Brown Paper Floor Follow Up: How Do They Look 4 Years Later?

In our original video "Brown Paper Floor: Do-It-Yourself Alternative To Hard Wood Floors" we show you step-by-step how to give your floors a unique "leather" look for super cheap.
Here's the blog post that went with it:
anoregoncottage.com/paper-flo...
Now we take a look at how our brown paper floors are wearing four years later. Spoiler alert: very well. But there are some small issues you should know about.
We've had lots of questions on the original video and on the blog post. In this video we answer the ones that guessed asked most often. (Making them FAQs, of course.) Here's the blog post that goes into more details on reader's questions: www.anoregoncottage.com/brown-...
We still think this is a great way to get rid of nasty carpet and achieve a very cool effect for very cheap.

[@donnabauerofbrilliancebyde1178]

I have done this technique on vinyl and it works great.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Good to know!

[@leatricegulbransen8813]

Hi. Just wanted to add what I did. The brown bag floor looked amazing for 3 years! Loved it! But, I only did one coat of clear so that may have been my problem. So, I painted over it with a gold color paint, then did a coat of brown. When dry I hit it with a sander to distress it. Then clearcoat. It's absolutely the prettiest floor I've ever seen! Looks like stone. Exactly what I wanted. Pics don't do it justice or I'd include one. You could use other colors I'm sure. Hope this gives some hope to rescue the floor when it gets ugly. Thanks!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Wow, that was a creative idea - sounds like a great option! Thanks so much for sharing your twist on the floor!

[@beastman1083]

I have never heard of this method but since I'm always exploring and having to be creative when it comes to different methods of home maintenance this idea is GRAND! I always love doing things out-of-the-ordinary ...even unique. I will keep this in mind when I ever get my own place! VERY COOL!!

[@mikefreeman3772]

Floor looks great. Here's my contribution. Make certain all flooring is tight/solid to sub-floor & and large voids (such as the threshold example) are filled using "bondo" and sanded smooth. "bondo" can also be used to fill nail/staple dimple & regions where items, such as HVAC vents have over-sawn cuts. I am going to try this type of floor at my place. Thanks for the idea.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Oh, the Bondo is a good idea for larger cracks and openings to fill - thanks!

[@LitoGeorge]

I like your presenting style and clarity on things. Makes for an easy to watch video. Tx

[@andrearider8758]

Have a neighbor that did this, she added leaf stencils on top of glue....and proceeded with finish coats....turned out great!

[@beastman1083]

Thanks for the IDEA! I will try it!

[@lindacloudobserver9717]

Paper is an amazing product. I found years ago, before a certain well known person brought it up or to my attention on her program, that crumpling up paper, but not too much, made it actually stronger, and soft, against tearing for certain projects. Same for aluminum foil. Brown paper is an awesome natural color.

[@angelaj8958]

FYI---There is a product that comes on a large roll, of *very heavy* brown paper that is used to cover floors while work is going on. It could not be torn in pieces, but might work applied like a narrow vinyl with butt seams. I was just at the paint store yesterday, and they had just brought in several rolls, I think they are about 4 feet wide, and many feet long.

[@mariefranklin4022]

This is amazing!!!! I will be doing this in my grandson's room that used to be one of my daughter's rooms. I love this idea. Thank you.

[@GILLEBRATH]

I am a floor man and I think it's a great solution for most people especially DIYers.Thank you.

[@lowellirish]

GILLE- I have a ?? Cork underlayment... can it be done?

[@elenasimon1270]

This method was featured on The Home Show with Gary Collins many, many years ago. Loved that show.

[@mari227ful]

Great feed back! I watched your video and been wanting to do my bedroom floor but always wondered how long would it last, you have answered all my questions and I'm happy to tell you that the rug in my bedroom WILL be gone soon!!! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great - so glad you found it helpful, Maritza!

[@rubytuesday5412]

Maritza Ramos~ Did you do it, how did it turn out?

[@no_handle_required]

This is really cool, and really gutsy. I'd like to try this with strips instead of tiles. This looks like concrete rather than wood, but still looks cool. Also, you're an excellent presenter and a pleasure to listen to.

[@smylinme]

Awesome. I wondered how it turned out down the road.... Thanks for the great video...

[@sirdukeusa3289]

I love the look in your daughters room. I may give this a try in my small bathroom.

