Microcement in Southern California & the Bay Area
Quick answer
Microcement is a thin, seamless cement-based coating applied over existing tile, concrete, floors, walls and counters without demolition. In Southern California it typically costs about $18–$35 per sq ft for floors, $25–$50 for walls and showers and $30–$55 for countertops, installed.
5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz · CSLB Lic. #1040337 · Class B
What our microcement service includes
Seamless, modern microcement for floors, walls, showers and counters, applied over existing surfaces with no demolition.
MDG Builders sells, designs and manages your project; the work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors.
- Applied over existing tile, concrete and counters
- Floors, walls and curbless showers
- Kitchen counters and backsplashes
- Waterproofing systems for wet areas
- Sealing and maintenance guidance
Microcement cost in California
| Scope | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Floors, per sq ft | $18 – $35 |
| Walls and showers, per sq ft | $25 – $50 |
| Countertops, per sq ft | $30 – $55 |
Cost factors
- Surface: floor, wall, shower or countertop
- Wet versus dry area (waterproofing)
- Substrate condition and prep, such as grinding tile
- Number of coats and finish
- Project size and minimum charges
- Access and detailing around fixtures
How long it takes
Applied over several short visits for prep, priming, coats and sealing, often far faster than demolition and retiling.
Permits
Applying microcement over existing surfaces is a finish coat and typically does not require a building permit; related plumbing or structural changes may.
| Microcement | Tile | |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | Usually none; applied over existing tile | Old finish usually removed |
| Grout lines | None | Yes |
| Thickness | A few millimeters | Tile plus setting bed |
| Typical installed price | $18–$55 per sq ft by surface | Varies by tile and labor |
| Maintenance | Reseal periodically | Clean and reseal grout |
How your microcement project works
Consultation
Call (888) 666-8224 or send the form to share goals, timing and budget range.
Site visit
We measure, assess existing conditions and discuss options in person.
Written proposal
You receive a written scope and price; typical ranges are a guide, not a quote.
Permits and scheduling
We coordinate permits where required and schedule licensed, insured subcontractors.
Construction and walkthrough
Our team manages the work through final inspection and walkthrough.
What clients say about MDG Builders
From the beginning, we had a great experience with the team at My Design Guide Inc! We wanted to upgrade our patio but we weren't creative enough to know what to do. David was full of great suggestions to make the patio a true conversation piece while still honoring our budget and we couldn't be happier with the result! The quality of work and professionalism is the best I have seen in this business, and they really do take pride in their work. David communicated with us throughout the process and was meticulous in ensuring our yard was still taken care of during the construction period. We have received so many compliments on our new paver patio, fire pit with seating, and built-in outdoor counter. I highly recommend going with them. I would go with them again a hundred times over!
We had no idea where to start, we had a large project with so many moving parts can be very challenging for novices like us. From the very beginning, Emil was responsive, helpful, timely with any questions, night and day. Since this was a gut job we were even more nervous. We were astonished on just how easy the whole process was with no hiccups at all. Less than 3 weeks and we had a wonderful spa. His workers were responsible, timely, responsive and did an amazing job down to the little details. Even our friends were surprised we had such an easy time with the job. Book them for any job because you will not be disappointed.
We couldn't be happier with My Design Guide Inc. We hired them to gut our basement and remove a few dead trees. He showed up when he said he was going to, respected our space, worked hard, completed the project on time for the cost that he quoted, and left the space as clean as possible. It is so rare to find any contractor these days who do what they say they are going to do, so this company is a real diamond in the rough. Highly recommend!
Verbatim Houzz reviews of MDG Builders; some describe projects other than microcement.
Microcement questions, answered
Related services:
Cost guides:
What is microcement?
A thin, polymer-modified cement coating, applied in layers a few millimeters thick and sealed, creating a seamless surface on floors, walls, showers and counters.
How much does microcement cost per square foot in Southern California?
Typical installed ranges: floors $18–$35, walls and showers $25–$50 and countertops $30–$55 per sq ft. Small projects may carry a minimum charge.
Can microcement be applied over existing tile?
Yes, over sound, well-bonded tile after preparation. Grout lines are filled and the surface is primed first.
Is microcement waterproof?
With the right system and sealer it is suitable for showers and wet areas; product chemistry matters.
How long does microcement last?
With proper sealing and maintenance it is durable; sealers in wet areas typically need periodic recoating.
Does microcement crack?
Thin, flexible systems handle minor movement well, but structural movement in the substrate can show through.
Microcement vs. polished concrete?
Microcement is a thin coating that goes over many surfaces; polished concrete is a ground and polished structural slab.
Is microcement good for kitchen countertops?
Yes with a food-safe sealer; typical installed pricing for countertops is $30–$55 per sq ft.
Who actually does the work on my project?
MDG Builders (My Design Guide Inc, CSLB #1040337, Class B) sells, plans and manages your project from start to finish. The hands-on work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors in each trade, scheduled and supervised by our team so you have one point of contact.
Is MDG Builders licensed in California?
Yes. My Design Guide Inc holds California Contractors State License Board license #1040337, Class B (General Building). You can look up any license on the CSLB website.
What areas do you serve?
Southern California from Lancaster to San Diego, plus the San Francisco Bay Area.
How do I get an estimate?
Call (888) 666-8224, email info@mydesignguide.com or send the estimate form. We discuss your goals, schedule a site visit and send a written proposal. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
Planning a microcement project?
Free estimates. A real person answers — call or send the form and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit.
MDG Builders at a glance
- Who
- My Design Guide Inc dba MDG Builders, a licensed general contractor that sells, designs and manages remodeling and construction projects
- License
- CSLB #1040337, Class B (General Building)
- Where
- Based in Tarzana, CA; serving Southern California (Lancaster to San Diego) and the San Francisco Bay Area
- Phone & email
- (888) 666-8224 · info@mydesignguide.com
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–2:00 PM · Sat–Sun closed
- Rating
- 5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz