Microcement vs. Tile: Which Is Better

Both can be waterproof — but the approach is different.

With tile, waterproofing depends heavily on the membrane behind the tile and the integrity of the grout. Grout cracks over time. When it does, water gets in.

With the Forcrete microcement system, waterproofing is built into the base coat. The sealer enhances it but doesn't create it. There's no grout to crack.

For showers and wet rooms, microcement is genuinely low-maintenance long term.

Cost

Microcement typically costs more to install than standard tile — because it requires a skilled applicator and takes more time.

That said, you're not paying for demo (in most cases), and the finish is continuous, so there are fewer failure Microcement and tile are both solid surface options. But they're not interchangeable, and choosing the wrong one causes problems down the road.

Here's an honest comparison — no spin.

The Biggest Difference: Grout Lines

Tile has them. Microcement doesn't.

That's the core of it. If your client wants a seamless, continuous surface from floor to wall to ceiling, tile can't do that. Microcement can.

If your client wants a specific patterned tile or a traditional look, microcement isn't the right call.

Installation

• Tile:  Familiar process for most installers. Requires substrate prep, mortar bed, setting tile, grouting, sealing. Grout lines need ongoing maintenance.
• Microcement:  Applied in thin layers over the existing surface. No demo required in most cases. Works over existing tile, concrete, drywall, and cement board. Takes 4-5 days. Requires specific training to do correctly.

Waterproofing

points over time.

If you're comparing microcement to high-end large-format tile, the cost difference narrows significantly.

Durability

Both hold up well when installed correctly.

Tile is hard and scratch-resistant. Microcement is flexible — it's designed to move slightly with the substrate, which reduces cracking. Properly sealed microcement floors handle high traffic well.

When to Choose Tile

- Client wants a specific tile pattern or material (marble, terracotta, etc.)

- Budget is tight

- DIY installation is a consideration

- Traditional or classic aesthetic