We actually tried reclaimed brick flooring in a small café project last year... looked fantastic, but installation was trickier than expected—leveling issues everywhere. Still, if you're patient and thorough with prep, it's doable and definitely unique. Just don't underestimate the extra labor involved.
"Still, if you're patient and thorough with prep, it's doable and definitely unique. Just don't underestimate the extra labor involved."
Had a similar experience myself when we were renovating our little bakery space. Initially, reclaimed bricks seemed like the perfect balance between charm and budget-friendliness... but honestly, the hidden costs in labor and leveling headaches quickly added up. In hindsight, I wonder if something like stained concrete would've been a smarter choice. A friend of mine went that route—saved significantly on installation time and hassle, plus it still had that rustic-industrial vibe without the uneven surface drama.
Don't get me wrong, reclaimed brick floors look amazing once they're done right—but if you're really trying to trim down expenses, I'd seriously weigh those hidden labor hours against initial material savings. Sometimes what seems cheaper upfront ends up costing more in sweat equity and frustration later on.
Totally get where you're coming from on reclaimed brick. I've had clients fall in love with the look, only to realize halfway through that the prep and leveling work is no joke. Stained concrete can be a solid alternative—less hassle, easier maintenance, and still looks great. But if you're set on brick, maybe consider using it as an accent rather than the whole floor? Could save you some headaches down the line...
Yeah, reclaimed brick can definitely turn into one of those "seemed like a good idea at the time" situations. We went with stained concrete in our basement reno and honestly, zero regrets. Way easier on the wallet and maintenance is a breeze. But if you're really loving that brick look, maybe just do a small entryway or fireplace surround? Gives you the charm without all the headaches (and backaches) of a full floor install...
We did a reclaimed brick floor in a client's mudroom once, and while it looked amazing in the photos (seriously, Pinterest-worthy), the reality was... less glamorous. Uneven surfaces meant furniture wobbled, grout lines were tricky to clean, and let's not even talk about dropped keys disappearing into the abyss between bricks. Your idea of limiting brick to smaller areas like an entryway or fireplace surround is spot-on—gives you that rustic charm without turning your whole space into a maintenance nightmare.
