An expanded post from our Instagram account December 3rd, 2019.
We wanted a classic looking floor, one that we felt could hold up to the harsh wet winters of Utah and must be easy to clean up. In a late night search I came across a family owned company in Pennsylvania who makes tile size bricks. Made by hand in partnership with the Sheltered Workshop, an agency for the employing and training of vision impaired and blind persons. The bricks they had to choose from were gorgeous! @inglenooktile.
Trevor and I wanted to do the job ourselves but were hesitant. Neither of us had ever installed a Herringbone pattern, or laid floor tiles. The entrance is also a high traffic area with stairs, a hallway and two doorways. Ensuring that the job was done correct was crucial.
Doing our due diligence and research we watched how-to videos on YouTube. We then prepared the space and planed for the start of our project but life happened and the project stalled. Trevor was running into deadlines at work, I was back in school. After a YEAR, we chose to hire this project out. I found a few tilers on Angie’s list and got bids from each. The bids ranged from $1,500 to $6,000. We chose the company with the middle price point coming in around $3,000 after taxes. The pattern that we chose also added to the price. Herringbone labor generally adds $2- $4 a square foot. We loved the company we chose they were awesome to work with.
Herringbone is a zig-zag pattern with each end cut at a 90 degree angle. Coming in three traditional layouts, square, single or double Herringbone. Partnering with the tiler, we worked which herringbone pattern would look best on our floors. We ended up choosing a single Herringbone layout. We also worked out the transitions from brick entrance to the kitchen and living room hardwood floors. The tile company gave a great suggestion to have a running board pattern on the stairs to improve visual distinction between the two levels. No one tripping on my watch.
In 3 days, yes just 3 DAYS he had the tile down. Not completely finished but we are getting close!
We chose three different brick colors to blend. This helped to give the floor a more historic look. The tile colors look so good and I couldn’t be happier with it! After allowing 2-3 days for the mortar to set the tiler came back to grout, only taking a few hours. Repeating that process again before sealing the tile. For the sealer we went with an outdoor grade, medium gloss product.
The finished product! The colors of the brick, the traditional grey grout, the warmth and texture that it brings to Rhome is simply a pure delight. I don’t mind decorating it for every season either.
UPDATE: 4 years later (2016-2020). I still love these floors! The hand made bricks and the Herringbone pattern we chose, my heart has yet to grow tired of them. One of the best investments we have made so far on the house! They have held up amazingly. The children have gotten a bit rougher on everything in the house, floors included and so far not a chip or scratch. The best part is when washed (that one time a month I’m able to get to it) they look brand new!
Semi-Pro tip:
- If you have been sitting on a project for some time and have been putting it off, reach out to some professionals and get at least 3 bids for the job.
- Read the reviews and if your budget allows, go for it. We waited a year trying to figure out how to lay a herringbone patterned floor tile. The company that we hired had it done in 3 DAYS!!! All that worry and heart ache- it could have been done so much sooner.
- Don’t be scared to order flooring online. Order as many samples as you can. Call customer service. Most businesses are set up to help you figure out the amount you need and can even help with tile patterns and installer choices.
RHAUS RHOME 