How to Choose Reclaimed Brick Flooring

At Gavin Historical Bricks, our reclaimed floor tiles start as full-size building brick. We salvage these bricks from old buildings, where many spent decades, and slice them into thin tiles.

Where the tile is cut from the original brick, how thick it is, and where the building the brick came from all affect the look of the finished floor. Those little things matter with reclaimed brick flooring because reclaimed batches can vary so much from one source to the next.

How the Room Gets Used

Before you compare colors, think about who walks across the floor and how often. A mudroom with kids and a dog takes a different kind of wear than a formal dining room.

In busy spaces, think about how the floor will look between cleanings. Mixed colors can make everyday dust and small scuffs less noticeable.

In lower-traffic spaces, you can focus more on the look and feel of the brick. A smoother, more even floor can work well in the living room or study, where you won’t notice as much daily wear.

Choosing Tile Thickness

Our flooring page lists two thickness options: 1/2” and 15/16”. Both are thin enough to set like tile instead of laying full bricks.

Thickness affects how the new floor lines up with the floors around it. A thicker tile raises the finished height more, which matters at doorways and anywhere brick meets wood or carpet.

Thicker brick is not always the better choice. The right thickness depends on your subfloor, your transitions, and what your installer recommends for your space.

Surface Texture and Wear

Our Old Chicago Inside Cut Brick Floor Tile uses the smooth inside cut of classic Old Chicago brick. You still get the familiar color variation of Old Chicago brick, but with a smoother surface.

Old Chicago Brick Floor Tile Sample Mockup

Brick with more texture tends to show more of its age. Depending on where it is sourced from, you may see worn edges, small chips, or marks left from the brick’s original life.

Texture also changes your upkeep. A rougher surface can hold more dirt in its low spots, while a smoother one is usually easier to sweep and mop.

Color Variation

All reclaimed brick floors have some color shift. The real question is how much you are looking for.

Our Antique Warehouse Red Herringbone Flooring sits at the bold end. It comes from oversized 19th-century bricks rescued from demolished Midwest buildings, in shades from dark red and purple to orange.

Antique Warehouse Red Herringbone Floor Tile Sample Mockup

If you want a calmer floor, look for a tighter color range. Lay several tiles side by side, since one piece won’t be able to show the full color spread.

Lighting plays a part, too. A room with cool, indirect light can make red tones look darker, while afternoon sunshine can bring out the orange tones.

Where the Brick Came From

While most people consider all brick “red brick,” bricks vary based on source location and time period.

Our Old Carolina Brick Floor Tile comes from former textile mills in North and South Carolina and has a colorful, antique look. For a different piece of history, Antique St. Louis Brick Floor Tile comes from bricks reclaimed from historic St. Louis buildings. The Old Chicago Brick Floor Tile originally served as building brick in Old Chicago. We salvaged the brick from buildings scheduled for demolition.

Old Carolina Brick Floor Tile Sample Mockup

Some homeowners pick a brick source solely for its appearance or look. Others like a regional tie, such as a Carolina home with a floor made from Carolina mill brick. Whichever source you like, ask where a particular batch came from before you order. Once a building’s brick is gone, it’s gone, so what’s available can change from one year to the next.

Picking a Layout Pattern

The layout pattern sets the tone of the brick floor as much as the brick itself.

A running bond lays bricks in end-to-end and offset rows. It feels simple, making it a natural fit for kitchens, sunrooms, and long hallways without competing with the rest of the room.

Herringbone feels more formal and grabs attention. Our antique Warehouse Red Herringbone floor uses oversized bricks cut specifically for this layout.

Basketweave sets bricks in small square groups that alternate directions. It looks best in a powder room or small entryway, where a bold pattern doesn’t have much floor to cover.

If your home already has a strong style, let the pattern follow it. A traditional dining room with dark wood can carry herringbone, while a modern kitchen usually looks cleaner with a straight running bond.

Reclaimed Brick Flooring FAQ

Is brick floor tile hard to install?

While our brick floor tiles are installed using a process similar to ceramic tile, they have their own specific installation requirements. The Brick Industry Association’s Interior Thin Brick Flooring Installation Guide covers general considerations such as subfloors, mortar, movement joints, and floor transitions.

Every project is different, so have your installer also review our Antique Brick Flooring Installation Guide before installation.

Does reclaimed brick floor need to be sealed?

It depends on the brick, the room, and the finish you are looking for. A sealer can change the color and sheen of brick, so ask your installer to test it on a spare tile before committing to the whole floor.

Can reclaimed brick flooring work in a business?

Yes. Depending on the product, reclaimed brick flooring can be used in both residential and commercial applications. Traffic levels, cleaning routines, and local code requirements vary by business, so reach out with the details of your space, and we can help you sort through the options.

The Next Steps for Your Floor

A brick floor is a long-term decision, so it helps to talk it through before you order. Send us a photo of the room, your rough square footage, and a quick note on how you’re envisioning your next project.

You can share those details with us by filling out our quote and sample request form. Once we know the direction of your idea, we can help you narrow down product availability, thickness, cut, and color range before anything ships.