When it comes to renovating or building your dream space in Malta, the material you choose can have a huge impact—not just on the budget, but also on style, longevity, and maintenance. One question we often hear is: is microcement cheaper than tiles?
Let’s answer that upfront—microcement is not necessarily cheaper than tiles, but it offers a sleek, seamless, and high-end finish that makes it more than worth the slight price difference. And when you factor in installation, maintenance, and durability, the overall value tips in favour of microcement for many homeowners and designers in Malta.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the real-world costs, hidden advantages, and practical comparisons between these two popular finishes. If you’re on the fence about which to choose for your home or business, this is for you.
1. 💰 Initial Cost Comparison: What You Pay Upfront | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
Let’s break down the base costs. In Malta, tile installation generally starts at around €40–€60 per square metre, depending on the quality, pattern, and labor involved. On the other hand, microcement tends to start from around €65 per square metre, which may seem more expensive at first glance.
So if we’re asking, “is microcement cheaper than tiles?”, the immediate answer is: not quite.
But the truth lies beyond just the number. Here’s what’s often overlooked in a price tag:
Tiles require grout, which may deteriorate or become stained over time.
Cutting and fitting tiles adds extra time and labour.
Complex designs (like mosaics or diagonal placements) can raise tile costs significantly.
By contrast, microcement is applied as a continuous surface, with no grout lines, minimal prep time, and a faster, cleaner application process, especially in small-to-medium spaces.
2. 🛠️ Installation Time & Disruption: Less Mess, More Progress | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
If you’ve ever had a tiled surface installed, you’ll know the drill—cutting noise, dust, waiting for grout to dry, and sometimes even tile breakage. Depending on the space and tile size, it can be a multi-day process, often with several trades involved.
Microcement simplifies all that. It can be applied directly over existing surfaces (including tiles), cutting back on demolition time and waste. A standard microcement application takes 3–5 days from start to finish, including curing time.
So even though the initial material cost might be slightly higher, the efficiency in installation often evens out the playing field.
👉 And the best part? You can get both the product and service from us at Kibitec—your trusted microcement specialists in Malta.
3. ✨ Finish, Aesthetics & Style: Where Microcement Shines | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
If you’re after something modern, minimalist, and uniquely smooth, microcement is in a league of its own. Unlike tiles, which are constrained by shapes, joints, and standard sizes, microcement offers:
A completely seamless finish, free from grout lines
A customisable texture and colour palette, from raw industrial greys to warm Mediterranean tones
The ability to coat floors, walls, stairs, countertops, and even shower interiors with a unified visual language
This design versatility is what often makes microcement the preferred choice for interior designers, architects, and homeowners who want that “wow” factor without the visual clutter.
Tiles, while classic, can feel dated depending on the pattern or grout colour. If the design goal is contemporary elegance, the marginal cost increase with microcement gives you a superior aesthetic return.
4. 🧼 Maintenance & Durability: Microcement Goes the Distance | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
Let’s talk about the long game.
Tiles are durable, yes—but their Achilles’ heel is grout. Grout can stain, crack, or loosen over time, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Even with regular maintenance, grout lines can make a surface look old well before its time.
With microcement, there are no joints to clean or reseal. The surface is continuous and coated with protective sealants that make it resistant to water, stains, and scratches. Regular cleaning is a breeze: a damp cloth and pH-neutral cleaner are usually all you need.
While both materials are long-lasting, microcement has an average lifespan of 20+ years with proper care, making it a strong contender when comparing lifetime value.
So again, when we ask, “is microcement cheaper than tiles?”—if we factor in lower maintenance and higher longevity, microcement may actually cost less in the long run.
5. 🧱 Versatility Across Surfaces: A Unified Look That Tiles Can’t Match | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
Tiles have limitations. You can’t tile over every surface, especially if it’s curved or uneven. That means extra prep, cutting, and sometimes even custom tile work. Microcement, on the other hand, can be applied to:
Floors
Walls
Ceilings
Kitchen counters
Bathrooms (including wet zones)
Outdoor spaces (with specific formulations)
This gives homeowners and designers the power to achieve a seamless look across the entire room or property—something traditional tiles can rarely offer without disrupting visual harmony.
Especially for those in modern construction or renovation projects in Malta (see more about the construction industry here), microcement brings unmatched flexibility and style cohesion.
💬 Real Talk: So, Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles?
