How to Lay a Split Brick Floor

Select your brick laying pattern and sketch out what it will look like on a sheet of paper. This serves as a reference while you are laying the split bricks. There are several basic patterns to pick from; look at brick laying books or websites, as visual references work best.

Clean the existing floor thoroughly and remove all trim or other obstructions that would interfere with laying the split brick. Ideally, the existing floor should be cement, concrete or heavy wood to best support the split brick.

Section the floor into four equal parts with light chalk lines. Instead of traditional chalk, you can use a snap line, available from most hardware stores. Snap lines allow you to make a line quickly by snapping a chalk-coated string on the floor. Mix the thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Use a notched trowel to apply an even, 1/4-inch layer of thin-set mortar to the floor, starting in a 2- to 3-square-foot corner of one section. Press split bricks into the mortar firmly, spacing them 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart, following your determined pattern. There are likely be areas that a whole split brick does not fit; use a hammer and chisel to break them to the right size. Use chalk to mark where the split brick needs to break to fit in place. Lay the marked split brick flat on a hard surface, place the chisel on the chalk line and hold it straight. Hit the chisel with the hammer firmly, breaking the brick into the correct-sized segments. Place the broken edges against the wall to disguise them.

Repeat the process of applying mortar and pressing in the split bricks until you have covered an entire section of the floor. Once you finish one section, repeat the process on each of the remaining sections until split bricks cover the entire floor. One person working on each section makes this process go much quicker. Allow the split brick flooring to dry for 24 hours.

Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it over a 2- to 3-square-foot area of one section. The manufacturer's instructions should specify how thick of a layer to apply. Use a grout float to wipe the excess grout from the surface of the split bricks and use a damp sponge to clean up any remnants. Repeat the application process until one section is complete. Repeat the grout application with the remaining sections. Allow the grout to dry for 72 hours.

Apply a brick sealant over the entire floor, per manufacturer's instructions, and allow it to dry for 72 hours before walking on it.