Why we still like concrete microtoppings after more than twenty years

We have been using concrete microtoppings for more than twenty years. And the truth is, we did not start using them because they were practical. What attracted us first was their appearance. Back then, we were looking for a surface that felt like the floor of an old factory. Something authentic, without imitation and without pretending to be another material. The problem was that there were not many options available. We tried all sorts of systems, and some experiments ended with cracked surfaces, failing sealers and complete removal of finished work.

Today there are dozens of materials that imitate concrete. Porcelain tiles, vinyl flooring or laminates. We still prefer materials that do not pretend to be something they are not. Perhaps that is why concrete microtoppings have stayed with us for so long. At first, we liked the way they looked. Over time, we discovered that they offer much more than industrial aesthetics.

We were looking for a material that didn't pretend

In the beginning, it was almost an obsession. We wanted a surface that felt like an old factory floor. No concrete-look tiles, no printed patterns, no compromises. Twenty years ago, concrete microtoppings were nowhere near as common as they are today. Materials were still evolving, technologies were finding their way, and not every experiment worked. Some surfaces cracked, others failed because of the sealer. Sometimes it was easier to remove everything and start again.

Perhaps that is why we appreciate materials that stand the test of time. In our experience, concrete microtoppings belong to that category.

There is something appealing about a bathroom without grout lines

A bathroom is probably the toughest test any interior surface can face. Water, steam, cleaning products and daily use quickly reveal weaknesses. Whether you choose tiles, mosaics or stone, sooner or later you start dealing with grout lines. They darken, change colour, collect deposits and sometimes even develop mould. It is one of those details nobody enjoys maintaining.

That is one of the reasons we like concrete microtoppings. They create a seamless surface that is easier to maintain and visually calmer. Large-format tiles can achieve a similar effect today. However, transporting them, handling them and fitting them precisely around every detail is often more complicated than the bathroom itself. A microtopping is created directly on site. The material adapts to the space instead of the space adapting to the material. To be fair, the microtopping itself is not waterproofing. We always install a proper waterproofing system underneath. Not because we do not trust the material, but because buildings move, and an extra layer of protection in a bathroom is always a good idea.

It is no coincidence that bathrooms remain one of the places where we use concrete microtoppings most often. If you browse our gallery of concrete interiors, you will find plenty of examples.

It works better on floors than most people expect

When people hear "concrete microtopping," they usually think of bathrooms. We use it just as often on floors. Imagine a family house with direct access to a terrace or garden. People move in and out all day, children run around, the dog brings in dirt and someone inevitably forgets to take off wet shoes. Wooden floors are beautiful, but they constantly remind you of situations like these. Concrete microtoppings are much more forgiving.

We used them throughout the main living areas of Villa Lučiny. The house opens directly to the garden, life naturally flows between inside and outside, and the floor has to cope with everyday use without becoming a source of stress. This is exactly where the material performs at its best. There is another quality we appreciate even more. Because the surface is naturally varied rather than perfectly uniform, every speck of dust and every small scratch does not immediately stand out. You do not become a slave to constant cleaning.

That is why we often combine concrete microtoppings on the ground floor with timber flooring in more private areas such as bedrooms.

Concrete on furniture? Why not.

Once we had proven that concrete microtoppings worked on floors and in bathrooms, we started experimenting with other applications. One of our favourites is furniture. Not worktops. We would not recommend them there. Kitchen worktops must withstand knives, hot pots, acidic foods and heavy daily use. That is not what concrete microtoppings are designed for.

On cabinet fronts and furniture surfaces, however, they work beautifully. They create a durable, washable finish and help furniture become part of the architecture rather than a separate object placed inside it. A good example is our MARNA or HRADEC project, where concrete microtoppings were applied to the kitchen fronts. The kitchen feels less like a piece of furniture and more like a natural continuation of the interior. In Villa ČERNOŠICE, we pushed the idea even further. Here, the microtopping is not only functional. It helps shape the atmosphere of the entire space. At that point, it stops being a material and starts becoming part of the mood.

Doors do not have to be the first thing you notice

This may sound unusual, but we see doors primarily as technical elements rather than focal points. When designing a strong interior, we want attention to be drawn to daylight, a dining table, a kitchen island or a view. Not to the pantry door. That is why we sometimes apply concrete microtoppings to doors as well. When the same finish continues across the wall and onto the door, it becomes less visually intrusive. The door does not disappear completely, but it stops competing for attention.

In Villa SMRKOVÁ, we took this approach a step further. The microtopping became not only a material but also an artistic tool. We worked with stencils, textures and layers of colour washes to create a finish that no longer looked like concrete at all. And that is one of the things we enjoy most about concrete microtoppings. They do not always have to look like concrete.

Concrete microtoppings are not perfect. And they shouldn't be.

This is the point where some clients hesitate. Concrete microtoppings are not for everyone. If you expect a perfectly flat, completely uniform and fully predictable surface, you will probably be disappointed. The material is applied by hand. You can see subtle traces of the application process. Some areas are smoother, others more expressive. Every project is slightly different. That is also why a small sample can never fully represent the final result. An A3 board can help define the colour and overall character, but it cannot show how the material behaves across an entire room. And we think that is perfectly fine. We like materials with character. Materials that are not sterile and flawless, but feel natural because of their imperfections. If you are looking for a completely uniform, monochromatic and highly controlled surface, there are better options available. Concrete microtoppings require a little perspective and a willingness to be surprised.

FAQ

• Suitable for bathrooms? Absolutely. Bathrooms are where we use them most often.
• Good for homes with dogs? Yes. Minor scratches and everyday dirt are much less noticeable.
• More expensive than tiles? At first glance, often yes. Once you include cutting waste, transport, installation and grouting, the final cost is often surprisingly similar.
• Suitable for kitchen worktops? Technically yes. We generally do not recommend it.
• How does it age? Naturally. Like any honest material, it develops a patina over time.
   

by Radka - 15. 6. 2026