Reclaimed Thin Brick Floor Tiles: Patterns, Install & Cost

You're looking for a floor with soul. Not some sterile, mass-produced material that feels cold and lifeless. You want character, warmth, and a story you can feel under your feet. This is where thin brick floor tiles come in, and they might be exactly what you have been searching for.

Imagine a floor that has already lived a full life. A surface that carries the history of a city within its texture. Using reclaimed thin brick floor tiles is more than a design choice; it is about bringing a piece of the past into your personal space.

Maybe you are a homeowner who wants a warm, durable floor for a kitchen, mudroom, or entryway. You might be a designer looking for real reclaimed texture underfoot without raising the floor by the depth of a full brick. Or maybe you are a contractor or tile setter who needs to know how these tiles are sized, priced, and installed before quoting the job.

Table Of Contents:

• What Exactly Are Reclaimed Thin Brick Tiles?
• Why a Brick Floor Is a Brilliant Idea
  • Bring History Home
  • A Look That Never Fades
  • An Eco-Friendly Choice
  • Built to Last Generations
• Choosing the Right Thin Brick for Your Project
  • Color and Texture
  • Size, Thickness, and Price
• Exploring Different Thin Brick Floor Tiles Patterns
  • Classic Running Bond
  • Elegant Herringbone
  • Intricate Basketweave
• A Simple Guide to Installing Your Brick Floor
  • 1. Get the Subfloor Ready
  • 2. Apply the Thin-Set
  • 3. Space and Grout the Tiles
  • 4. Seal Everything In
• Where to Use Thin Brick Flooring
• Keeping Your Brick Floor Beautiful
• Conclusion
• Are Reclaimed Thin Brick Floor Tiles Worth It?

What Exactly Are Reclaimed Thin Brick Tiles?

Think of real, solid bricks from old historic buildings, now picture them carefully sliced into thin profiles. That's what thin brick tiles are. They give you the authentic look and feel of a classic brick floor without the weight and thickness of a full brick, making them a versatile type of brick veneer.

Our reclaimed thin brick floor tiles are cut from bricks reclaimed in New York City. Specifically, they come from solid bricks called 'flat, no-frog' bricks. These were the workhorses of historic construction all over the five boroughs for more than a century and are much different from modern face brick.

The result is something that simply can't be manufactured. It is a weathered, perfectly imperfect finish. Each tile holds the story of its past life, showing off the patina and color shifts that only decades of city life can create.

Why a Brick Floor Is a Brilliant Idea

You have a lot of flooring options. So why should you go with brick? The reasons go far beyond just looks, making it a choice that pays off for years.

Bring History Home

Each tile is a piece of American history. These are not copies or replicas made to look old. They are genuinely old, salvaged from buildings constructed over 100 years ago, giving you a real antique finish.

No two tiles are ever identical, which means your floor has a story all its own. This is true brick authenticity. You are installing a surface with a genuine past.

A Look That Never Fades

The style of brick is truly timeless. Its worn texture and rich palette of brick colors feel both rustic and incredibly modern. You'll see shades from deep reds to soft oranges, and even some muted browns, grays, and clear tones.

This natural variation adds incredible depth to a room. This aesthetic works almost anywhere, from a cozy farmhouse kitchen to a sleek industrial loft. It's a look that feels grounded and permanent, which is why it works for both brick floors and accent walls.

An Eco-Friendly Choice

Choosing reclaimed materials is a meaningful choice for the planet. Using old bricks keeps them out of landfills and reduces the environmental impact of new production. It also avoids the huge amount of energy needed to fire up a kiln and make new materials from raw materials.

Reusing building materials is a key part of sustainable construction. You are not just getting a beautiful brick floor. You are making a sustainable choice with a conscience.

Built to Last Generations

There's a reason brick has been used for streets and floors for hundreds of years; it is an incredibly tough material. This type of tile flooring is highly durable. Once your brick floor is sealed, it stands up well to everyday use.

This makes it the perfect brick for high-traffic areas. Think mudrooms, kitchens, entryways, and hallways. It holds up well to scratches and wear from daily use, and its natural texture provides good slip resistance.

Choosing the Right Thin Brick for Your Project

Before starting your project, selecting the right tiles is an important step. The variations in color, texture, and size will define the final look of your space. Taking time to browse options will help you find the perfect match for your vision.

Color and Texture

Reclaimed bricks offer a wide spectrum of colors. These are not uniform, which is a major part of their charm. Consider the overall color palette of your room and choose a brick blend that complements it.

Texture is another key element. Some bricks have a rougher, more weathered surface, while others are smoother.

Size, Thickness, and Price

Most thin brick tiles come in a standard brick size, but there can be slight variations due to their reclaimed nature. Check the dimensions, often listed as size, before ordering.

Our floor tiles come in two thicknesses. The 3/4-inch tile is our standard and is kept in stock; the 1/2-inch tile is cut to order and helps where every fraction of floor height counts. Our thin brick thickness guide explains which to choose.

Coverage assumes a 1/2-inch joint. Tighter joints use slightly more tiles, and you should add about 10% for cuts, or 12% to 15% for herringbone and basketweave. Our brick coverage calculator guide walks through the math. Tiles ship by the unit or by the pallet of 1,500, and you can order a sample of four tiles to check the color in your own light first.

Work out how many bricks or stones you need for your wall, patio or walkway with our Masonry Brick & Stone Calculator.

If you have the floor height for it, full-depth reclaimed flat no-frog floor bricks give the same look at a lower material cost. Compare the two in thin brick vs full brick cost.

Exploring Different Thin Brick Floor Tiles Patterns

How you lay your thin brick floor tiles dramatically changes the room's feel. Your pattern choice is a huge part of the final design. It is your chance to put a personal stamp on the space.

