Microcement Showers, Floors & Venetian Plaster in Calgary & Okotoks
Microcement showers, seamless bathroom floors, and Venetian plaster feature walls are becoming some of the most requested finishes in Calgary and Okotoks. Homeowners want spaces that feel like boutique hotels and spas—without the maintenance headaches of grout lines and fussy materials.
This page is your guide to microcement and Venetian plaster: what they are, where they work best, how we install them properly, and how they fit into larger projects like Kitchen Renovations, and full Home Renovations or even a new build with our Custom Home Builder services.
Whether you’re updating a single shower or planning a full-home transformation, these mineral finishes can become the centrepiece of your design.
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At Elevation Renovations, we provide high-quality renovations throughout Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills—
without the layers of management, sales staff, and overhead that drive up costs at large renovation companies.
We’re a small, owner-led team. That means the people planning your renovation are the same people overseeing the work.
coordinating trades, and checking the details on site. Fewer handoffs. Clear communication. Better value for your budget.
Our clients appreciate that they’re paying for skilled work and careful planning.
not a showroom, sales commissions, or unnecessary administrative layers.
Timeless Design—Shaped by Your Imagination
When craftsmanship meets artistry, something truly meaningful is created. Every piece begins with your vision—your ideas, your inspiration—and we bring it to life with care, skill, and intention. By working closely with you and drawing from the images and spaces you love, we transform raw materials into surfaces that feel personal, enduring, and alive.
Each finish is thoughtfully crafted to not only look beautiful but to live beautifully too. Fully waterproof and seamlessly applied, our work is designed to elevate bathrooms, kitchens, and feature walls alike—where function fades into the background and beauty takes centre stage.
Your space, your story—brought to life with lasting beauty.
Sample for client 2025
Calgary, Stanley Park 2025
Corporate Office 2023
Calgary 6th ave
Walls at Trinity Spa 2021
Trinity Spa Calgary
Mountain View Suite
Fairmont Banff Springs 2020
“Every beautiful space begins with a single idea. Tell us yours.”
What happens next?
1) We reply within 1 business day
2) Quick 15-minute phone consultation
3) On-site visit + clear, itemized estimate
4) No pressure—you decide how to proceed
5) We respect your time and your home.
What are microcement & Venetian plaster?
What Is Microcement?
Microcement is a high-performance, cement-based coating applied in several thin, hand-troweled layers to create a seamless, durable, and modern surface. At only 2–3 mm thick, it transforms walls, floors, showers, and furniture without major demolition while delivering a refined, architectural appearance.
Benefits of Microcement
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Grout-free, smooth, continuous finish
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Works on walls, floors, and full wet rooms
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Thin, lightweight, ideal for renovations
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Handcrafted texture and natural movement
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Easy to maintain and highly durable when sealed
Microcement offers the look of polished concrete with flexibility that makes it perfect for Calgary and Okotoks homes wanting modern, minimalist, easy-care surfaces.
What Is Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster is a mineral-based wall finish made from lime, marble dust, and natural pigments, applied in thin, artistic layers to create soft movement and a refined, natural sheen. Each application is handcrafted, resulting in a rich, dimensional surface that feels warm, elegant, and timeless.
Benefits of Venetian Plaster
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Adds depth, character, and subtle sheen
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Breathable, durable, long-lasting finish
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Ideal for feature walls, powder rooms, and fireplaces
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Natural mineral pigments create organic variation
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Works beautifully with modern and classic interiors
Venetian plaster elevates Calgary and Okotoks spaces with a luxurious, artisan-made finish that brings depth and sophistication far beyond what standard paint can achieve.
Where Microcement Works Best
Microcement is incredibly versatile. Here’s where it shines in Calgary and Okotoks homes.
Microcement Showers & Wet Rooms
Showers are the number one application homeowners ask about. Instead of tile and grout, we create a fully continuous shower envelope:
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Walls
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Ceilings (optional, but beautiful)
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Niches
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Benches
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Curbs
All in one cohesive finish.
