Vinyl House by Benjamin Wilkes Architecture. Photo by Chris Wharton.
The term 'brick floors' often refers to brick-sized floor tiles with an earthy appearance. This look can be achieved using different clay-based materials, including terracotta tiles, quarry tiles and brick slips.
In contemporary design, brick floors remain a popular choice for their versatility and durability. They can add warmth to any room, making them suitable for kitchens, living areas, and other spaces. Brick floors are valued for their classic appeal and practical benefits.
In this article, we'll explore how UK architects are using brick floors in their designs, providing you with practical guidance and inspiration for your project.
For more inspiration, please see our article below.
10 Brick Floor Kitchen Designs by UK Architects
Brick floor tile can be used inside and outside. Fresh and Green House Extension by Sanya Polescuk Architects. Quarry tiles by Ketley Bricks. Photo by Emanuelis Stasaitis.
Derived from the Italian "baked earth", terracotta brick floor tiles are ceramic tiles made from natural clay that is moulded and fired, resulting in their characteristic earthy tones ranging from reds to yellows.
Being a natural product, similar to stone, they have practical qualities but are primarily chosen for their aesthetic appeal.
Terracotta tiles are typically supplied unglazed and are available in different styles including machine-made, handmade, or reclaimed.
Vinyl House by Benjamin Wilkes Architecture. Handmade terracotta tiles by Lubelska. Photo by Chris Wharton.
Quarry tiles are hard-wearing and made from ground minerals like clay, shale, and feldspar. They are manufactured similarly to bricks, being extruded into tile form and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and impervious tile. This process makes them highly durable, non-slip, and resistant to water and stains.
Quarry tiles are available in different textured finishes and can be used in both interior and exterior applications.
Quarry tiles provide a more refined aesthetic compared to terracotta and brick slips, making them suitable for contemporary interiors. They come in earthy tones such as grey, tan, beige, and brown.
Elemental House by Archmongers. Red quarry tiles by Ketley Bricks. Photo by French+Tye.
Brick slip tiles are thin slices of facing brick, typically used to create the appearance of a full brick wall without the need for traditional bricklaying. When used as floor tiles, they offer a rustic aesthetic that can complement various interior styles.
Unlike terracotta and quarry tiles, which are specifically manufactured for flooring purposes, brick slips used as floor tiles may have more varied characteristics. They can range from smooth to textured surfaces and come in a wide array of colours and finishes, reflecting the diversity of brick types available.
When considering brick slips for flooring, it's crucial to select ones that are suitable for the intended use.
House extension by Neil Dusheiko Architects. Brick slip floor tiles by Lubelska. Photo by Tim Crocker.
Brick format terracotta, quarry, and brick slip tiles are available in various sizes, ranging from 150-300mm long to 30-100mm wide. Tiles are typically between 10-20mm thick. Square format tiles are also available.
Brick floor tiles can be laid in numerous patterns, with stack bond (aligned), brick bond (staggered), and herringbone being the most popular. The chosen pattern can significantly impact the room's aesthetics, potentially creating illusions of increased width or length depending on the layout.
Brick floor tiles, including terracotta, quarry tiles, and brick slips, are classified as 'heavy clay products' and contain high embodied energy in their production and transportation.
Despite their initial environmental impact, brick floor tiles offer excellent durability, often lasting well over 100 years. This longevity offsets their embodied energy when considered over their useful lifespan. Additionally, brick tiles provide thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings by helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
To further enhance sustainability, consider sourcing reclaimed tiles. This approach will not only add character to your space but also reduces the environmental impact.
Square format handmade terracotta floor tiles formed part of the renovation of an old chapel by Tuckey Design Studio. Photo by James Brittain.
Brick floors are ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, entrance halls, and utility spaces due to their durability and robustness. They can also be used effectively in bathrooms, including wet rooms and shower enclosures, as well as around fireplaces. Externally, they're suitable for patios and other hardstanding areas.
For areas prone to moisture or spills, quarry tiles are the most practical choice due to their non-porous nature, which makes them resistant to stains. Terracotta tiles, being more porous, require sealing for protection against moisture and stains.
The grout will make up around 20% of a brick floor, so it's crucial to get it right.
For both terracotta and quarry tiles, 5-10 millimetre grout joints are recommended to accommodate natural irregularities.
I've found that flexible, ready-mix grouts like Ardex Flex FL work well with terracotta and quarry tiles. The mortar-like appearance of these grouts complements the rustic nature of the tiles nicely. In contrast, smooth grouts can sometimes visually clash with this style, making them less suitable for achieving the desired look.
