Classic brick is often overlooked when it comes to kitchen floors, with so many options available. Yet brick pavers offer a winning combination of sleek, modern style plus serious practicality that makes them a fantastic choice for busy, high-traffic kitchen spaces.
Beyond just looking fantastic with their earthy texture and varied natural hues, brick floors provide unique benefits for kitchens that other materials can’t match.
Brick Floors Provide Lots of Appealing Design Options
One of the best aspects of brick flooring is the diverse range of stylish design possibilities it brings. From muted grays and tans to rich reds and dynamic patterns, brick allows you to create a custom floor that becomes a true focal point.
The natural variations of brick pavers avoid the sterile, uniform appearance of many ceramic or porcelain tiles. And with numerous laying patterns to choose from, you can integrate eye-catching geometries and lines into your kitchen floor.
Alternating Patterns Add Visual Interest
From classic herringbone arrangements to modern staggered bricks and basketweave layouts, alternating the direction and spacing of your pavers creates shadow lines and a more engaging look underfoot.
Just take care that the pattern doesn’t become overly busy or distracting. The size of your kitchen and choice of accompanying cabinetry, counters, and backsplashes should inform the floor’s design.
Vintage Eclectic or Industrial Chic
On-trend interior design styles like industrial, vintage, and eclectic spaces can all benefit from the inclusion of brick floors. The exposed, raw masonry material aligns beautifully with these aesthetic visions.
For a more refined or traditional kitchen scheme, cleaner brick patterns and lighter shades tend to complement better than heavily worn, distressed bricks.
Yes, Brick Can Absolutely Be Used for Kitchen Flooring
With moisture, food spills, and heavy activity all commonplace in kitchen settings, some may understandably question whether delicate brick floors can withstand the demands.
Rest assured that brick as a building material has been used indoors and out for centuries. When properly sealed and maintained, brick offers incredible durability and strength.
Sealing is the Key for Protection
High-quality brick designed specifically for flooring applications delivers superb density, hardness, and stain resistance already.
But sealing the pavers with penetrating sealers that soak into the brick pores provides even better shielding while allowing vapor transmission.
Built to Last Generations
Between their dense structure and protective coatings, sealed brick floors stand up exceptionally well to heavy foot traffic, chair scoots, dropped cookware, and all the activities of a busy kitchen.
The lifetime of well-maintained brick floors spans decades, outlasting trends to provide long-lasting value.
Maintenance and Cleaning Brick Floors is Very Manageable
Of course, the beauty and longevity of any flooring requires proper care and maintenance. The good news is, brick floors don’t demand an excessive cleaning regimen.
Sealing goes a long way toward preventing staining from food, grease, and spills that can damage more porous unsealed brick. A simple daily sweep and weekly mop keep things tidy.
Quick Spill Clean-Up is Key
While sealants boost stain resistance substantially, prompt wipe-ups of any spilled liquids or crumbled food remains important.
Letting messes sit risks moisture seeping deeper into brickwork. But attentive owners can keep their pavers looking like new for decades.
Resealing Every Few Years
To maintain maximum effectiveness, reapplication of penetrating brick sealers is advisable every two to five years depending on traffic.
This helps replenish the protective waterproofing layer and prevent gradual staining over long time periods.
Why Brick Floors Are Especially Great for Pet Owners
For homes with four-legged family members running around, brick floors provide distinct advantages that account for pets’ potential damage.
Withstands Scratches from Pets
From zooming chase games to excited tapping during dinner prep, dogs and cats can be hard on floors. And their claws leave scratches even on durable finishes.
But the inherently rugged, blemish-resistant nature of brick withstands pets’ pouncing and scampering with ease.
Protection From Accidents
Even well-trained animals have occasional bathroom mishaps indoors. Porous floors absorb liquids, creating persistent stains and odors.
Properly sealed brick won’t let pee soak in, containing messes until thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
Installation Tips and What to Expect with Process
Transforming your kitchen with stunning new brick pavers requires careful installation to create an even, seamless floor that lasts.
Mortar Bed Layer Critical
After prepping and leveling the subfloor, mortar beds provide a sturdy base to evenly lay bricks across the whole floor.
These prevent uneven settling and keep every paver at the proper height to avoid trip hazards from uneven bricks.
Patience and Precision Laying
Meticulously setting each paver while maintaining layout patterns and uniform spacing takes skill. Various edge cuts around cabinetry and appliances demand precision.
While doable for very experienced DIYers, complex kitchen brick floors generally benefit from hiring professional tile and paver contractors.
Brick Vs. Faux Brick Tile Flooring Comparison
Seeking the iconic look and feel of brick floors but with fewer maintenance demands could make faux replication brick tile enticing.
What design and durability differences come with choosing real brick pavers versus imitation porcelain tiles?
Porcelain Offers Supreme Stain Resistance
Impervious porcelain tile makes cleaning grime and spills simpler than brick floors demand. No sealing required either.
High-fired porcelain brick tile provides excellent scratch, scuff, and stain resistance for accident-prone homes.
Imitation Can’t Match Genuine Rustic Charm
As durable and advanced as imitation tiles appear underfoot, the uniform precision of porcelain planks falls short of real brickwork’s aged appeal.
The small damages and color variations that add warm character can’t be authentically replicated in mass tile production.
Cost Factor – Brick Floors Are a Smart Investment
Budget plays a pivotal role for most kitchen renovation decisions. And quality brick flooring does sit at a higher initial price point than basic vinyl or ceramic tile.
Future Home Value to Consider
Yet that higher sticker price brings increased resale value. Beautiful, durable brickwork makes your kitchen remodel a wise long-term investment.
More Affordable Than Some High-End Options
In fact, brick floors can cost significantly less than premium options like poured concrete countertops and hand-laid tile mosaics.
Their artisanal, high-end appearance comes at a fraction of the price of true luxury flooring options.
With their commanding good looks and incredible toughness, brick floors deliver everything needed for enduring kitchen design. Just be attentive to careful moisture sealing and gentle ongoing maintenance.
For homes with heavy use, messy cooks, and rambunctious pets, few floors provide brick’s strength and peace of mind.
Our biggest tip? Be sure to vet any contractor’s experience with complicated brick paver installation. Their skill level dramatically impacts results.
We hope this overview shows how brick floors artfully blend striking visuals with serious practicality for kitchen spaces both grand and humble. What kitchen design dreams might brick pavers unlock for your home?