Microcement showers are especially powerful when paired with a larger bathroom remodel. If you’re planning a full layout change or upgrading fixtures and tile in the rest of the space, it’s worth exploring a complete design with our Bathroom Renovations services.
Microcement Bathroom Walls & Tub Surrounds
Not every bathroom renovations needs (or wants) a fully microcement shower. Sometimes the best use is:
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The wall behind a freestanding tub
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An accent wall behind the vanity
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Half walls or low wall transitions
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Powder room walls for maximum visual impact
Microcement can be used alongside tile, stone, and paint. We often integrate microcement walls into larger Home Renovations where multiple rooms are being updated at once.
Microcement Floors
Microcement floors offer the look of concrete without needing to grind or polish an existing slab. They’re thin, comfortable underfoot, and compatible with in-floor heat.
Popular areas for microcement floors in Calgary & Okotoks include:
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Ensuites and primary bathrooms
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Powder rooms
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Basements
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Mudrooms and entries
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Laundry rooms
In some projects, microcement floors tie together spaces that are part of larger Basement Renovations or entire main-floor Home Renovations where we’re reworking layout, lighting, and cabinetry at the same time.
Feature Walls & Fireplaces
While we often use Venetian plaster for feature walls, microcement also works beautifully on:
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Fireplace surrounds
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TV walls
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Long hallway walls
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Office or studio feature walls
If you’re planning a new fireplace or a complete re-cladding as part of a bigger remodel, we’ll often integrate this with Home Renovations or Custom Home Builder work so the fireplace, millwork, and finishes are planned together.
Venetian Plaster Feature Walls & Accent Spaces
Venetian plaster is all about depth, light, and subtle movement. It’s ideal when you want a surface that feels special but not loud.
Perfect Spots for Venetian Plaster
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Powder rooms where every square foot is visible
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Behind a vanity mirror in a primary ensuite
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Living room or dining room feature walls
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Fireplace surrounds in non-splash zones
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Double-height entry walls
Venetian plaster is a great complement to projects on your Kitchen Renovations or Bathroom Renovations pages—for example, a kitchen remodel where the adjacent dining wall becomes a plaster feature.
Microcement vs Tile, Paint & Other Finishes
Venetian Plaster vs Paint
Venetian plaster:
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Adds subtle depth and dimension
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Handles light differently throughout the day
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Can be smoothed, burnished, or left more matte
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Feels high-end and custom
Paint:
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Faster to apply
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Lower initial cost
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Easier to change frequently
When we design spaces on your Kitchen Renovations, Bathroom Renovations, or Home Renovations pages, we often use a mix—paint in most areas and Venetian plaster where it will have the most impact.
Microcement vs Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete typically involves grinding and finishing the existing slab. Microcement goes on top of a prepared substrate (which may be existing tile or a different base).
Choose microcement floors when:
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You want to avoid heavy grinding and dust
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You’re working in an existing home with multiple floor materials
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You want a slightly softer, more forgiving feel underfoot
During larger Home Renovations or Basement Renovations we’ll help you decide where microcement makes the most sense versus other floor options. Concrete countertops are also an added option to keep aesthetics throughout your space.
Microcement vs Tile
Pros of microcement vs tile:
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No grout lines
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More continuous, minimal appearance
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Easier to maintain visually over time
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Fewer visual breaks in small spaces
Pros of tile vs microcement:
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Widely available materials and patterns
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Can be DIY in some scenarios
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Sometimes lower initial material cost
If you’re not sure which route to go, we can walk you through both options as part of a full bathroom design conversation through our Bathroom Renovations services. We can show you samples and do mock-ups as needed till you're happy with the outcome of the finished product. No guessing.
These finishes are often part of complete kitchen renovations in Calgary and Okotoks.
Our Microcement & Venetian Plaster Installation Process
There’s a lot of technical work behind the scenes to make these finishes last, especially in wet areas. Here’s how we approach each project.
Step 1 – Consultation & Concept Design
We start by understanding:
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Which areas you want to update (shower only, bathroom, multiple rooms, entire floor).