[@balistrieri1]

I’m getting ready to start my paper bag floor tomorrow. I’m so excited! You’re ingenious to have come up with such an amazing idea for floors.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great - let me know how it turned out!

[@richardsonramble4166]

Beautiful floors, home, and story, thank you for sharing!

[@badapple65]

Reminds me of when I was I child we did an art project where we hand tore hundreds of pieces of masking tape sticking them all over a fancy old wine bottle, then a very light coat of stain and then a clear coat finish over that. The stain collected more along the edges of each piece of tape. The floor looks really the same but on a grand scale. Very nice idea for a floor.

[@honeygirl522]

I did that same project in school!

[@amandaleonardo5763]

Thank you so much for this update this answered all of my questions. We put down the paper bag floor and our 350 square-foot kitchen dining room combo. We were remodeling so we stripped everything out pulled all the plumbing. Put down new wood subfloor’s. And I was really wondering how long it was going to last. Now I’m confident I don’t have to worry about my floors for quite a few years.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Glad this was helpful - sounds like a big project!

[@b.b.5240]

Beautiful Angel. Very Transparent, honest, clear.

[@maryc5353]

I think this is a great idea and I may try it in my "new" home. One idea I had for the kids rooms is to add a little piece of paper with their handprint or a small bit of their art and their name in a corner.

[@AnOregonCottage]

That would be sweet.

[@ArtichokeHeart2]

I love that!

[@momkoz]

Do you have a picture? Would love to see that!

[@Padraigp]

Why in the corner? Why not all over and let them draw on it all over? In the corner seems like not where a person would put something one actually finds of value but somewhere you put sonething you dont particularly value highly.

[@ladybug6184]

Wow, I just found a new passion! Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@deeoneal1267]

I added stain to my glue mix and I also did over vinyl . No problems . I did small pieces of paper , crinkled . Love It 13years!!! poly poly poly poly !

[@AnOregonCottage]

Wow, so good to know, Dee!

[@googleuser5875]

Doesn't it turn yellow from the poly over time and then look old?

[@AnOregonCottage]

@@googleuser5875 Water based poly never yellows! Just one more reason to use it.

[@deeoneal1267]

No. it looks amazing! And it is a heavily traffic area - our laundry in there also. Simply amazing. Some day i hope to do a turquoise floor :). will look like concrete ;)

[@williamrichardpabstcathey3644]

Thank you. Will go buy the paper in a while.

[@garypaisley]

Thanks for the follow up - it is worth 10x !

[@haleenewilliams6446]

Thank you for the tips. To those who have not thought of it, you can add glitter, paint areas "like modern art" Stain a design in different stains (maybe a boarder, tape lines or squares, stain, then pull up tape (best to use painters tape) prior to using the Polyurethane "for floors." 5 Coats will work for a good hard finish.

[@Marialla.]

Oooh, I like the idea of glitter and adding some color! What a great idea for a girls room! And I like the idea of painting maybe a chess board onto a floor for a child to play on. Or perhaps some kind of street scene for toy cars.

[@yvonneanderson2680]

What a great idea ! I love when people take the time to give ideas for everyone. Thank you !

[@BrydieeeeB]

Do you think a limewash look with stain would work ok?

[@tallblonde1976]

I used this technique on a folding room divider and it looked fabulous! It looked just like leather. Never thought about using it on floors but I think it would be fine in a den or library. It's kind of a masculine look to me? One of the comments mentioned painting on the paper- great idea in a kids room! 1

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, I have a cousin who did it on a divider and it looks good. There are lots of ways to do this I think, with a bit of creativity and experimenting.

[@theresasimpson1756]

Thank you all so much for the information. To do my paper bag floor on cement I applied a coat of poly to a clean floor, applied wall paper paste to the bag and then added coats of poly.

[@AnOregonCottage]

I haven't heard of using wall paper paste Theresa - thanks for the tip.

[@robynwaldeck5055]

Hi Theresa, I know you posted this comment years ago, so hope you are still around... I was hoping to try the wallpaper paste idea and was wondering if you could please tell me how long it took to dry? I'm afraid of having a wet kitchen floor for ages. Thanks so much, hope to hear from you soon, Robyn

[@schiftybones1773]

I did the bathroom walls in our cabin with white butcher paper. It looks likes rawhide, It's really cool. Also used the brown paper on the ceiling as well. Great video Thanks

[@shar9907]

Schifty Bones I'd love to see a pic of the butcher paper!

