The Complete Guide To Brick Flooring In Kitchens

It's no wonder brick flooring is a popular choice for kitchen remodels. The layered, textured look of brick can inject old-world charm into even the most modern, sleek kitchens. But before taking the plunge with brick floors, it's important to understand the pros and cons to determine if it's the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

The Allure and History of Brick Floors

Brick floors have been used in homes for centuries, prized for their resilience, longevity, and classic beauty. In the kitchen, brick offers a feeling of permanence and heritage. The raw, organic textures add coziness and warmth to counter sterile stainless steel and slick surfaces.

While stone floors were originally more common for medieval kitchens, brick became widely used in grand manor homes during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Slightly more affordable than stone, brick offered durability along with intricate decorative options. Herringbone brick patterns graced palatial Old World kitchens across Europe.

Today, this vintage brick flooring style is back in vogue. The permeating interest in farmhouse decor has vaulted brick back into the limelight. Both reclaimed brick and newly manufactured bricks are rising in popularity.

Types of Brick Flooring

Not all brick flooring is created equal. The type of brick as well as the installation method affects the overall look, durability, and cost. Here are some of the most common options for kitchens:

Traditional Full Brick

This classic option consists of standard clay bricks traditionally used for building projects. The bricks are laid individually and mortared in place. Full brick has a timeless, authentically rustic appearance but requires more specialized labor to install. It's also heavier and more expensive than thin brick options.

Thin Brick

Thin veneer bricks offer the look of real brick in a lighter, more affordable product. The thin faux bricks are mounted to a backer board or paneling. This allows for easier installation. Thin brick veneer tiles start at around 1/4" thick whereas full bricks are 2 1/2" thick.

Faux Brick

For a brick-inspired look without the cost or labor, faux brick tiles made of porcelain, ceramic, or vinyl are an option. These mimic the visuals of brick but are printed or textured to achieve the aesthetic. Faux brick floors are the most budget-friendly choice but offer less durability.

Reclaimed Brick

Salvaged from old demolished buildings, reclaimed brick floors have an aged, antique appearance. Each brick has its own unique markings and imperfections. However, improper sealing can lead to dust and moisture damage. Reclaimed needs to be professionally installed for structural integrity.

Pros of Brick Kitchen Floors

What makes brick continue to endure as a beloved flooring choice? Here are some of the top advantages brick offers in kitchen spaces:

Extreme Durability

The primary benefit of brick is its exceptional durability. Properly fired and kiln-cured clay brick is incredibly hard, ranking a 7 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. It stands up to decades of traffic, spills, and wear and tear. Stains wipe away easily. For busy kitchens, brick is one of the toughest floors around.

Antique Aesthetic

With its earthy colors, variegated textures, and slightly imperfect edges, brick epitomizes old-fashioned charm. The organic patterns and colors blend beautifully in vintage, rustic, or farmhouse decors. Unlike glossy stone or uniform tile, brick has an antiqued personality all its own.

Good Investment

While the upfront cost of installing brick floors is higher than options like vinyl and laminate, the unparalleled longevity of brick makes it well worth the investment. With a lifespan of over 75 years, you'll never need to replace it. Brick flooring also increases a home's resale value.

Low Maintenance

Once properly sealed, brick floors are relatively low maintenance compared to other natural stone options. The impervious surface simply needs occasional sweeping or mopping. It won't chip, dent, or scratch under normal use. Refinishing a brick floor can restore it indefinitely.

Potential Cons of Brick Flooring

Despite the many advantages, brick also comes with some limitations to keep in mind:

Hardness Underfoot

One frequent complaint about brick is its unforgiving hardness. Unlike wood or linoleum, brick offers no cushion or "give". Standing or walking on solid brick for long periods can be tiring. The use of cushioned mats is recommended.

Sealing Required

To prevent moisture damage, brick requires applying a protective sealant every 1-2 years. If not sealed properly, the porous brick will absorb spills and liquids leading to cracks, mold, and mildew. Proper sealing is key.

Challenging DIY Installation

Attempting a DIY full brick installation is difficult. Thin brick tiles or faux bricks are easier for homeowners to tackle. But real brick requires specialty mortar and a keen eye to execute those perfect lines.