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How this project fits into the big picture—standalone upgrade or part of a larger Home Renovations project or even a new Custom Home Builder home.
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Your style: clean and minimal, organic and warm, bold and dramatic, or something in between.
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Practical needs: maintenance level, kids/pets, aging-in-place needs, accessibility, etc.
If your project overlaps with other work like cabinets, tile, or new layouts, we’ll connect it with the appropriate service from Kitchen Renovations, Bathroom Renovations, Basement Renovations, or Home Renovations so everything is coordinated.
Step 2 – Substrate & Waterproofing
For showers and wet areas, this stage ensures your finish lasts. We start by checking that the structure is solid and ready for microcement. Then we address moisture control and surface prep so every layer above performs the way it should.
• Confirm framing, backer board, and existing surfaces are sound
• Install or verify a proper waterproof membrane
• Use mesh and primers designed for microcement systems
• Ensure corners, niches, and slopes are correctly formed
• Review transitions and movement points before finishing
This level of prep is the same standard we use in bathroom renovations and Home Renovations to prevent future issues and create a long-lasting, stable base for your final finish.
Step 3 – Application & Finishing
Our team applies microcement or Venetian plaster in thin, layered passes so the final look has depth, texture, and a handcrafted feel. Every stage is shaped by technique, timing, and material control to match the design direction we established with you.
• Build texture, movement, and natural variation
• Shape corners, edges, niches, and benches cleanly
• Adjust sheen level and tone through each layer
• Refine surfaces to ensure smoothness and consistency
• Prepare the finish for sealing and long-term durability
Once the surface is complete, we seal microcement based on its use—showers, floors, or walls—and protect Venetian plaster as needed. This careful approach aligns with the standards used across our Bathroom Renovations and Home Renovations projects.
Step 4 – Curing, Protection & Handover
After the work is complete:
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Microcement surfaces need a specific cure window before heavy use
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We’ll walk you through cleaning and maintenance
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We can schedule photos that become part of the Renovation Portfolio if you’d like your project featured
Our goal is a finish that feels like it belongs in the same family as the rest of your home—especially if we’ve also completed Kitchen Renovations, Bathroom Renovations, decks via Decks Calgary & Okotoks, or a full custom build with Custom Home Builder services.
Venetian Plaster & Microcement — Cost Guide (per sq ft)
Venetian Plaster Cost
Standard Venetian plaster finish: Approximately $15 – $30 per square foot installed (materials + skilled application).
Factors that impact cost:
- Colour choice & custom pigments—darker, metallic, or custom-blended hues can cost more than basic neutrals.
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Finish level—high-gloss, burnished, multi-layer effects typically add labour and material
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costs.Detail work or accent areas (niches, trim, columns) can raise the price.
Optional add-ons:
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Premium tints/custom colour matching add to material cost.
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Templates or design samples typically add to labour if mock-ups are requested.
Note: Venetian plaster is an artisanal finish—cost varies with size, layout complexity, and finish expectations.
Microcement Cost
Microcement general range: Around $20 – $30 + per square foot installed for residential applications.
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Wall-only applications can trend toward the lower end of this range.
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Floors, showers, or wet-room systems often sit at the higher end due to prep and sealing.
Pricing factors:
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Surface prep & waterproofing: Microcement requires sound substrates and sometimes membranes—complex prep increases cost.
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Colour & texture: Custom colours, clouded/smoother textures, or specialty finishes add material time and finishing labour.
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Complex layouts: Corners, niches, trim, built-in benches, or changes in plane add hands-on labour.
Volume discounts: Larger jobs (e.g., whole floors/walls over 1,000 sq ft) can receive reduced per-sq-ft pricing from some contractors.
Why Colours & Custom Options Can Cost More
Both Venetian plaster and microcement are handcrafted finishes—unlike paint or tile, each coat is applied manually and adjusted by eye:
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Pigmented or dramatic colours often use more expensive raw materials.
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Gloss or satin effects require additional burnishing/polishing passes.
