Top 11 Kitchen Designs Featuring Stunning Brick Floors
- Milan Mrmos
- Feb 6, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Unlike wood or tile, brick floors do not scratch as easily, and they can handle spills, heat, and heavy foot traffic without damage. That is one of the main reasons to consider installing thin brick in the kitchen.
Selecting the right brick flooring can completely change the look and feel of a kitchen.
Some people prefer a polished, glazed finish for a sleek and elegant style, while others like the raw, antique look that brings charm and personality to the space.
Brick flooring is available in various patterns, colors, and textures, making it possible to find the perfect match for any kitchen.
Here are some of the best designs perfect for installing bricks in your kitchen.
Thin Brick – Lightweight and Easy to Install
Thin brick gives the same look as regular brick but without the weight. It is made by cutting bricks into thin slices, so it takes up less space.
This makes it perfect for kitchens where raising the floor height too much is a problem. It is also easier to install compared to a full brick, saving time and effort.
Best For
Small Kitchens – Keeps the space from feeling crowded while adding texture.
Renovations – Works well when updating an old kitchen without changing the floor structure.
Modern Homes – Gives a clean and stylish brick look without making the kitchen feel too rustic.
How to Maintain Thin Brick Floors?
Thin brick is durable, but it still needs care. Sealing is important because brick is porous and can absorb spills.
A good sealant will prevent stains and make cleaning easier. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner will keep it looking fresh.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Thin brick is a smart choice for anyone who wants the warmth of brick flooring without the hassle of heavy materials. It works in different kitchen styles and provides a long-lasting, attractive finish.
There are also some great options for making a covered outdoor kitchen with thin bricks.
Herringbone Pattern – Classic and Full of Character
Herringbone brick makes a kitchen floor feel intentional the moment someone walks in. Each brick sits at an angle, so light hits the joints differently throughout the day, and the surface picks up a natural sense of motion.
The pattern already brings enough detail and texture, so the floor can carry the room without extra styling.
Best Places to Use Herringbone
Large Kitchens – The pattern fills open spaces without looking too plain.
Farmhouse Designs – Adds old-world charm that fits rustic styles.
Industrial Kitchens – Works well with metal, wood, and exposed brick walls.
Keeping Herringbone Floors Looking Their Best
Brick floors in a herringbone pattern need proper sealing to protect the deep grout lines from dirt and moisture.
Sweeping is important because dust can collect between the bricks. Using a soft mop and pH-neutral cleaner helps keep the floor clean without damaging the brick surface.
Reclaimed Brick – Aged Beauty with a Story
Reclaimed brick gets pulled from older buildings, warehouses, and even old street projects. Marks, chips, and faded edges stay in place, and that wear gives the floor its personality.
Variation comes built in. Color shifts, small size differences, and uneven texture mean every layout ends up unique, so the kitchen floor feels like it has a story already.
The mix of colors and textures adds warmth and depth that new bricks cannot match.
Best Uses for Reclaimed Brick in Kitchens
Vintage Homes – Keeps the historic charm intact.
Eco-Friendly Builds – Reusing old brick is sustainable and reduces waste.
Luxury Designs – The unique character of aged brick makes a kitchen feel high-end.
Challenges of Reclaimed Brick Floors
Reclaimed brick looks amazing, but it needs extra care. Because the bricks are old, some may be weaker or chipped.
Sealing is a must to protect them from moisture and stains. Cleaning should be done with gentle products to avoid damaging the surface.
Glazed Brick – Smooth, Sleek, and Easy to Clean
Glazed brick looks different the second it goes down. The surface stays smooth and glossy, and it bounces light around the room, so the kitchen reads brighter and a bit more open.
Maintenance stays simple, too. The glaze resists water and most stains, so spills wipe off instead of soaking in the way raw brick can.
For a busy kitchen, that makes a noticeable difference day to day.
Where Glazed Works Best
Small Kitchens – The glossy surface makes the space feel bigger.