[@myrnacoutu320]

Schifty Bones b

[@momkoz]

Yes, please post a picture of the white butcher paper

[@BrydieeeeB]

Oh yes I’ve been super keen to see how to do it white!!! Yes

[@jennifercgraf5304]

I'm so excited!! thank you for sharing

[@mikeandsandybroderick4438]

Thanks for the video -- great info!! Beautiful floors!

[@tdalaska]

I enjoyed your original video. Thanks for the follow-up! You could probably use a suitable exterior poly varnish with UV block to help prevent fading from sun/fluorescent lighting. Varathane makes one. Small drawback is that it isn't crystal clear - slight yellow tint, but completely transparent. Would also suggest that thinned acrylic stain could be used for adding color(s) and that unwaxed butcher's paper (white) could be used as base material for folks who don't want the brown base.

[@AnOregonCottage]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for your tips to change it up!

[@CeeGeeZ]

Fantastic❕ & so frugally creative. Valued both your sharing of the technique and your well-presented expansive update. The quality of your demonstration DESERVED being the focus of a home lovers magazine article. 😊

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thank you!!

[@sallysharp4126]

Awesome Upload. Thanks For Sharing.

[@HexeHazel]

I agree, carpet is nasty. Looks great, thanks for sharing.

[@anerioone]

I used to use tissues on the wall and paint over it. Nice finish, and antiques well with a thinned paint over the first coat of color.

[@momkoz]

Would love to see a picture! Tx

[@sophiacampos9333]

Thank you very much for sharing. Fantastic love ❤ it. you are creative. 👌⚘

[@bethminer7634]

This answered all my questions too!

[@stevemort3317]

I did this on a study wall years ago and it looked amazing, we moved later but i believe it is still on that wall.

[@AnOregonCottage]

I've heard from a number of people that they've done it on walls, too. Sounds fun.

[@dawn8198]

Just think, you can cut or tear your paper in a different designs like abstract or flowers, etc. Such a beautiful floor.

[@Heligany]

An autumn leaf floor would be amazing

[@gamacappucino6798]

i like this so much gona try it. thank u

[@meheretoday6968]

This is the nicest floor covering I have seen

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thank you!!

[@LynnR40]

you could also put down transition strip like between the tile and the paper floor that would help with it wearing in that area. transition stripe can be found in the flooring department of home depot, lowes or a hardware store. comes in metal pvc and wood

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Lynn Reedy We did do that after recording this, Lynn! It still didn't cover that spot though - it was further out than thresholds are wide. :)

[@betterhealthbetterlife4912]

+AnOregonCottage I'll bet you could use a piece of wood custom sanded, sloped appropriately, stained or painted in any kind of paint (including metallic!), and make your own transition strip suited to your needs! Thanks for the great videos. Be well. Peace.

[@yvonneanderson2680]

This is a great idea, thank you for your input. It really helps those hard to "fix" areas.

[@ElectricAngel19]

if doing it over vinyl one should probably "rough" the surface up slightly for better adhesion. concrete should probably be sprayed with water before spreading the poly as concrete is porous and will absorb the poly if no counter measure is used. just a thought.

[@designer-garb572]

Add more water to the poly on the first coat, the same way you water down the first coat of paint on a newly plastered wall, it allows the particles to absorb into the concrete and is less likely to lift, also vacuum the concrete first to remove dust.

[@NoorAnomaly]

Thank for this! We're looking to purchase a DYI property in the near future (it's all we can afford), and the idea of spending $5000 on flooring (and installation) seems a bit high. This seems like something I could do at least in the bedrooms until we have the money saved up! :)

[@escapefromny2012]

I think book pages or newspaper would look good in a library.

[@codename495]

Escape From NY Hit a library clearance sale!

[@brucerobertson2466]

That would be neat but may be too thin

[@ArtichokeHeart2]

OMG it looks like a stone floor! Well done!!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thank you! It really is cool in person.

[@helenpierce-lamoureux3124]

@@AnOregonCottage I bet...well, surely this can be done on walls w/the intent to make them look like stone...even go w/gray/white kind of 'trickery'. It also has gone through my mind to find/use an AWESOME wallpaper vs the brown paper...this technique opens so many creative ideas. TY SO MUCH for sharing it out here in public land! lol

[@jckirby7994]

WELL DONE...THANKS

[@royrussell8531]

I love your creative idea!!! Can I use this over laminate counter tops?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I would think that is doable! You'd maybe want more layers of poly to protect it and then be careful when using it and keeping water off of it.