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Texture variation (e.g., clouded microcement surfaces) takes extra application stages.
Add-ons like design templates, colour samples, or mock-ups should be scoped with your estimator, as they contribute additional labour and material charges.
Project Timelines in Calgary & Okotoks
Venetian Plaster Timeline
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Small areas (feature wall): ~ 1–2 days of work on-site—including prep, application of multiple thin plaster layers, and drying between coats.
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Medium spaces (several walls): ~ 2–4 days depending on size and finish complexity.
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Large or multi-finish jobs: May require 5+ days if multiple colours, detail work, or high-end burnished sheen is specified.
Drying time & care:
Venetian plaster needs proper drying between coats and before sealing/furniture installation—build this into your schedule.
If you want inspiration and ideas, check out our portfolio to see what is possible and what we are up to.
Microcement Timeline
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Surface prep (substrate repair/waterproofing): 1 day (varies widely with condition).
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Microcement application: Typically 2–4 days for most residential bathrooms or feature
floors/walls:
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Primer & mesh
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Base coats
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Finish coats & texture shaping
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Sealing layer
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Curing & protection: Sealer must set before heavy use—generally 24–48 hours after final application.
Wet areas (showers/wet rooms): Add time for waterproof membrane installation and inspection, so plan for 3–5+ days on site.
What happens next?
1) We reply within 1 business day
2) Quick 15-minute phone consultation
3) On-site visit + clear, itemized estimate
4) No pressure—you decide how to proceed
5) We respect your time and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are microcement and Venetian plaster? Answer: Microcement is a high-performance, cement-based coating applied in thin, seamless layers that creates a continuous, grout-free surface ideal for walls, floors, and showers. Venetian plaster is a mineral-based plaster made with lime and marble dust that produces a rich, dimensional wall finish with natural sheen and depth. Renovations Contractor +1 2. Where can I use microcement in my home? Answer: Microcement works beautifully in showers, wet rooms, floors, bathroom walls, tub surroundings, mudrooms, entries, and even feature walls — almost anywhere you want a seamless modern finish. Renovations Contractor 3. What spaces benefit most from Venetian plaster? Answer: Venetian plaster is perfect for accent or feature walls, powder rooms, fireplaces, dining/living areas — anywhere you want elegant texture and depth beyond standard paint. Renovations Contractor 4. How does maintenance compare between microcement and Venetian plaster? Answer: Both finishes are relatively low-maintenance. Microcement requires only mild soap and water cleaning, and sealers keep it durable long-term. Venetian plaster also stays beautiful with basic dusting and gentle cleanups — though specific cleaning and resealing recommendations may vary based on usage. Topcret +1 5. Are these finishes suitable for wet areas like showers? Answer: Yes! Microcement is waterproof when installed with proper substrate prep and membrane systems, making it ideal for showers and wet rooms. Venetian plaster is best used on walls outside major wet zones unless sealed specifically. Renovations Contractor 6. Can microcement or Venetian plaster be combined with tile or paint? Answer: Absolutely. These finishes can be integrated with tile, stone, or painted surfaces within a single renovation to create cohesive design transitions throughout your space. Renovations Contractor 7. How long does installation take? Answer: Timelines depend on project size and complexity. Small feature areas can often be completed in a few days (prep, application, drying), while full room updates take a bit longer. Your project estimate will include a clearer timeline. Renovations Contractor 8. Do these finishes work with full home renovations or custom builds? Answer: Yes! Whether you’re updating one shower or doing a complete renovation or custom home build, we coordinate microcement and Venetian plaster with broader design and construction plans. Renovations Contractor 9. How do I clean and care for these surfaces? Answer: Use pH-neutral, mild cleaners and soft cloths. Avoid harsh abrasives that could dull the finish. Periodic resealing for microcement extends durability, especially in high-use or wet areas. Topcret 10. What makes your installation process different? Answer: We start with consultation and plan your project carefully, prep surfaces and waterproof as needed, apply premium products with craftsmanship, and walk you through maintenance and care. Our owner-led team handles your project personally from start to finish.