Can Microcement Be Applied Over Tiles or Wooden Floors?

Yes — microcement can be applied over existing tiled or wooden floors in some situations, but success depends entirely on the condition, stability, and preparation of the substrate.

This is one of the most common areas where problems occur, not because microcement is unsuitable, but because the underlying floor moves, flexes, or telegraphs through the finish.

Microcement over tiled floors

Applying microcement over tiles is common in renovation projects, but tiles must meet certain criteria:

• Tiles must be firmly bonded (no loose or hollow tiles)
• The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased
• Glossy tiles must be mechanically keyed
• Grout lines must be dealt with to prevent telegraphing

Will grout lines show through microcement?

They can if the surface isn’t properly prepared. Grout lines create variations in depth that can telegraph through thin decorative finishes like microcement.

To reduce this risk, Concrete Lab typically recommends:

• Filling and levelling grout lines
• Using a self-levelling compound where necessary
• Embedding reinforcement mesh in the levelling layer

Microcement over wooden or boarded floors

Wooden and boarded floors are higher risk than tiled floors because they naturally move with changes in temperature and humidity.

Microcement should not be applied directly over flexible timber substrates.

When can microcement work over wood?

Microcement may be applied over wooden floors only if the floor is first stabilised to create a rigid, movement-resistant base.

This typically involves:

• Ensuring boards are securely fixed with no flex
• Installing a suitable overlay (e.g. cement board)
• Using a self-levelling compound to create a flat surface
• Embedding reinforcement mesh to help manage movement

If the wooden floor continues to flex, that movement can transfer through and cause cracking or debonding in the microcement.

The role of self-levelling compounds and mesh

In many renovation scenarios, a self-levelling compound with reinforcement mesh is used as part of the preparation process.

This layer:

• Creates a flat, uniform surface
• Helps manage minor movement
• Reduces the risk of grout lines or joints telegraphing through

This preparation layer is typically around 2–3mm thick and sits beneath the microcement. The microcement itself is then applied in thin layers, typically 1–2mm in total.

When is removing the existing floor the better option?

Sometimes, applying microcement over an existing floor isn’t the best solution.

Concrete Lab often advises removing the existing finish when:

• The floor has widespread movement or flex
• Tiles are loose or poorly bonded
• The substrate is uneven beyond what levelling can reasonably correct
• Multiple layers have already been added over time

While this adds work upfront, it can significantly reduce the risk of long-term problems.

DIY advice before you start

• Assess the stability of the existing floor honestly
• Don’t rely on microcement to “fix” movement
• Use mesh and levelling compounds where required
• Accept that some floors need rebuilding, not covering

Microcement over existing floors FAQs