What Is Brick Flooring?

Brick flooring has been around for thousands of years as an alternative to stone.  Due to the fact that it is relatively durable, inexpensive, and fireproof, brick became a widespread building material as cities surged forward.

This lead to bricks not only used for constructing buildings but walkways and flooring too.

When referring to brick flooring, it’s not the same type of bricks used for interior and exterior walls.

Instead, you’ll be looking at installing brick pavers.  Nowadays, brick flooring can also refer to brick veneer – thin “sheets” of brick that’s very easy to lay over your existing floor surface.

However, if you do ask for brick veneer flooring be sure to check the type you want is actually suitable for indoor use.

The Pros and Cons of Brick Flooring

Few building materials are as common as brick, and with its timeless appeal will likely be around for centuries to come. However, as with any building material, brick has its fair share of both pros and cons.

Pros

Apart from its timeless aesthetic appeal that brings home a sense of comfort, brick is surprisingly affordable. This material is roughly the same price as the most affordable hardwood floors.

And with its flexibility, you can create an infinite variety of patterns – just about any design your heart desires.

But beyond the savings and flexibility, brick is both fireproof and durable enough to last for many decades.

Brick makes the most obvious, practical, and safest choices for many homeowners. Its rough non-slip surfaces offer a good amount of traction even when wet, making it ideal in many situations.

Cons

Brick is heavy and laborious to work with. Laying a brick walkway takes a bit of skill and if you want patterned finish you are looking at a lot of extra work. Equally, replacing brick is hard, messy work.

For interiors, it can be hard underfoot and not exactly a surface you want to stand on for hours. Moreover, brick is a moisture magnet due to its porous nature. If you do not treat it with a sealer and do your bit t0 maintain it, you will be dealing with premature degradation.

Types of Brick Flooring

If you are considering brick flooring for your property, here are some of the options you have to consider.

Pavers

Brick pavers used for flooring are generally thinner than construction grade materials and once installed do not raise the level of the floor significantly and are the most popular choice when it comes to brick flooring.

Engineering Bricks

Engineered bricks are the standard construction type bricks. Using these as a flooring material puts a lot of extra weight on the subfloor and also raises it significantly, leading to erosion over time.

Recycled Brick 

Green homes are on the radar nowadays and smart homeowners are opting for recycled brick to reduce their impact on the environment. And best of all, you can get the old charm you were looking for almost instantly by using reclaimed brick flooring resued from taken from old residences.

Naturally, the cost of brick pavers will differ from region to region, so it’s always recommended to get in touch with some local contractors to get a feel for your local pricing trends.

Brick pavers typically cost between $0.25- $5 per brick or between $3-$11 per sq. ft. This does not include installation.

If you opt for a local contractor to complete the job, expect a to be charged around $6 – $8 per sq. ft. to install your brick flooring.

Get In Touch With Local Professionals

Are you interested in brick flooring to improve the overall look of your property? Whether for aesthetic appeal or practical solution, getting in touch with local contractors to compare estimates will not only help you get a feel for local pricing trends and help you find the best one, but also assist in recognizing the best contractor for your unique installation.