. Unlike stone slabs, it has a clean, minimalist aesthetic with no visible seams to interrupt the design.
MicroLux Finishes · Melbourne
Microcement Kitchen Benchtops Melbourne
A microcement benchtop is a thin, cement-based coating applied by hand to a prepared benchtop. It creates a grout-free and smooth surface with no visible joins.
At MicroLux Finishes, we specialise in designing and installing bespoke microcement benchtops and kitchen islands. Often this involves resurfacing existing benchtops to achieve a continuous stone-inspired finish that can extend into a matching splashback.
We have a five-star rating on Google and serve customers across Melbourne. Why not book a discovery call today?
The surface
What is a microcement benchtop?
Essentially, a microcement benchtop is a resurfacing system rather than a cut slab. The microcement application involves applying a cement-based composite in multiple layers over a reinforced, prepared substrate.
This is then sealed to create a durable, non-porous microcement surface with a seamless finish and no grout lines.
Key characteristics
- Thin overlay rather than a full slab
- Minimal weight and low thickness
- Seamless, sealed surface
- Suitable for many existing benchtops
- Available in various colours and finishes
Benefits
Why choose a microcement benchtop?
Our customers choose microcement for both horizontal surfaces and vertical surfaces. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Can go over your existing benchtop
Where suitable, microcement can be successfully applied over laminate, timber and some stone surfaces. Doing this often reduces the need for demolition, construction time and waste during kitchen renovations.
Bespoke shapes and curves
As every finish is hand-applied, microcement easily follows curved islands, waterfall edges, and custom profiles. As it works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, it gives designers greater creative freedom.
Wide colour range
Our team can create custom colours to complement your cabinetry, flooring and overall interior design. This includes everything from soft neutrals to bold contemporary tones.
A modern alternative to stone
Following the engineered stone ban, many homeowners are choosing microcement as a seamless alternative. It offers a handcrafted appearance that pairs beautifully with timber, natural materials and other contemporary finishes.
Everyday use
Is a microcement benchtop heat resistant?
A properly sealed microcement benchtop handles everyday kitchen use well. It is also more heat tolerant than laminate.
However, we recommend placing hot pots, baking trays, sharp objects and cookware on trivets rather than directly on the surface. That's because extreme heat and rapid temperature changes can cause damage over time.
Sealing
Does a microcement benchtop stain?
Microcement benchtops are finished with a high-performance, food-safe sealer that resists everyday spills. Notwithstanding, it is a good idea to wipe away strongly coloured or acidic products such as red wine, turmeric, oil and lemon juice immediately.
Importantly, the smooth finish of the kitchen countertops has no grout lines where food or bacteria can collect. This makes it a very hygienic choice for cooking areas (if properly maintained). Periodic resealing is recommended to maintain its stain and water resistance.
Renovations
Can microcement go over existing benchtops?
In many cases, microcement can be applied over existing surfaces, such as laminate, timber, MDF, particleboard and some stone benchtops.
However, for the microcement installation to be successful, thorough surface preparation and reinforcement with fibreglass mesh (if necessary) are required. Additionally, the first layer, second layer and finishing coats need to be carefully applied.
Applications
Where microcement benchtops and surfaces work
Aside from kitchen benchtops and islands, you can use microcement in various other forms. This includes the following:
Finishes
Microcement benchtop colours and finishes
Microcement offers a broad palette of colours and textures that can be used as finishing layers. This includes everything from soft concrete-inspired greys through to warm earth tones and darker contemporary finishes.
If you match your benchtop, island and splashback in the same colour, it creates a refined, seamless look. Our team can help you choose them during your consultation.
Compare
Microcement benchtop vs stone and other benchtops
While microcement doesn't match natural or sintered stone in terms of heat and scratch resistance, it does offer significant advantages. Namely, a seamless design, the ability to resurface existing benchtops, and the creation of bespoke shapes that other materials cannot easily achieve.
Here's an overview of how it compares with other traditional surfaces.
| Surface | Joins | Heat | Resurfacing | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcement | Seamless | Good with care | Yes | Handcrafted |
| Natural stone | Slab joins | Excellent | No | Natural |
| Engineered stone | Slab joins | Good | No | Uniform |
| Laminate | Visible joins | Moderate | Replace | Smooth |
| Timber | Visible joins | Moderate | Refinish | Warm |
| Porcelain / Sintered stone | Slab joins | Excellent | No | Refined |
Built for daily life
Are microcement benchtops durable?
A professionally installed microcement benchtop is highly durable and has a great aesthetic appeal. If the substrate is stable and the finish is correctly reinforced and sealed, then it should not crack.
However, like any benchtop, it is important to look after it to help maintain its pristine condition.
Care
Caring for your horizontal and vertical surfaces
One of the main reasons why a microcement benchtop is so appealing for homeowners is that it is easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe it down with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals should not be used.
Here are some more maintenance tips.
Professional installation
Can you DIY a microcement benchtop?
While DIY products, online tutorials, and microcement powder systems are available, we do not recommend a DIY microcement benchtop installation.
Benchtops are among the most challenging surfaces to finish well, and every edge, curve and imperfection is highly visible. As water, heat, and food preparation require careful application and sealing, it is important to have this done professionally.
Investment
How much does a microcement cost for my benchtop?
The exact cost of installing a microcement benchtop will depend on several factors. We discuss them more in this guide, but basically they relate to the following:
- Benchtop size
- If waterfall edges or curves are required
- The condition of the substrate
- Number of coats
- Sealer specification
- Whether a matching splashback is included
Our team will provide you with a detailed quote after conducting a site visit.
What to expect
Our process
At MicroLux Finishes, we work to a set process when installing microcement floors and kitchen countertops in homes and commercial spaces. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- Discovery Call, design and application process discussion.
- Site Consultation and detailed quotation.
- Preparation, reinforcement, decorative coats and sealing.
- Handover with care instructions once the sealer has cured.
If you would like to get this process started, please contact us today.
Microcement benchtops
Melbourne · Book a discovery call