Let’s recap the facts:
| Feature | Tiles | Microcement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | €40–€60 | €65+ |
| Installation Time | Moderate to long | Fast (3–5 days) |
| Grout Lines | Yes | None |
| Maintenance | Medium (grout issues) | Low |
| Customisation | Limited by tile style | Highly flexible |
| Seamless Look | No | Yes |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
So, is microcement cheaper than tiles? On paper—maybe not. But when you add up the design impact, ease of maintenance, flexibility, and time savings, microcement offers incredible value for money.
And if you want the job done right, Kibitec is here to help. We sell premium microcement products and provide expert application services tailored for the Maltese market.
✅ Ready to transform your space?
Contact us at Kibitec to get a personalised quote or consultation today.
5. Versatility and Application Areas | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
One factor that strongly justifies the price of microcement is its incredible versatility. While tiles are generally limited to floors and walls, microcement can be applied almost anywhere—including:
Bathroom floors and walls (including inside the shower)
Kitchen countertops
Stairs
Outdoor patios and pool surrounds
Furniture and fireplaces
The flexibility of microcement makes it suitable for modern architectural designs that value minimalism, continuity, and texture. Even though it may cost slightly more than traditional tiles, you’re investing in a material that eliminates the need for transitions, trims, and grout—delivering a sleek and uninterrupted finish.
In many construction and renovation projects, homeowners end up choosing microcement for hard-to-tile areas or for creating custom looks that tiles simply can’t achieve. Here’s what construction means if you’d like to explore the broader field it’s revolutionizing.
6. Maintenance Costs Over Time | Is Microcement Cheaper Than Tiles
It’s easy to focus on upfront costs when comparing materials, but what about long-term maintenance?
Tiles: Prone to grout discoloration, cracking, and water infiltration. You’ll likely need regular grout cleaning or re-sealing. Cracked tiles often require full replacement of sections.
Microcement: Once sealed properly, it is resistant to moisture, stains, and cracks. It doesn’t require grout cleaning, making it low-maintenance and more hygienic—especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Over 10–15 years, the reduced need for repairs or special cleaning products means microcement can actually cost less in the long run, despite a slightly higher initial installation price. It’s also easier to refresh with a new coat of sealant, giving it a longer lifecycle and saving you time and money.
7. Value-Added Benefits Beyond Price
When answering the question “is microcement cheaper than tiles”, cost isn’t the only factor to consider. Think about value—what you get for your money:
| Feature | Tiles | Microcement |
|---|---|---|
| Seams & Grout | Yes | No |
| Waterproof (after sealing) | Depends on grout | Yes |
| Crack Resistance | Can crack | Flexible surface resists cracking |
| Maintenance | Moderate to high | Very low |
| Aesthetic Customisation | Limited | Highly customisable |
| Application Areas | Flat surfaces only | Floors, walls, stairs, furniture |
Yes, tiles might come with a slightly lower base price (around €40–€55/m² installed), while microcement generally starts at €65/m² or more, depending on complexity. But the return on aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value you get from microcement is hard to ignore.
Real Talk: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re choosing based solely on upfront price, tiles might look more budget-friendly. But if you’re thinking long-term, or want something truly custom, the answer to “is microcement cheaper than tiles” becomes more nuanced.
Microcement may cost a little more, but you’re paying for:
A modern, continuous surface with no grout lines
A hand-applied, artisan finish
Durability that holds up for decades
Easier cleaning and less maintenance
A truly premium feel
It’s like comparing mass-produced furniture to custom-made craftsmanship. One might be cheaper, but the other is an experience—and a better one at that.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Price vs. Perception
In Malta’s design-forward market, more people are choosing finishes that combine elegance with longevity. So if you’re wondering is microcement cheaper than tiles, the more accurate answer might be:
Not quite cheaper—but definitely worth the investment.
Whether you’re renovating your bathroom in Valletta or designing a new home in Sliema, choosing microcement means choosing modernity, simplicity, and a high-end aesthetic that tiles can’t always match.
📞 Ready to Transform Your Space?
At Kibitec, we don’t just sell microcement—we offer professional microcement installation services across Malta. Our expert team helps you select the right shade, texture, and finish to bring your vision to life.
👉 Contact us today to get started with a free consultation or quote. Whether it’s for your floors, walls, or an entire home makeover—we’ve got you covered.
