What to Use Instead of Tiles? Microcement as an Exciting Alternative for Your Interior

Anyone planning a renovation in the bathroom, kitchen, or hallway often asks the same question: what to use instead of tiles? Traditional ceramic tiles have long been an obvious choice – durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Yet they also have their downsides. Installing tiles is time-consuming, requires cutting and grouting, and the grout lines can darken and become difficult to maintain after just a few months. Tiles can also feel cold underfoot, and their repetitive patterns can make a space feel monotonous.

If you dream of a modern, visually cohesive space that is both beautiful and practical, there’s a solution that has been gaining popularity in interior design in recent years: microcement.

Why Look for an Alternative to Tiles?

Tiles are a proven solution – that’s true. But more and more people feel they are too predictable. Common problems include:

  • Grout lines – hard to clean and not very hygienic,
  • Time-consuming installation – cutting, leveling, and grouting,
  • Cold surfaces – especially uncomfortable in bathrooms,
  • Limited aesthetics – repetitive patterns, no “wow” effect.

That’s why the question what to use instead of tiles? comes up more often – and the answer for modern interiors is microcement for floors and walls.

Microcement for Floors – A Timeless Alternative to Tiles

Microcement is a thin decorative coating that can be applied directly over existing surfaces – even old tiles. It requires no grout, no cutting, and the final result is a smooth, seamless surface that looks modern and timeless.

Why Choose Microcement?

  • Seamless finish – nothing gets dirty, nothing darkens, cleaning is simple.
  • Versatility – perfect for floors, walls, stairs, countertops, and even furniture.
  • Water resistance – ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and showers.
  • Wide range of colors – from cool grays to warm beiges and bold modern tones.
  • Comfort and warmth – compatible with underfloor heating systems.

This combination of functionality and design makes microcement the most compelling alternative to tiles today.

Comparing Microcement and Traditional Tiles

TILES

Installation

Cutting and grouting required

Cleaning & Maintenance

Grout collects dirt, needs regular scrubbing

Appearance

Divided into small tiles, limited design

Moisture Resistance

High, but grout is vulnerable

Color Options

Limited

Comfort

Cold underfoot

MICROCEMENT FOR FLOOR
Installation

Applied as a thin layer – no cutting, perfect for corners and irregular shapes

Cleaning & Maintenance

Seamless, easy to clean

Appearance

Smooth, modern, continuous surface

Moisture Resistance

High, ideal for wet areas

Color Options

Wide, customizable via RAL or NCS

Comfort

Comfortable, works with underfloor heating

Microcement combines the durability of traditional tiles with a minimalist design that makes any space feel cohesive and inviting.

Practical Applications of Microcement

Small Apartment Bathroom

In compact spaces, every centimeter counts. Tiles divide the room into smaller sections, and grout lines can make the space feel cluttered. Microcement works the opposite way – its seamless surface visually enlarges the room, creating a more spacious and harmonious bathroom.

 

Family Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a home – spills, dropped pots, and tracked-in dirt are common. Tiles scratch easily, and grout gets dirty quickly. Microcement in the kitchen is resistant to moisture, stains, and mechanical damage, making it ideal for daily challenges.

 

Modern Living Room

Few people choose tiles for the living room – they feel cold and uninviting. Microcement is a different story. Its matte or slightly satin finish delivers minimalist elegance, and it pairs beautifully with wood, glass, or metal, giving your living room a designer look.

Microcement and Interior Design Trends

Modern interiors increasingly favor simplicity, cohesion, and natural materials, and microcement fits these trends perfectly:

  • Loft and industrial style – the concrete-like character complements brick, steel, and glass.
  • Minimalist and Scandinavian interiors – light, seamless surfaces visually enlarge the space and bring harmony.
  • Contemporary eclecticism – microcement can be combined with decorative tiles, wallpaper, or wood to create unique contrasts.
  • Eco-conscious trends – durable materials that reduce the need for frequent renovations. Microcement is an investment for years to come.

Why Choose Microcement Instead of Tiles?

If you’re wondering what to use instead of tiles for your home, microcement is a solution that combines modern aesthetics, ease of use, and durability. It’s more than just an alternative – it’s a way to create a space that is practical, beautiful, and timeless.

Want to see microcement for yourself? At Festshop.com you can find color samples and starter kits, so you can experience its unique properties first-hand. Take the first step toward a modern interior – and say goodbye to grout lines forever.

Microcement and Tiles – Can You Have Both?

While microcement is often chosen as a modern alternative to tiles, there’s no reason you can’t combine the two. Popular designs use decorative tiles on certain wall sections (e.g., patterned mosaics or hexagonal tiles) while the rest of the surface is finished with smooth microcement. This pairing creates a unique, designer effect, blending the seamless modernity of microcement with the decorative character of tiles.

It works especially well in bathrooms and kitchens, where tiles can highlight specific zones, while microcement ensures overall cohesion and a contemporary look.

Buy microcement for your floor