[@sjr7822]

I wonder how much a 15X15 paper bag floor would cost. And, I would like a lighter floor than the paper bag color, any techniques? I found the cost answer on her other video .50 per sq foot, taking in the cost was in 2010, make adjustment for inflation. were given to me, I cut apart and covered with pale yellow tissue paper, to match wall color, using this paper bag method, turned out great.

[@heidismith6148]

I did one bedroom and two closets years ago, still look great

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great- Thanks for chiming in on your experience!

[@blueykidz]

YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL!

[@ricebunnymoon4624]

This was very helpful

[@stuartoneill2663]

I've moved in to a private rent fully furnished flat, the carpet is years old and the only pattern on it is paint drips , I'm glad I came across this video , it's coming up and I'm going to try this technique, what's the worst that could happen, ....new carpet if it turns out wrong

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yep - great attitude!

[@BettyJC2010]

I'm about to get some materials to do a floor, been thinking about this for several years 😮

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great - I hope you enjoy the process and the results!

[@demetricetumlin3518]

I personally pulled up all my carpet been living with sub flooring for three months and counting waiting to save up on my dream floors as well

[@nitrobeltran9378]

Great, got the answer to my concrete floor. Thanks a bunch.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Happy to help!

[@normanmiller1331]

We found particle board when we removed the carpet, although with the age of our home we expected hardwood. I painted the floors with brown porch paint, but didn’t put poly on them, resulting in easy scratching. I’m trying to talk hubby into paper floors, but it’s a hard sell. 🙂

[@AnOregonCottage]

Oh, that must've been disappointing! If you can't do the paper, I would at least paint again and add the poly coating - it will help a lot.

[@didilv2187]

ty for sharing this great idea. now we also will get rid off our nasty carpet. yay..

[@mariad4183]

You are awesome! Great info! Thank you for sharing love! xoxo

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thank you - I'm glad this was helpful!

[@mariad4183]

@@AnOregonCottage ...so helpful! We appreciate you sharing your experiences with us!

[@jodysephus6922]

Good video minus one thing, this 'is' the floor of your dream.. Thanks for the tips :-)

[@TheBestFanGirlEver]

That color change would have also happened to wood flooring when you have a rug in an area with a lot of sun.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Good, point - thanks!

[@chamarf9972]

Love this idea, wonder if I can do this in the bathroom.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Actually, lots of people have told me they have, though I probably wouldn't do it with all the water in bathrooms.

[@juliehoran1850]

Thank you great videos

[@andreahall4819]

my concrete flooring used to be a carport so the surface is rough,not smooth and there are cracks that are pretty deep in it, would this still be a good place to use it?

[@bhen2753]

Love it!

[@nicanica7690]

hello awesome idea... i would like to do this flooring in my children rooms...i was wondering can this flooring be used in a pet friendly home as my pets tend to have accidents....and i like to move furniture around and would like to know if this flooring is easy to damage? thanks

[@lesau.9205]

Wow news papers would be cool!

[@janehyden1652]

I DUNNO --WOULDNT THE PRINT RUN WHEN IT GOT WET? JUST WONDERING.......

[@linda_sue]

She did specify STURDY paper, so hmmmmm.

[@dewalt4598]

@@janehyden1652 The best thing to do is always just do a test area first. Just get a piece of scrap plywood and do all your test spots on that .

[@golalehkamran9529]

Hi. I am so so so glad I stumbled on your video. I was wondering what kind of polyurethane did you use? What was the formula? I want to seal cardboard on the floor that put over plastic sheeting.

[@AnOregonCottage]

I've used different brands over the years, but mainly Minwax. You just have to get it for floors and not just regular poly.

[@janethagaman1998]

Clever and beautiful.

[@LoraPeterson]

when I did my walls I used to parts white glue to one part water and it worked well. Get so many comments on my walls. Some people say it looks like leather, others plaster. They are always surprised when they find out what the wall paper is.

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Lora Peterson Yes, that's about the ratio I used for the glue-water, too. And people are surprised by our floors just like your walls!

