An Insider's Guide to Brick Flooring

Everything you need to know about durable and versatile brick floors

By Sylvia Cochran

Photo by iStockphoto.com

When you install brick flooring in your home or office, you add a rustic touch that is truly timeless. Brick goes as well with antique furnishings as it does with modern steel and glass pieces. Brick floors are very durable, and the colors do not fade. This makes them good flooring options even in areas that get a lot of sun exposure. An insider's guide to brick flooring shows that caring for your brick floor is as easy as installing it.

Brick Tiles Are Easy to Install

Brick flooring is not necessarily made up of full-size bricks. Companies now manufacture brick tiles that mimic the look of bricks but are actually only segments thereof. These brick tiles may measure only half an inch in thickness and install in much the same way as other flooring tiles. Mix and match colors to give the impression of aging and weathering, or keep the tile color uniform for a continuous look. You may opt for a sealant that adds a glossy layer to your brick flooring or instead pick a finish that preserves the authentic brick look but still protects the tiles from discoloration and staining.

Brick is a Sustainable Design Component

You may reuse bricks for your flooring project. If you choose to purchase new bricks, you will find that they are made from readily available shale and clay that is abundant in nature. Bricks last long, are resilient, provide insulation against sound and also do not leave a lot of waste. This makes brick a component for environmentally friendly home design and decor.

Brick Floors Clean Up Easily

Daily wear will dirty your brick flooring. Sweep your floor with a broom -- or vacuum up loose debris with a household vacuum cleaner that is set up for floor use, as opposed to carpet use -- to start your cleaning regimen. Use a combination of warm water and powder detergent to clean off the dirt. You may clean a heavily soiled area with a bristle brush and then follow up with a mop and a bucket of clear water for rinsing. Wax your brick floor occasionally with a solvent-based product; this eliminates the need for stripping wax buildup off your floor and adds protection against dirtying.

Bricks May Contribute to Home Radon Levels

Even though there are a number of advantages to installing brick flooring, there is a downside: Bricks may contribute to the overall radon measurements inside the home. Radon is a radioactive gas that may pose a health risk if indoor levels are abnormally high. You most likely will not know that you have radon in your home, unless a home inspector tests for it. Usually it creeps in from the ground beneath the home, but in the case of some bricks, it may actually be contained in the materials used to make them.