For quarry tiles, you can also use a mixture of cement and fine dry sand, adjusting the ratio to suit the joint width. Ketley Bricks, for instance, recommends a 1:1 ratio for joints less than 3mm and a 1:3 ratio for joints wider than 6mm.
The choice of grout colour is crucial to the overall aesthetic. For a seamless look, choose a colour similar to the tile tone. Alternatively, contrasting with lighter grout lines will enhance the pattern effect. It's generally advisable to avoid pure white as it easily shows discolouration. Off-white and light to mid-tone coloured grouts are more practical choices.
Choosing an off-white grout with a dark tile will enhance the pattern effect of a brick floor. Project by Rural Office. Quarry tiles by Ketley Bricks. Photo by Rory Gaylor.
Not all brick floors require sealing. Quarry tiles, due to the minerals and high firing temperatures used in their production, are naturally non-porous and don't need additional protection. Terracotta tiles, however, are much more porous and require sealing to protect them from stains and moisture damage.
Applying sealant typically darkens the terracotta. A clear matt sealer, such as LTP Mattstone, can minimise this effect. Lubelska, a terracotta and brick slip floor tile specialist supplier, advise GoProtect sealer will retain the raw aesthetic of the tile and create an untouched look.
It's crucial to test different products and finishes on a small area before treating the entire floor to ensure the desired result. Remember that while sealing protects terracotta tiles, it doesn't make them indestructible and they can still be susceptible to staining from substances like red wine or tomato sauce. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve their appearance.
Sealing terracotta brick floor tiles may change their appearance. Photo by Fired Earth.
Traditional red quarry tiles can be a cost-effective flooring option, starting from around £35/sqm for supply.
However, most brick floor tiles cost in the range of £75-110/sqm, including VAT, putting them in a similar cost bracket to high-end timber flooring and polished concrete.
When budgeting, you'll also need to factor in the cost of grout, typically about £5-10/sqm, and installation costs, about £20-50/sqm, which varies depending on project complexity.
Reclaimed terracotta brick floor tiles feature in this low-energy house by McLean Quinlan. Photo by Jim Stephenson.
Brick floor tiles can be installed over timber or solid floors and are compatible with underfloor heating.
When installing tiles, a smooth, level surface is crucial, especially for small-format tiles like terracotta and brick slips. Any unevenness in the substrate will be glaringly apparent in the final finish.
For terracotta and brick slip tiles, choose a cement-based adhesive designed for porous materials, such as Ardex X7G or X7W. Quarry tiles are best installed with Ardex X77 or a similar product.
Apply a 3-5mm bed of adhesive and leave 5-10mm gaps between tiles. These gaps allow for grouting, movement, and contribute to the desired aesthetic. Use spacers to align tiles carefully, making minor adjustments with a rubber mallet if necessary.
If you're working with terracotta tiles, it's advisable to apply a coat of sealant before grouting and a second coat afterwards. This process helps protect the surface and enhances the longevity of your installation.
Farley Farmhouse by Emil Eve Architects. Handmade terracotta tiles by Baked Earth. Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen.
Quarry tiles are relatively low maintenance due to their non-porous nature. Terracotta floors, on the other hand, need re-sealing every 3-5 years, depending on foot traffic, to maintain their appearance.
Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep your brick floor in good condition. Avoid using harsh cleaners, abrasive materials, and power washing, as these can erode the grout and damage the tile surface. For day-to-day cleaning of terracotta tiles, many suppliers recommend products like Lithofin Easy Care, while mild soap and water are adequate for quarry tiles.
Terracotta and contrasting dark brick tiles feature in Farmworker's House by Hugh Strange Architects. Photo by Jason Orton.
Pros:
Cons:
Hartley House by Thiss Studio. Terracotta tiles by Solus Ceramics. Photo by Henry Woide.
Brick, terracotta, and quarry tiles are all made from clay but differ in their manufacturing process and properties.
If you're aiming for a warm, rustic ambiance and don't mind regular maintenance, terracotta tiles might be your best choice. They're softer and more porous, so you'll need to seal them to protect against moisture and stains. They work especially well in renovated old buidings.
For a more practical option, especially in high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces, consider quarry tiles. They're denser and more durable, requiring no sealing and minimal maintenance. Their combination of aesthetics, longevity and low upkeep makes them an excellent all-round choice for contemporary interior and exterior applications.
If you're looking for unique design possibilities or a more rustic aesthetic, brick slip tiles are a good option. Although they're less commonly used for flooring, they offer versatility and can be matched with other brick elements to create a cohesive look.
Best of luck with your project. I hope you found this article useful!
The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. For specific expert advice on your project, consult a skilled residential architect featured on Designs in Detail.
About the Author
Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, working on projects ranging from historic building restoration to contemporary home design.
