Taylor Studios

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

ph: (340) 718-1364
fax: (340) 773-7836
mtaylor@taylorstudiosvi.com

Danish Pattern Brick

Bricks and soaps are made to order in a variety of profiles and colors

Replica Danish pattern brick are cement reproductions of the low fired clay slump brick brought from Europe or produced locally for use in our historic buildings and public works. There was much variation in the size of the originals, and after extensive random sampling we determined an average size to be 9" long by 4 1/4" wide by 1 3/4" thick. The length and width of our brick are somewhat regular; the thickness varies more as both the original brick and the replica are slump brick products. The 'soaps' are brick 8 1/2" long by 4 1/4" wide by 3/4" thick, to be used on floors or walks where the full thickness brick are unnecessary or too thick to match the adjacent tile. Our new vehicular brick are 8 1/12" X 4 1/4" X 2 1/4" and are suitable for use in driveway installations, either on a slab or dry laid on a bed of 1/4" minus rock topped with a dry layer of sand and 20% cement (see our Installation page.)

All types of brick are available in many colors including the traditional Danish earth tones. They are suitable for floors, walkways, arches, flower boxes, etc.; in new construction, additions and restoration, in combination with our tile or other masonry products. Please also seal and maintain these Portland cement products in the same manner as our tile. Please do not acid wash or pressure wash our colored concrete products.

Danish Pattern Vehicular Slump Brick, laid flat in a herringbone pattern

Danish Pattern Vehicular Slump Brick, laid flat in a basketweave pattern

Installation Guidelines (can be copied from our Downloads page.)

These handmade Danish pattern brick and soaps vary slightly in color. Use them at random so the color variations will be well mixed. This makes a good antique look.

Handmade brick vary in size also. These are about 4 1/4” x 8 1/2” or 9". Always make the space of one brick including the end and side joint be 4 3/4” x 9 or 9 1/2", letting the joint absorb any slight differences in the dimensions of the bricks.

To install the soaps, we recommend a mortar mix of one part gray Portland cement and four parts fine sand wetted with half water and half Acrylbond (see Lambert Products). This makes a strong waterproof bond. Wet the back of the soaps and the slab a little if necessary. Clean mortar from the top of the brick with a wet sponge as you go. Don’t let the mortar dry on the surface of the brick.

To install the brick, the soap installation procedure can be used, or the brick can be laid dry on a bed of 1/4" minus rock mixed with 20% cement. This is a similar procedure to the installation of 2" thick tile without a slab. See installation.

Before grouting the joints, seal the dry, installed brick surface by rolling on a coat of clear, penetrating silicone or siloxane sealer (best, see Lambert Products) or at least some Thompsons’ Water Seal. This can be done a short time before grouting, (half hour), will give the best look, and save a great deal of time and labor. Make the grout from one part white cement, four parts fine sifted sand , a small amount of yellow cement coloring, (about one ounce for a five gallon bucket of mix), and some water. Don’t make it too thin. Put the thick grout mixture into the joints with the edge of your trowel, packing it in and leveling as you go. Follow up in a short time with rodding tool. We use one made from a 1/2” PVC pipe. Clean any smears from the brick with a damp sponge. Don't let the grout dry on the surface of the brick.

Soap installation with a mud bed where elevation corrections are necessary

Historical Reproductions of Stone Street Pavers

In the 1700's many thousands of stones were brought to St. Croix from Denmark to pave the sidewalks. These were in various colors of gray, purple, and brown. Over the ensuing two hundred years, this originally rough chiseled surface has changed to a smooth but uneven finish. Our reproductions are in similar colors, textures, and sizes for use in the historic district where appearance is paramount.