Before you start the tile installation, it's a good idea to lay out the tiles without any thin-set. This is called a dry layout. It lets you see the pattern and adjust the tile placement for the best color blend and flow.

Classic Running Bond

This is the most common and traditional brick pattern, often seen on an exposed brick wall. Each row is offset from the one below it, usually by half the length of a brick. It creates a simple, linear look that feels sturdy and familiar, and it's great for making a room feel longer or wider.

Elegant Herringbone

The herringbone pattern is stunning. Bricks are laid in zig-zag lines, creating V-shapes that point across the floor. This dynamic pattern adds a sense of movement and sophistication.

It works beautifully in both large, open spaces and smaller rooms where you want to make a statement. This centuries-old pattern remains a classic choice for brick floors. Plan a little more extra material, since herringbone creates more perimeter cuts.

Intricate Basketweave

For a more textured, old-world look, consider the basketweave pattern. Tiles are arranged in small squares to create the illusion of woven blocks. It is a visually interesting pattern that adds a lot of charm and works well in spaces like sunrooms or wine cellars.

A Simple Guide to Installing Your Brick Floor

Installing a thin brick floor is a project you can tackle yourself. It is similar to laying other types of tile, like ceramic tile. But there are a few important steps to follow for the best results.

1. Get the Subfloor Ready

Your foundation is everything. The subfloor needs to be clean, totally level, and strong before starting on a clean job site. Thin brick tiles are heavier than other wall tiles, so the floor underneath has to be able to handle the weight.

A concrete slab is a great base. If you are working with a wood subfloor, installing a layer of cement backer board is a good idea. A backer board provides a stable surface for tile and prevents flexing that can lead to cracked grout.

2. Apply the Thin-Set

You'll use a high-strength thin-set. Spread it on the subfloor with a notched trowel. The notches help create ridges in the thin-set, which allows air to escape and makes for a stronger bond.

If you're installing the floor in a place that gets wet, like a mudroom, use a polymer-modified thin-set. It offers extra bonding strength and water resistance. Just apply enough thin-set to lay a few tiles at a time so it does not dry out.

3. Space and Grout the Tiles

The space between the tiles, or grout joint, is part of the look. For an authentic feel, leave a space of about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch; wider joints read more rustic. Tile spacers can help you keep this consistent across all the bricks reclaimed for your project.

After the tiles are set, it is time to grout. Use a sanded grout suited to brick; our NHL 3.5 lime mortar is not made for thin brick or floors. A grout bag works like a cake decorating bag and lets you squeeze the grout directly into the joints, which keeps the face of the brick clean.

4. Seal Everything In

This is the final, crucial step. After the grout has fully cured, you need to seal the floor. A good sealer protects the porous brick from stains, moisture, and daily grime.

Use a penetrating sealer for a natural finish. It soaks into the brick and grout without creating a shiny film on top. If you want to deepen the colors and bring out the character of the beautiful brick, choose an enhancing sealer instead.

Read our article on Brick Sealing Basics.

Where to Use Thin Brick Flooring

The durability and timeless appeal of thin brick make it suitable for many areas of the home. Its ability to handle heavy foot traffic and resist wear makes it a practical choice. It offers the perfect balance between rustic charm and functional strength.

In the kitchen, a brick floor can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that stands up to spills and dropped utensils. You can even coordinate your floor with a matching kitchen backsplash for a unified design using our reclaimed thin brick wall veneer, cut from the same New York bricks. See our thin brick veneer guide for wall ideas.

Mudrooms and entryways are ideal spots for brick. They can handle the dirt, mud, and water that get tracked in from outside; read more about brick in mudrooms, sunrooms, and entryways. In basements or wine cellars, brick adds an authentic, rustic touch that feels both classic and cozy.

Keeping Your Brick Floor Beautiful

Good news. A reclaimed brick floor is pretty low-maintenance. A little regular care and extra care with spills will keep it looking fantastic for decades to come.

Sweep it regularly with a broom. You can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment. This prevents dust and dirt from getting stuck in the brick's natural texture.

For cleaning, just use warm water and a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid using any harsh or acidic chemicals like vinegar. Those can damage the sealer and the natural materials of the brick over time.

Depending on how much foot traffic the area gets, you will want to re-seal the floor every two to four years. This is a simple process. It just involves cleaning the floor well and rolling on a new coat of sealer.

Read our article on How To Clean Brick Floors.

Conclusion

A floor is the foundation of a room's design, setting the tone for everything else. Choosing reclaimed thin brick floor tiles gives you a foundation built on history, durability, and unmatched character. These tiles are cut from authentic, antique brick for a genuine antique finish.

You're not just installing a surface; you're preserving a piece of the past and making it part of your own story. By selecting these thin brick tiles, you are choosing a floor with depth and a rich history. Your home deserves a floor that feels alive, and these timeless thin brick floor tiles deliver exactly that.

Are Reclaimed Thin Brick Floor Tiles Worth It?

For most indoor floors, yes. Reclaimed thin brick floor tiles give you the worn faces, color shifts, and history of old New York brick in a slim tile that installs much like other floor tile. Once sealed, they hold up well in kitchens, mudrooms, and entryways, and they keep salvaged brick in use instead of in a landfill.

They do ask a few things of you. Like any brick floor, they need a sound, level subfloor, a sealer after grouting, and a fresh coat of sealer every few years. If you have the floor height for full-depth brick, flat no-frog floor bricks give the same look at a lower material cost. And if you are cladding a wall rather than a floor, choose our thin brick wall veneer instead; the wall veneer is not made for floors.

If a reclaimed brick floor is what you have in mind, start with a sample of our reclaimed thin brick floor tiles and see the color in your own light.