Not Great for Radiant Heat

One limitation of brick is that it does not effectively conduct heat from below. So radiant floor heating systems may not pair well with brick floors which hold cold better. Other warming options are recommended.

How Much Does Brick Flooring Cost?

For materials alone, brick flooring costs $4-$15 per square foot on average. Factors like brick grade, thickness, and source impact pricing. Thicker, structural bricks cost more than thin veneer versions. Salvaged brick averages $6-$10 per square foot.

When installation labor is included, the total cost rises to $10-$25 per square foot or more. Complex patterns or reclaimed bricks that are challenging to install increase project costs. Professionally laid brick generally starts around $15 per square foot.

Cost Comparison to Other Flooring

• Laminate - $1 to $5 per square foot
• Vinyl - $2 to $4 per square foot
• Tile - $3 to $15 per square foot
• Wood - $4 to $15 per square foot
• Brick - $10 to $25 per square foot installed
• Stone - $15 to $50 per square foot installed

While pricier than some options, keep in mind you're paying for a lifetime floor. The durability and value brick offers makes it a wise long-term investment.

Pre-Installation Tips

To ensure your new brick floors look and perform their best, keep these pre-installation tips in mind:

Pick the Right Subfloor

Brick floors need a substrate that won't shift or flex. A poured concrete slab is ideal. Plywood and OSB boards work too if properly reinforced and supported. Ensure joists are 16" on center or less.

Allow Proper Acclimation

Before mortaring down the bricks, leave them to sit in the installation environment for 1-2 weeks. This allows the brick to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels to prevent issues later.

Map Out Your Pattern

Decide on the desired laying pattern and sketch it out. The most common options are herringbone and basketweave patterns. Ensure you have the right quantities of brick for the pattern and space. Leave a 10-15% overage for cuts and breakage.

Hire a Pro for Structural Brick

While thin or faux brick can potentially be DIY-ed, structural brick carries a heavier load and is best left to professional masons. Paying for proper installation is worth it to guaranteeSafety and quality.

Caring for Your Brick Flooring

To keep your brick floors looking like new, be diligent about these care tips:

Seal Annually

Applying a penetrating stone sealer to brick yearly prevents absorption of spills and stains. Silane or siloxane-based sealers work best. Use several thin coats for full coverage and reapply every 1-2 years.

Sweep and Mop Regularly

Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep up dirt, sand, and debris that can abrasively scratch brick's surface. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner and mop weekly or as needed.

Blot Spills Immediately

Don't let spills sit and soak in. Blot liquids up right away with an absorbent cloth. Acids like vinegar or citrus can etch and damage brick if left too long before cleaning.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Skip acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar that can degrade brick's sealant or etch the surface over time. Stick to gentle, pH-balanced cleansers designed for natural stone and brick.

Creative Design Ideas

One benefit of brick is how utterly customizable it can be. Play with unique laying patterns, colors, and accents to design a one-of-a-kind floor.

Mix Brick Types and Sizes

Blending different brick colors, styles, and dimensions can add interest. Use large full bricks as a border alongside thinner reclaimed ones in red and brown hues.

Play with Patterns

Beyond basic running bond patterns, try herringbone, basketweave, or diagonal designs. Large format tiles can also be laid with wide grout lines for a modern brick effect.

Add Contrasting Grout

White grout brightens up rustic, vintage bricks. Charcoal or tan grout adds subtle contrast. Grout color significantly impacts the overall look.

Incorporate Accent Materials

Pairing brick with complementary metals, woods, tiles, or stones creates visual interest. Brick floors provide the perfect rugged base for adding warmth and texture.

Brick undoubtedly brings ageless appeal and character to kitchen floors. But it also requires more upkeep than some easier options. Before deciding, ask yourself:

• Is my subflooring suitable for brick?
• Am I prepared to seal and maintain it yearly?
• Will the hardness bother my feet or back?
• Does my climate experience extreme temperature swings?

If you can answer yes to installing over proper subflooring and keeping up with sealing - and don't mind sweeping frequently - then brick can be a stunning, lifelong flooring choice. Its sturdy, steadfast nature simply can't be replicated.

As the decades pass, brick floors will gain more charm. Let your inner Victorian shine with a vintage brick kitchen floor that ages gracefully. Just be sure to wear supportive shoes in the kitchen!