Benchtops have become more than just a place to prep and serve, they’re now a focal point in modern residential design. With the growing shift towards seamless, durable, and easy-to-maintain finishes, microcement benchtops are gaining momentum among architects, designers, and homeowners alike.
Microcement offers a refined texture and a smooth, custom feel that works beautifully in residential spaces. It can be used to create benchtops that feel custom, cohesive, and quietly luxurious. Whether you’re designing a busy kitchen or a striking laundry, microcement opens the door to a new level of creative control.
Why microcement benchtops are getting more attention than ever
Benchtops are no longer just about function, they shape the entire feel of a space. And in today’s interiors, the focus is shifting from glossy, bold colours to more natural, seamless surfaces that stay timeless no matter how your style evolves. That’s where microcement comes in.
With its earthy tones, refined texture, and hand-applied finish, microcement delivers a clean, cohesive look that designers, builders and homeowners are loving.
It offers all the appeal of concrete, without the heavy or industrial feel, making it ideal for kitchens, laundries, and even custom furniture. If you’re looking for something that feels considered, modern and adaptable, a microcement benchtop could be the update your space needs.
Why choose Rockcote microcement for benchtops?
Choosing a microcement benchtop isn’t just about aesthetics. The benefits are several:
- Minimalist, seamless finish: Microcement allows you to create a continuous, joint-free surface that elevates the overall design and simplifies cleaning. There are no visible grout lines or joins to interrupt the look.
- Versatile colour and texture options: From soft whites and warm neutrals to bold greys and earthy tones, MicroStone comes in a carefully curated palette designed to suit residential spaces. It can also be tinted for more custom results.
- Design flexibility: You can apply Microcement to a wide variety of substrates and shaped into unique forms, including curved edges, integrated sinks, and vertical returns. This makes it a practical and creative choice for kitchen islands, laundry benchtops, and more.
- Durable and easy to maintain: Once sealed, MicroStone delivers a hard-wearing, water-resistant surface that stands up well to daily use. It’s simple to clean with just water, neutral soap, and a damp cloth — no harsh chemicals required.
- Lighter than concrete: Microcement offers the look of solid concrete without the structural demands.
Step-by-step: applying microcement to benchtops
Installing a microcement benchtop requires precision and professional skill. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Surface preparation
The substrate is cleaned and primed to ensure a strong bond.
Base coats
A base coat is applied to build strength and prepare the surface for the microcement layers.
Microcement application
The microcement is trowel-applied in thin layers, usually two coats, depending on the texture and finish desired.
Finishing and sealing
Once cured, the surface is sanded to achieve the desired smoothness, then sealed with a protective top coat to enhance durability, stain resistance, and water repellency.
Each project will vary depending on the finish, colour, and substrate, but the goal is always the same: a strong, consistent and beautiful surface that performs as well as it looks. Due to the intricate requirements for applying MicroStone systems, we recommend contacting Rockcote directly for detailed specifications tailored to your project.
What colours and finishes are available?
Rockcote MicroStone is available in a range of modern, on-trend shades that complement a wide range of interior palettes. Some of the most popular include:
- Stone White – A clean, minimalist white
- Concrete Haze – Soft, cool grey with industrial appeal
- Marble Mist – Subtle and polished with gentle stone variation
- Basalt Ash – A deep, moody charcoal
- Terracotta Glow – Earthy warmth with Mediterranean flair
- Lux Ivory – A warm, creamy neutral
- Dusted Pink – Soft blush for muted elegance
- Slate Olive – A muted green with earthy depth
For custom designs, MicroStone can also be tinted with liquid pigments or oxides to suit the space. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth finish or a slightly coarser stone-like feel, Rockcote’s finish options make it possible.
How to maintain a microcement benchtop?
Maintaining a microcement benchtop is simple and straightforward, making it a practical choice for both residential spaces. It’s low-maintenance, requiring only warm water, neutral soap, and a cloth for cleaning. To maintain the finish and appearance, spills should not be allowed to sit and should be wiped up as soon as possible.
Because MicroStone is sealed during the application process, it forms a hard-wearing, water-resistant surface that holds up well to frequent use. This durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like busy kitchens and laundries, without the need for constant upkeep.
Another key benefit is the material’s smooth, joint-free finish. With no grout lines or joins, there are fewer places for dirt or buildup to settle, which simplifies cleaning and enhances hygiene. For clients seeking both form and function, this ease of maintenance supports long-term performance while keeping the aesthetic sharp and refined.
Microcement’s ability to stay looking great with minimal effort is one of the reasons it’s becoming a go-to solution for modern spaces. It allows your design choices to remain the hero, without the upkeep becoming a chore.
With proper care, Rockcote MicroStone benchtops can stay looking great for years to come, even in busy family kitchens.
Is a microcement benchtop right for your space?
Whether your home leans coastal, industrial, or contemporary, microcement benchtops can be adapted to suit. In a neutral-toned kitchen, a Concrete Haze or Lux Ivory finish adds softness and depth without stealing the spotlight. In bolder schemes, darker tones like Basalt Ash or warm, rustic shades like Terracotta Glow can become a feature in themselves.
You can also tailor the texture, from a sleek, refined surface to a more natural, stone-like finish. This allows designers and homeowners to create a space that feels one-of-a-kind, without the weight or limitations of traditional materials.
Because MicroStone can be used on furniture and other surfaces too, you can carry the same finish across a room or entire home, from benchtops to shelving to custom joinery. It’s this design flexibility that continues to make microcement a popular choice among architects and builders.
Interested in MicroStone for your next project?
Microcement benchtops are gaining attention for all the right reasons. They’re stylish without being overdone, durable without being industrial, and adaptable enough to suit a wide range of styles and settings.
Rockcote MicroStone is 100% Australian-designed and manufactured, backed by decades of innovation in architectural finishes. If you’re looking to explore a seamless, natural, and design-forward benchtop material, MicroStone offers flexibility without compromise.For more information or to connect with a certified applicator, get in touch with us here or visit one of our Rockcote Trade Hub locations.