Concrete Floors:
Micro-Toppings and Overlays

Architectural micro-toppings are as versatile as they are beautiful.

Defined by their thickness — or lack of it — they are generally between 1/32-inch and 1/8-inch thick. They are typically applied with a trowel or squeegee but can also be broom finished.

By contrast, self-levelers generally require at least 1/4-inch material and are poured into place. Micro-toppings do not have the flow characteristics or sufficient mass of material to flow and so are not considered self-leveling.

This paper-thin concrete mixture is easy to install and bonds to almost any properly prepared existing surface, including concrete, other overlays, wood, metal, plastic, terrazzo, ceramic tile, marble and asphalt. They should not be used over gypcrete, vinyl or rubber.

Micro-toppings can be used on interior and exterior surfaces, residential and office walls and floors, lobbies, retail walls and floors, decks, patios, ceilings, countertops, showers, masonry, bleachers, food concession areas, waterparks, sidewalks and driveways. "The more flexible the micro-topping is, the more versatile it is with regards to what substrates it can be used on top of," says Lee Tizard of Floric Polytech in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.