Modern flooring trends in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Delta, and Richmond are shifting toward minimalist, durable, and easy-to-maintain finishes. Among the most requested options are polished concrete and microcement—two stylish surface coatings that offer sleek, contemporary looks but differ significantly in performance, installation, and durability.

Choosing between polished concrete and microcement depends on your design goals, surface type, budget, and long-term expectations. This guide breaks down the advantages, differences, and best use cases for each coating so you can make an informed decision.

For expert installation across the Lower Mainland, explore:👉 Polished Concrete vs Grind and Seal Guide

What Is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a mechanically refined flooring system created by grinding, densifying, and polishing an existing concrete slab using diamond abrasives. The result is an exceptionally durable, glossy, and stone-like surface.

Key Features

• Mechanical shine (not dependent on coatings)

• High durability and wear resistance

• Reflective or matte finish options

• Ideal for commercial, industrial, and modern residential spaces

What Is Microcement?

Microcement is a thin, cement-based decorative coating applied over tile, wood, concrete, drywall, and more. It provides a smooth, continuous, seamless finish with a modern, minimalistic aesthetic.

Key Features

• Thin coating (2–3 mm)

• Seamless, joint-free appearance

• Wide range of textures and colours

• Ideal for bathrooms, feature walls, countertops, stairs, and floors

Polished Concrete vs Microcement: Key Differences

Advantages of Polished Concrete

1. Extreme Durability

Polished concrete is one of the toughest flooring options available. Ideal for:

• Garages

• Warehouses

• Retail stores

• Restaurants

• High-traffic homes

It withstands heavy machinery, foot traffic, and impact without wearing down.

2. Low Maintenance

Unlike coatings, polished concrete does not peel or chip. Regular sweeping and mopping are sufficient to keep the surface clean.

3. High-End Aesthetic

Polished concrete delivers a premium, stone-like appearance with multiple finish levels:

• Matte

• Satin

• Semi-gloss

• High-gloss mirror finish

Explore more here:👉 Polished Concrete Vancouver–Surrey–Langley–Delta–Richmond

4. Long-Term Cost Savings

Once installed, polished concrete can last 20–30+ years with minimal upkeep—making it more cost-effective over time compared to coatings that need frequent reapplication.

Advantages of Microcement

1. Works on Almost Any Surface

Microcement can be applied over:

• Existing tile

• Drywall

• Plywood

• Concrete

• Countertops

• Furniture

• Stairs

This makes it ideal for renovations without demolition.

2. Seamless, Continuous Appearance

Microcement creates a smooth, joint-free surface—perfect for:

• Bathrooms

• Kitchen backsplashes

• Accent walls

• Modern living spaces

• Showers and wet rooms

3. Waterproof & Slip-Resistant (With Proper Sealers)

Microcement becomes highly water-resistant when sealed, making it one of the best decorative coatings for wet areas.

4. Wide Range of Custom Styles

Choose from:

• Matt or satin finishes

• Smooth or textured

• Dozens of colours

• Custom patterns and tones

While polished concrete offers natural concrete aesthetics, microcement gives you complete design control.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose Polished Concrete If:

• You have an existing concrete slab in good condition

• You want maximum durability

• You prefer a glossy, stone-like modern look

• You want a long-term, low-maintenance solution

• Area: garages, basements, commercial floors, retail spaces

👉 Learn more: Polished Concrete Services

Choose Microcement If:

• You want to upgrade tiles or walls without removing them

• You prefer a seamless, ultra-modern aesthetic

• You need a waterproof coating for bathrooms or showers

• You want more colour and texture customization

• Area: walls, bathrooms, kitchens, stairs, furniture

Cost Comparison

Microcement is often more expensive on small projects but cheaper on vertical surfaces compared to rebuilding.

Final Thoughts

Both polished concrete and microcement offer stylish, durable, and modern finishes—each excelling in different applications. Polished concrete shines in large, high-traffic floors, while microcement is unmatched in design flexibility and surface versatility.

If you’re unsure which coating is best for your project, we can help with expert recommendations based on your goals and space.👉 Contact Crown Coatings for a free consultation today.