X-Bond Microcement vs Concrete

Thirty years ago, SEMCO's engineering team created X-Bond Microcement as an innovative alternative to traditional concrete surfaces. Although at first glance, concrete and X-Bond Microcement may seem similar, they are fundamentally different in terms of their chemical makeup and how they are applied.

In this post, we'll explore the key differences between X-Bond Microcement and concrete and explain why X-Bond has become a top choice for homeowners, architects, and builders around the globe.

X-Bond Microcement installed to residential floor

X-Bond Microcement installed to bathroom floor & walls

Molecular Bonding

Curious about what goes into X-Bond Microcement? X-Bond is a blend of stone and liquid polymers. These polymers are essential, as they enable the material to bond at a molecular level with virtually any solid surface. Products like these are referred to as surface overlays, meaning they are applied directly over existing surfaces. While inferior overlays often have a poor reputation, X-Bond was engineered with durability in mind, supported by three decades of proven performance.

Concrete, by contrast, is a mix of cement, water, sand, and rock and lacks these critical polymers that allow for the same bonding properties.

Remodel Without Removal

Thanks to its strong adhesion properties (made possible by the polymers!), X-Bond Microcement can be applied over a wide range of surfaces, including timber, tiles, plaster, brick, laminate, and even existing concrete.

Concrete, on the other hand, must be poured onto a clean, new surface, which often requires a demolition process beforehand.

This is why X-Bond Microcement is such a convenient option for renovations. The ability to remodel without removing old surfaces not only saves time and money but also reduces waste sent to landfills.

Hand-Applied for Seamless Results

Despite the visual similarities between concrete and microcement, their application processes are very different.

Microcement is hand-applied, meaning no heavy machinery or messy demolition is needed. This leads to a faster and cleaner installation. Choosing X-Bond reduces the amount of debris and equipment required, making it a more efficient option.

Additionally, X-Bond eliminates the need for expansion joints or grout lines. It’s applied as a continuous surface, offering a sleek and uniform appearance. This is particularly beneficial if you're aiming for a floor-to-ceiling transformation or looking for low-maintenance shower walls.

Minimal Thickness, Maximum Versatility

Applied at about 2mm thick, X-Bond Microcement is significantly thinner than concrete. This allows for greater flexibility in application, especially when working on intricate surfaces where pouring a concrete slab may not be feasible. X-Bond has been successfully applied to floors, walls, ceilings, pools, stairs, tables, basins, and more.

Its thin profile won’t affect the load-bearing capacity of a surface and won’t require door adjustments when applied over existing floors, for instance.

Even though it’s thinner than concrete, X-Bond maintains structural integrity and offers the same resistance to cracking.

A Range of Finishes and Colours

When it comes to customization, concrete can be limiting. You’re often confined to polished or raw finishes, and outside of classic grey, adding colour can be difficult (though there are options for that).

In contrast, X-Bond Microcement is available in a wide array of colours and textures. You can still achieve that concrete aesthetic, but with far more design freedom. And if you want something truly one-of-a-kind, you can even create a custom colour to make your project stand out. Check out the X-Bond range to explore your options.