[@judymeyers446]

WE done our 40 foot hallway and a kitchen and love the results- It was easy- NO Glue- we used Polyethene only. Like the water base-- and later ran out and had to take the other gallon with the oil- Its okay too- but wished we had used it sooner-.. All I do is use the bias edge of the carpenter paper along the baseboards and doorways then take paper- all sizes to fill in the rest of the floor. I tool pictures ( no video as I worked. Had no way to do that.. In the hallway- one area I painted the concrete floor in a off white- and spaced the carpenter paper leaving some while show- Looks just like a brown cow hide. My son's love the western look after the floors dry- looks like real leather. In fact we had crew of men working here- and they swore it was leather. I take a felt sweeper head to go over the floor- at times dust mop- and at times spin mop with murphy. We are sure it will out last us and we are in our 80's now.

[@judymeyers446]

WE even done the hallways- 1/2 bath..

[@AnOregonCottage]

This sounds great, Judy! I'm so glad that technique worked for you.

[@migrainemama7932]

I saw some people use construction paper, it’s almost as if you could use any type of thick crinkly paper. I’m doing this in my house. It is one of many improvements I have done myself with my husband as my assistant.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, you're right about different types of paper. Good for you!

[@beth-rg8bm]

Go to a local flooring store and ask them for a throw away piece of vinal to test the flooring on... just trade them the information on what you've done as payment!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Good idea!

[@ml3110]

Thanks for sharing this! 💞

[@AnOregonCottage]

You are so welcome!

[@buddy77587]

Thank you

[@MTGirlthegamer]

When I was young my parents took brown packing paper and crumbled it up then flattened it out and glued it to my wall. It looked like stone

[@berrymckockener5312]

Did you do something to upset them? Sounds like a pretty harsh punishment.

[@BakingRecipesManisha]

That must be beautiful ❤️

[@donnawoodford6641]

MTGirlthegamer Did your parents apply a coating or did they allow you to use crayons on the walls?

[@dianebrougham8494]

That would have looks fabulous, kinda like an inside castle wall.

[@mattieparker211]

that is awesome looks great .wonder if I could do it over sub flooring too

[@AnOregonCottage]

It will work on any flooring, you just have to make sure it is smooth and no cracks between boards.

[@hollyjohnson1001]

AnOregonCottage what about particle board?

[@woodsarthobbies6515]

This is great.

[@HOODSSWEETIE]

Thanks

[@LottieSue]

As an artist I know that brown paper is not archival therefore will change when exposed to UV rays. If you had put down a sealant to protect and seal it to make it light safe it wouldn't have the fading problems.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Good tip - thanks.

[@lindacloudobserver9717]

Move rugs around for light and dark effects.

[@ArtichokeHeart2]

What do you mean by sealant? Isn't urethane a sealant? What is the brand of sealant?

[@19MoonChild77]

1942 SmithCorona Specifically a sealant for UV protection. Not sure what kind to recommend for large scale project. Artists use it to protect paintings.

[@aglaves4922]

Newsprint is a good choice of archival paper. Growing up I loved seeing the old images and clippings from newspapers my mother had used to wallpaper the bathroom in a small apartment attached to our garage. I can imagine using comics or a carefully curated collection of clippings of a particular interest a child may have, for example from the Style section for a potential future Fashion Designer. These could even be combined with plain newsprint which can be purchased at arts and craft stores in large sized sketchpads.

[@mimsietheblueorchid1997]

Do you think you could use pretty wrapping paper, contact paper, or wallpaper with this technique?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Sure, the look would just be different.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

Lorna G I think pretty wrapping paper would look fabulous! The patterns and colors are endless!

[@tammystull7772]

Would you put in bathroom n maybe add to glue or what have you a non slip ingredient by tub/shower or even some type of decorative stone? Next question what about old magazines old clippings can this be done say if you're using a theme. If anyone has suggestions please lmk Thanks 🤔😀

[@AnOregonCottage]

I wouldn't put this in a bathroom, though some people have told me they have. You can use any paper you'd like - just do a test first to see if you like it.

[@sjr7822]

wonder if cloth can be used instead of paper bags . I have lots of old sheets

[@AnOregonCottage]

Haven't tried it, but you can do a test somewhere.

[@sjr7822]

@@AnOregonCottage I have an old wooden box my Grandma used for storage, that is covered with cloth, still looks good for over a century, but that isn't getting 'walked on' sat on, but not walked on. Thanks

[@momkoz]

I'm a quilter. Your comment has me thinking of using quilt blocks. If not fabric, then colored pieces of paper. Or even paint. Thank you!

[@pearlburl]

Awesome!!!!

