Brick Floor Durability & Cleaning

Fireproof

• Unlike wood or vinyl floors, brick floors won't go up in flames in the event of a fire, making them a safe, durable choice for the home. Bricks are made of various substances, including shale and clay, which are naturally resistant to fire, providing a high degree of protection. For this reason, brick is particularly practical as a flooring material outdoors, as it can be used in a grilling area where sparks and embers are common.

Sealing

• Though brick floors are tough and durable, if used indoors, proper sealing protects against daily wear and tear. Some brick sealants form a thin layer over the flooring, and others are absorbed into the porous surface of bricks, though both make the brick stain-resistant. A coating sealant also makes brick floors easier to clean by sealing off their pores, creating a smooth surface, as opposed to a rough, mottled one, according to This Old House.

Strength

• The process of brick-making turns various substances into a hard, durable material able to stand up to daily use. When bricks are made, they are fired in a high-temperature kiln, making them hard and resistant to problems such as denting and pitting. For areas that get lots of sun, brick is a good flooring choice as it resists fading, according to Charles and Hudson. The texture of uncoated, natural brick also makes it slip-resistant.

Cleaning

• Clean brick floors regularly to keep them looking their best. Brick can be treated much like a linoleum floor in that it can be wiped down with a cloth, mopped, swept or vacuumed clean as needed. Washing soda can be used to clean unsealed brick or, for something more intense, mix a gallon of warm water with a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate to create a tough cleanser. After washing, thoroughly rinse the mixture away.