Modern Designs – The sleek finish pairs well with stainless steel and minimalist decor.
High-Traffic Areas – The smooth surface resists dirt, making it easy to maintain.
Caring for Glazed Brick Floors
Glazed brick requires less maintenance than regular brick, but it still needs attention. While the surface repels water, the grout lines can still collect dirt, so regular sweeping and mopping are important.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that could wear down the glossy coating.
Basket Weave Pattern – A Floor with Depth and Detail
Basket-weave brick gives the floor a woven look, almost like the bricks got stitched into place. Pairs of bricks run in one direction, then switch, so the pattern feels detailed while the overall layout stays calm and even.
In a kitchen, it reads custom and hand-built, with enough texture to feel special without turning the room into visual noise.
Best Places to Use Basket Weave Brick Floors
Traditional Kitchens – The classic pattern works well with vintage decor.
Small Spaces – The layout adds depth without overwhelming the room.
Neutral Interiors – Works well in kitchens that need texture without bold colors.
How to Maintain Basket Weave Brick Floors
Dust and grit can work into the joints, so a quick sweep on a regular schedule helps a lot. A good sealer also matters, since it reduces staining and makes cleanup easier after spills.
For routine cleaning, a damp mop and a mild cleaner usually do the job. Skip harsh chemicals so the finish stays consistent and the surface does not dull over time.
Painted Brick – Customizable and Stylish
Painting a brick floor opens up the color options, so the floor can match the kitchen instead of forcing the kitchen to work around the brick. A light shade can lift the room, while a darker color can add drama and definition.
Paint also creates a barrier on the surface, which helps with day-to-day cleanup and makes the floor easier to maintain than bare brick.
Best Color Choices for Painted Brick
White or Light Gray – Makes the kitchen feel bright and open.
Dark Tones – Adds depth and makes a bold statement.
Muted Earthy Colors – Keeps the brick’s natural warmth while softening the look.
Tips for Keeping Painted Brick Floors in Good Shape
Painted brick can chip or wear down over time, especially in high-traffic kitchens. Using a strong, high-quality paint with a protective sealant helps it last longer.
Reapplying a top coat every few years will keep the finish looking fresh.
Whitewashed Brick – Soft, Subtle, and Timeless
Whitewashing brick lightens the color without hiding the texture, so the surface keeps that brick detail while looking softer and more worn in. It suits kitchens that need a brighter feel but still want brick warmth and depth.
A wash also avoids that fully painted look. More of the original variation stays visible, so the floor feels brighter while the brick character stays intact.
Where Whitewashed Brick Looks Best
Coastal Kitchens – Gives a relaxed, beachy feel.
Farmhouse Styles – Matches rustic wood and vintage decor.
Minimalist Spaces – Keeps the design clean while adding texture.
How to Maintain Whitewashed Brick Floors
Whitewash sits more like a thin layer than a full seal, so brick can still soak up spills. A clear top coat adds protection and cuts down the risk of staining.
Basic upkeep stays simple. Sweep often so grit does not grind into the surface, then use a gentle mop with a mild cleaner to keep the color from looking dull.
Chevron Pattern – Bold and Modern
Chevron brick uses angled cuts to form clean V shapes, so the pattern feels sharp and directional. More movement shows up right away, which gives the floor extra presence.
Herringbone uses offset bricks, while chevron lines the ends up so the seams land in straight, continuous paths. The cleaner geometry suits kitchens that lean modern and still want brick texture underfoot.
Where Chevron Brick Works Best
Contemporary Kitchens – The clean, geometric look fits modern styles.
Spacious Kitchens – The pattern fills large spaces without feeling too repetitive.
Luxury Designs – Works well with high-end finishes like marble and polished wood.
Maintaining Chevron Brick Floors
Chevron brick floors need the same basics as any brick surface: frequent sweeping, a good sealer, and quick cleanup after spills.
