Can you put hot pans on a microcement worktop?
No. Use a trivet or heat pad for pans straight from the hob or oven. The cement body tolerates everyday warmth, but the sealer is the limit: direct, prolonged or extreme heat can mark it. Sudden temperature contrast is what risks fine surface marks, so keep a trivet by the hob.
Does microcement stain?
Sealed microcement resists staining, but the sealer does the work, because bare cement is porous. Wipe spills promptly, especially wine, coffee, oil and acidic liquids such as lemon and vinegar, which can dull an under-maintained surface. Marks form where spills are left to stand.
How is a worktop sealed and maintained?
The final step of the five-step system seals the surface, and the sealer is the layer that wears. Clean with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner, use a chopping board, and avoid abrasive pads and bleach. The reseal interval depends on use and is confirmed at survey. The guide to how long microcement lasts sets out the general intervals.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Wipe spills promptly | Leaving acidic liquids to pool |
| Clean with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner | Bleach, ammonia, abrasive pads and scouring powders |
| Use a chopping board | Cutting directly on the surface |
| Use a trivet or heat pad for hot pans | Placing pans straight from the hob or oven |
| Reseal on schedule | Dragging heavy or sharp objects across the surface |
Can microcement be used for splashbacks and islands?
Yes. Worktops and splashbacks are part of the microcement service, and the same finish can be applied to a worktop, a splashback and an island, with no grout lines. A splashback with no grout has nothing to absorb grease or to re-grout. Edges, full-height runs and other details are assessed and agreed at survey.
The photograph at the top of this guide shows a microcement kitchen floor beneath an island. It does not show a worktop. Floors are covered on the microcement flooring page.
Can microcement go over an existing worktop?
In some cases, subject to assessment. The technical assessment, step one of the five-step system, checks that the existing surface is sound, stable and fit to take a bonded finish. A surface that moves or is damaged needs remedial work first. The decision is made surface by surface, before any work begins.
When is another surface better?
Where hot pans are set down or food is cut directly on the worktop, natural stone is generally the more tolerant surface, because microcement asks for trivets and boards. Microcement suits kitchens where a finish with no grout lines on the worktop and splashback matters more than that tolerance. The choice depends on how the kitchen is used.
| Aspect | Microcement | Stone or quartz slab |
|---|---|---|
| Joins on a long run | A coated run has no grout lines | Joins appear on longer runs |
| Existing worktop | May be coated, subject to assessment | Replaced |
| Hot pans | A trivet is needed | Natural stone is generally more tolerant; check the product for quartz |
What does a microcement worktop cost?
No worktop price is published, because worktops and splashbacks are quoted on measured area, edge detail and the condition of the substrate. A final price follows a survey. The microcement cost guide sets out what drives microcement pricing in London.
Frequently asked questions
Can microcement be used on worktops and splashbacks?
Yes. Worktops and splashbacks are part of the microcement service. Whether an existing surface can be coated is decided by a technical assessment.
Can you put hot pans on a microcement worktop?
No. Use a trivet or heat pad. The cement body tolerates everyday warmth, but the sealer is the limit: direct, prolonged or extreme heat can mark it.
Does a microcement splashback stain from cooking grease and sauces?
A sealed splashback resists staining, and there are no grout lines for grease to settle in. Wipe splashes promptly with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner, and renew the sealer on schedule.
Can microcement go over an existing kitchen worktop?
In some cases, subject to assessment. The technical assessment checks that the existing surface is sound, stable and fit to take a bonded finish before any work begins.
How do you clean a microcement worktop?
Use a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner, a chopping board for cutting and a trivet for hot pans. Avoid bleach, ammonia and abrasive pads.
Start a project
Enquire about your project
Tell us about the space and the finish. We review the details and reply with the next step.
