Paper Bags Are NOT for Floors People. Here's My Proof

by OnBlissStreet

$80

Medium

Just like the rest of the crazy DIYers out there, I thought paper bag flooring was the best idea since select-a-size paper towels, but alas, some things are not as great as they seem. I know, it's hard to believe, but just because you read it on the internet, doesn't mean it's true... I tell my Grandma that all the time.

paper bags are not for floors people here s my proof, flooring, how to, repurposing upcycling

Here we are mid paper flooring. That's our subfloor there- the chalky whitish. The white papers inside the brown paper are dictionary pages. Thought they would look cool since this is our homeschooling classroom.

This part was messy and took about 3 days to finish the whole room. This was working during nap times, after the kids were in bed and when the hubs took them out of the house.

Here we are after the first coat of poly. What a sight huh? Gorgeous isn't it? The paper actually looks like stone once the poly sets.

Here's another pic after the 21 coats of poly were applied. She's a beut isn't she? Plus, it cost us all of $80. If you take anything from this post, remember this: You get what you pay for.

Click on over to my blog to see photos of this same floor 1 year later. You have to do this if you have ever planned on using this method to do your floors. You may be happy and you may be really sad, either way, you'll be able to make an educated decision on this controversial flooring method!

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3 questions

Amazing Grace ! on Sep 18, 2017

I am undecided as to what style to go with in my bedroom. (Plank vs. Stone look) my question is this. While removing the carpeting the tacking left holes the size of a dime in the areas where the nails were removed. I realize I must fill these holes - but with what? I have leftover grout from the kitchen tile project. I have also thought to fill the holes with some silicone. I just dont want to frig it up. Any suggestions? My email address is bernmcg2699@gmail.com

1
Alisha on Jan 05, 2018

Would this work on a cement floor?? Thinking about doing it in my craft room in my basement. If not any suggestions??

0
Brandie on May 24, 2019

I’m kind of confused as in your title it states that paper bags aren’t for floors but through the whole article it seems
like your happy with the finished product. Am I missing part of the article or misunderstanding? Sorry if this is a stupid question just trying to make sense of it. Thank you.

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2 of 17 comments

Cindie Lowden on Nov 18, 2018

I did it. Yes every thing you drop on it will leave a cut through. My dog loves to tear it up...but for me. My floors were tile crap. The people renters who sold me my house, were soooo nasty that no amount of industrial cleaners would make a dent on their dna in the grout. HAVE MERCY. So I got me homedepot paper. Elmers and did not go ocd on ployuretheleyne. I went 2 coats not 20 so was cheap to do. That was 2 years ago. Though we are about to pergo the areas, I just elmers down the paper over spots, stain with a homemade pecan shell stain and poly over it. Still looks tons better than it did. Cost me pennies. So to anyone like me in a similar situation. If you dont spend the bucks on stain. Dont do poly a ridiculous amount of time, I say go for it. Helps you get through a few years, pay off bills still look pretty good. Then save for the good stuff. Who would really look at paperbag covering anything as lifelong permanent.

1 Reply
Mona Hs on Oct 28, 2021

Well I like my paper bag flooring. I did my bedroom 3 years ago and still looks good. I"m now doing the hallway and then the entrance way. It's a lot of physical work, but worth every penny.

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