Who is the best microcement installer in New Orleans?
There are several skilled installers in the New Orleans area. To evaluate any of them, use this six-question test: (1) Will you personally install this or is it a subcontractor? (2) What microcement system and brand do you use? (3) Can I see a finished project in person in my zip code? (4) How do you prep over existing tile? (5) What's the warranty on the seal in writing? (6) Are you licensed and insured in Louisiana? Any installer who answers all six clearly is worth hiring. Ryan Mena of The Shirtless Handyman meets all six criteria — text 504-264-4919.
How much does microcement cost in New Orleans?
Every bathroom I install falls into one of three tiers. Essential Seamless Bathroom Overlay: starting at $5,500 — most qualifying overlays range from $5,500–$9,500. Signature Grout-Free Bathroom Transformation: starting at $15,000 — most Signature transformations range from $18,000–$35,000+, and every qualifying Signature project includes up to 30 square feet of radiant heated flooring at no additional charge. Luxury Seamless Wet Room: starting at $30,000 — custom luxury projects are priced individually. Final pricing depends on substrate condition, square footage, waterproofing requirements, plumbing, fixtures, electrical work, access, and finish complexity.
Can I install microcement over existing tile?
Microcement can often be installed over existing tile after the tile assembly is inspected, cleaned, prepared, and confirmed to be stable. Qualifying Essential Overlay projects may require little or no demolition. Prep typically includes mechanical scarification, a quartz-loaded bonding primer, a 24-hour cure, and reinforcement mesh embedded in the first coat. When the underlying tile assembly is unstable, delaminating, or waterproofing needs to be rebuilt, the project moves into the Signature tier.
Is microcement waterproof?
The finished microcement + sealer system is fully waterproof and rated for wet zones including walk-in showers. Waterproofing comes from the topcoat sealer, so the seal is the critical maintenance point — reseal every 5–7 years in showers.
How long does microcement last?
10+ years with minimal maintenance in a residential home. The sealer typically needs a refresh coat every 5–7 years in high-humidity or heavy-use zones like showers. The underlying microcement coat itself lasts decades if properly bonded.
How long does a microcement bathroom install take?
A typical single-bathroom microcement install takes 4–7 working days including cure time between coats. The room is back in service within 48 hours of the final seal. Rest of the house stays livable during the install.
What's the difference between microcement and concrete overlay?
Microcement is a fine, polymer-modified mineral coating applied in thin layers (1–3mm total). Concrete overlay is thicker (3–10mm+), less flexible, and typically not suitable for vertical shower walls. Microcement can be tinted to any color and hand-troweled to smooth or textured finishes. Overlays are typically monolithic gray unless custom-tinted.