Bathrooms
Microcement Over Tile: A No-Demolition Bathroom Update
Yes, microcement can go over existing tile when the tile is well bonded and the surface is dry and stable. The system adds about 2–3 mm, avoids demolition, and about 200 sq ft takes four to six working days once the surface is sound and prepared. With CRAFTTERA it typically costs $35–50 per sq ft.
When it works, and when it does not
- Good candidates: sound wall and floor tile, vanity walls, shower walls and floors with the full system, fireplaces clad in tile.
- Fix first: loose or hollow-sounding tiles, cracked tiles over a moving substrate, active leaks or rising moisture.
We check the tile at the free on-site consultation, tapping for hollow spots and looking for signs of moisture, and include any repairs in the estimate.
What goes over the old tile
- Tile check: the room protected, loose tiles and cracks fixed.
- Waterproofing: in showers and wet zones, a membrane under the microcement.
- Quartz primer: helps the base coat grip glazed tile.
- Mesh and first base coat: fiberglass mesh set into the first base coat to reinforce the surface.
- Second base coat: levels the surface and covers the grout lines.
- Two microcement coats: one a day, setting the color and texture.
- Detailing and sealing: edges and joins refined, two coats of water-repellent sealer and a protective varnish.
Most of what you pay for is in these hidden layers. You can see them built one by one on our microcement page.
Showers need the whole system
Microcement is water-resistant once sealed, but a shower relies on the waterproofing membrane underneath as well as the sealer on top. A finish that skips the membrane may look the same on day one and fail later. We install the full system.
Timeline and living with the work
Each layer needs time to cure before the next one, which is why about 200 sq ft takes four to six working days rather than one or two. You can stay in the house; the bathroom itself is out of use until the sealer has cured. You receive the schedule in writing with your estimate.
Cost
| Project | Area | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room floor and vanity wall | 120 sq ft | $4,200–6,000 |
| Shower walls and floor | 180 sq ft | $6,300–9,000 |
| Primary bathroom, floor and walls | 300 sq ft | $10,500–15,000 |
Indicative ranges at $35–50 per sq ft, updated October 2026. Repairs to the substrate are quoted after the visit.
Care
Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, squeegee the shower after use, and avoid bleach, acids and limescale removers. The protective sealer can be renewed over time. More on the care page.
Questions
Will the grout lines show through?
No. The grout lines are filled, and two base coats with fiberglass mesh level the surface before the finish coats go on.
Can microcement go over a bathtub?
It is commonly applied to tub surrounds, decks and the walls around a tub. The inside of a tub is not a good candidate.
Will doors still close?
The system adds about 2–3 mm, which rarely affects a door. Where a floor meets another floor, we plan the transition at the visit.