An Insider's Guide To Brick Floors

Hardwood and carpet are not your only options.

Gretchen Breuer grew up in a house with brick floors, and she longed for the same old-world feel in the new Shreveport home she shares with husband Philip. Memories weren't her only motivation. Gretchen wanted a material that could stand up to the elements-in this case, 8-year-old Virginia; 5-year-old John Marshall; and 1-year-old Blitzen, a Jack Russell terrier.

In the family room, time-worn carpet was removed and replaced with brick pavers. The new floor resists the ravages of juice and cookie crumbs, while also adding style and sophistication. "The brick creates a warmer feeling. It completely changed the look of the room," Gretchen says.

Seeking Expert Advice

Philip and Gretchen turned to Sid Menard, president of United Tile in Shreveport, for help. He led them through the process, taking into account their preferences and budget.

Sid advised the homeowners to decide if the room in question could handle the rugged masculinity of brick. The Breuers' family room, with its two-story ceiling and long wall of French doors, is light and large enough for such a striking surface.

Picking a Pattern

The most popular designs for brick floors are running bond, herringbone, and basket weave. The Breuers chose running bond, a style in which pavers are laid end to end in staggered rows.

With both running bond and basket weave, installation starts by lining up paver edges against one or two walls. This means fewer pieces around the perimeter of the room need to be cut. Herringbone is laid on the diagonal, resulting in additional waste because more end pieces are altered. This can result in slightly higher costs.

Determining Cost

For typical brick pavers, materials and installation can cost between $6 and $8 per square foot. Final price depends on the specific room size because large rooms often have a lower cost per square foot.

The Breuers chose a 4- x 8-inch paver because it was thin enough to create a smooth transition from the hardwood floors in connecting rooms. It also fit within their budget.

The amount of prep work influences cost as well. Homeowners can save some money by emptying the room and removing the existing flooring themselves.

Laying the Groundwork

A one-room installation can take up to five days to complete. On the first day, the installer removes large furnishings and existing flooring, prepares the surface, and lays pavers in place. Pavers are installed over the next one to two days, with an additional day set aside to seal the product. The final day includes clean-up and furniture placement.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Sealed brick floors require little more than regular vacuuming and occasional cleaning with a mild detergent for heavier soils. (For more on using brick in your home visit southernliving.com/features. For sources turn to page 208.)

AMY BICKERS MERCER

INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BRICK FLOORS

Pages 142-143: Bricks laid by United tile, Shreveport, (318) 222-5150.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2004
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