A Greenhouse Floor Made of Old Red Bricks – How It All Started

Some projects start with a grand plan, others… with a single picture on the internet. My latest big project took off the moment I saw a photo on Pinterest where the greenhouse floor was laid with old red firebricks. Something about that rustic look stuck with me – it felt warm, timeless, and just right.

Fate had a hand in it too. Not long after, our neighbors started renovating their house and tore down their old stove, leaving a promising pile of bricks in their yard. Those exact bricks! Seeing them, I immediately began imagining all sorts of great reuse ideas.

I shared my idea with my partner, and he didn’t need much convincing – he was instantly on board. Next, I chatted with the neighbors and asked what their plans were for the bricks. Luckily, they were more than happy to let me have them. The only request from the lady of the house was that one day, she'd like to enjoy coffee and cake on the floor made from their old stove bricks.

And so the project began

I started up my Skoda and drove to the brick pile to pick out the best and most suitable ones. The car couldn’t handle more than about 40 bricks at a time, and since I needed around 150, I had to make several trips. A real brick ballet!

Once the bricks were home, it was time to choose a pattern. The decision was easy – herringbone. Yes, it’s the most complicated one to lay, but also the most beautiful. Why go for easy when you can go for stunningly difficult, right? 😄

I got to work: laid down the geotextile, then the sand base, and started arranging the bricks. This was my favorite part of the whole process. I love creating something with my own hands and setting each brick exactly where it belongs. Sure, I had to tear up the beginning at least three times and start over, but I wanted it just right.

The sun turned the greenhouse into a sauna, but I kept laying bricks, sweating and loving every moment. And finally – the floor was done! I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s more than just a greenhouse floor – it’s a piece of history, a beautiful example of reuse, and something I built with my own two hands.

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And yes, the neighbor lady got her coffee and cake too – and I think she was just as pleased as I was.

I will be showing the full results of our handywork in the next post.