[@patricialloyd866]

That is so cool

[@dennyatnotts]

This looks really interesting but I have a couple of concerns. How does this hold up to moisture? I live in the UK and it rains frequently and to make matters worse, I want to do this to a live-aboard boat. I also wonder how this will hold up to a small wood burning stove. I'd have a concrete plinth for the stove to sit upon but it's still worth asking. Finally, how about rather large temperature changes? In the winter I'd likely not heat the boat when I'm at work and start a fire after I return. There would be a diesel heater that would keep the temp above freezing but not to normal room temperature. As for footwear, rubber sole deck shoes inside and on deck and appropriate boots on the tow path and on deck. The boots should never be worn inside.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Well I live in Western Oregon, also know for lots of rain, and there's been no issue with it. As for using on a boat, I have no idea. All I do know is that the polyurethane coating covers and protects the paper just like it does with wood. Also, readers have told me they have successfully used it in bathrooms and kitchens, areas that typically see more water than bedrooms. If you really wanted to do this in a boat, your only option would be to apply it, coat it with lots of polyurethane (maybe a brand made for outdoors and boats?) and see how it wears. You can always cover it up later.

[@MochaTobassi]

Very well said :)

[@soniaechevarria3262]

Wow!

[@josje26]

Hi there. I would still like to know if it is removable. Because I live in a rented house. I am thinking about applying this. It looks super by the way thanks for the video. And also can you do multiple layers to even put your floor and lay a floor on top of it?

[@AnOregonCottage]

If it's applied to the subfloor like ours (or the plywood, etc. above the subfloor) you can definitely layer another flooring on top. We did that in one room, laying a floating wood floor on top. As for doing this in a rental, I'm not sure unless you get permission. It's not easily removed, since it's glued down. That's why I state you can put something on top - that's the better way.

[@sirdukeusa3289]

I'm still saving my brown bags to do my bathroom floor with. I love this idea.

[@deeoneal1267]

just get a roll or 2 of brown paper from the $ store or craft store

[@helentc]

@@deeoneal1267 Why not re-use the brown bags. I've go a ton of them. Isn't that the point...or one of the points, to re-use things.

[@cindyclark8998]

When you said other heavy papers are an option, I immediately thought of using colored construction paper, for a baby's or child's room.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, in fact I've had readers tell me they've done this.

[@ml3110]

Check out the paper floor by: my little homestead on KZbin. 😉🤗

[@wynnter1973]

We had this around the gas fireplace. It's still going great after 12 years.

[@AnOregonCottage]

That is so good to know, Barbara!

[@conniedeshazo3031]

If you do it on cement and glue the paper down with the poly. Instead of the glue mixture, what do you put over the paper, the glue Mixture, or start the poly. Process?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No glue at all - just use the poly to "glue" and then top with more poly.

[@redroofretriever]

Can this be applied on a painted wall or would gravity cause sag before the resin cures? I'm thinking of this as an accent wall.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Many readers have told me they've done this on walls. I would probably make the paper pieces smaller and find some other finish to coat them with after the glue dries - poly for floors would be overkill. Maybe a poly for wood furniture?

[@marionkyle4579]

Can I take up my wall-to-wall carpeting and apply the paper to the sub-flooring plywood?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yep, that's what we did, though our subfloor was particle board. I think plywood works even better.

[@heyjude4842]

I like it

[@kimberlydejesus5971]

Do u think parchment paper would work as well.. unlike the butcher paper that has like a glossy /wax side to it parchment paper doesnt?

[@AnOregonCottage]

kimberly dejesus I don't think so since the wax may prevent the glue from soaking in - but that's just my guess!

[@dawnruhl8405]

my friend did this in 2002, it still looks good. And hers were all concrete floors.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thanks so much for that update - we love hearing how it's working for others!

[@goombabear]

I am considering doing this in my son's room but instead of ripping the paper to make a stone effect, I want to cut the paper into strips and then stain them to look like wood plank flooring. I do not know if anyone has done and would like some advice. This is a great idea because it is so cheap and it would work for kids rooms since they are always making messes and having spills. My six-year old carpet is stained and nasty, but I do not want to put expensive hardwood flooring in his room until he is much older. I am glad that I would be able to put new flooring right over the paper bag floor in the future.

[@ArtichokeHeart2]

Go to KZbin called Paper Bag Flooring Wood Grain Tool Technique. I want to do this in my mudroom with a "maple" stain.