You asked for more project “how to’s”, so I wanted to share some insight into how we did our brick tile mudroom floor! 

Here are the materials we used:

Modified Thinset: Mapei Ceramic Tile Mortar

Underlayment: Schluter Systems – Ditra Uncoupling Membrane

Unmodified Thinset: Mapei Floor Tile Mortar

Bricks: Old Mill Brick – Castle Gate Brick Singles

Grout: Mapei Keracolor Grout in Biscuit 

Sealant: Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

Process: 

First we put a layer of the modified thinset on top of our plywood subfloor. Then we applied the Ditra Uncoupling Membrane on top of it and let it set. The uncoupling membrane helps absorb movement and prevent cracking in the tile.

Next, we applied the unmodified thinset one small section at a time, setting the bricks in a row using spacers as we went. We continued adding thinset and bricks until the entire floor was set. This was probably the most time consuming part of the process, as due to the small size of the room we had to cut a considerable number of bricks in order to fit the space. 

Once the thinset was cured and the bricks were firmly set, we removed the spacers and mixed up the grout. We chose an off white color to go with the “old” style look of the bricks. We applied the grout liberally between the bricks until every crevice was filled. 

After the grout had completely dried, we applied two coats of sealant, approximately 30 minutes apart, to the entire floor. And voila – a brick tile floor!