Chevron also puts more attention on the joints, since the lines run tight and consistent. Keeping grout clean keeps the pattern looking sharp. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment helps pull dust out of the grooves without scuffing the surface.
Mixed Materials – Combining Brick with Other Flooring
Brick can stand alone, yet a second material can add contrast and break up the surface. Wood brings warmth and softness. Tile adds a cleaner, sharper edge. A mix like that makes the floor feel more designed, less like one flat layer.
A lot of kitchens use brick only where it makes the most impact, like around an island base, near a mudroom-style entry, or in a small breakfast zone. Another surface handles the rest of the room. That split adds variety and helps separate areas in an open layout without needing walls.
Best Flooring Combinations with Brick
Brick and Wood – Warm and inviting, perfect for farmhouse and rustic kitchens.
Brick and Tile – Works well in modern and industrial spaces for a clean, structured look.
Brick and Concrete – A durable, sleek choice that blends industrial and contemporary styles.
How to Blend Brick with Other Floors
A clean transition matters when brick meets wood or tile. A narrow border strip can make the change feel intentional, and matching tones or grout color can help the shift feel natural instead of abrupt.
Leveling also needs attention. Brick has texture and thickness, while many other floors sit flatter.
A proper underlayment or a small build-up under the smoother material keeps both surfaces even, so feet and chairs do not catch on the edge.
Antique Finish – Aged Look with Timeless Appeal
Antique brick floors have a naturally weathered look. Some are made from reclaimed materials, while others are new bricks designed to look old. The uneven texture, soft edges, and worn colors give the kitchen a cozy, lived-in feel.
Best Places to Use Antique Brick Flooring
Historic Homes – Keeps the original charm intact.
European-Inspired Kitchens – Brings an old-world touch that pairs well with stone and wood.
Rustic Farmhouse Styles – Enhances the warm, country-style feel.
Radiant Heating – Warmth Beneath Your Feet
Brick tends to stay cool, which feels great in hot weather. Cold seasons can turn that same surface into an uncomfortable floor, especially first thing in the morning. Radiant heat fixes that by placing heating elements under the brick.
Heat rises evenly through the surface, so the kitchen floor feels warm without hot spots. Comfort improves throughout the whole year, and brick still keeps the durability people want.
Benefits of Heated Brick Floors
Even Heat Distribution – No cold spots, unlike traditional heating systems.
Energy Efficient – Uses less energy than forced-air heating.
More Comfort – Keeps feet warm in winter without needing rugs.
How to Install Radiant Heating Under Brick
Heated floors require planning before installation. The heating system is placed under the brick, either as electric coils or a hot water system.
Brick absorbs and holds heat well, so once it warms up, it stays warm longer, reducing the need for extra heating.
FAQs
Does Brick Flooring Work Well in High-Humidity Areas?
Yes, but it requires proper sealing. Brick naturally absorbs moisture, which can lead to mold or weakening over time. In humid climates, using a high-quality sealant and ensuring proper ventilation prevents issues.
Can Brick Floors Be Installed Over an Existing Floor?
Yes, but it depends on the type of floor underneath. Thin brick works well over concrete, tile, or plywood subfloors, but the surface must be even. If the existing floor is unstable or damaged, repairs are needed before installation.
Do Brick Floors Feel Hard and Uncomfortable to Walk On?
Brick is harder than wood but softer than tile or concrete. It does not flex like wood, so standing for long periods might be less comfortable. Adding mats in high-use areas like near the sink or stove can help with cushioning.
Is Brick Flooring Fire-Resistant?
Yes, brick is naturally fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for kitchens. It does not burn or release toxic fumes, which adds extra safety in case of kitchen fires. This makes it a great option for homes with fireplaces or open cooking areas.
Last Words
Brick floors work well in kitchens. They handle traffic, spills, and daily use without falling apart. The surface stays solid and does not need constant attention.
Different brick types change the look. Some patterns feel traditional. Some finishes look cleaner. Reclaimed brick looks worn. Thin brick keeps the weight lower and installation easier.