Brown Paper: An Affordable Flooring Solution

For those who want affordable, indigenous and easy flooring solution, we have here a tutorial on how to use brown paper as your flooring. An easy DIY kids can also help out. — Image source: lovelycraftyhome.com

Have you ever heard about brown bag flooring? The tutorial is so easy, and you can ask kids to help you out.

Here’s an easy tutorial for creating a unique and budget-friendly brown paper bag floor. It’s a fun DIY project that gives your floors a warm, textured look, perfect for any space.

Materials You’ll Need

Brown paper grocery bags
Elmer’s glue or wallpaper paste
Water-based polyurethane
Paint tray or roller pan
Paint rollers and brushes
Bucket for mixing glue
Plastic drop cloth
Scissors or hands for tearing paper
Sandpaper (medium grit)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Floor

Clear the room of furniture and clean the floor thoroughly. Sweep and mop to remove all dust and dirt.
If the floor has any uneven spots, sand them down with medium-grit sandpaper. For existing flooring like tile or laminate, lightly sand to help the adhesive stick.
Lay down a plastic drop cloth along the baseboards to protect the walls.

Step 2: Tear the Paper

Tear the kraft paper into pieces about the size of your hand. Avoid straight edges for a more natural look.
Crumple each piece into a ball, then flatten it out to create a textured, wrinkled effect.

Step 3: Mix the Glue

In a bucket, mix three parts glue with one part water. Stir until it’s smooth. This will act as your adhesive.

Step 4: Apply the Paper

Brush or roll a layer of the glue mixture onto a small section of the floor.
Place a piece of paper onto the glue and smooth it out with your hands or a brush, working out any air bubbles.
Overlap the edges of the paper pieces slightly to create a seamless look.
Repeat until the entire floor is covered, working in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry out.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the floor to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours depending on the temperature and humidity.

Step 6: Apply Polyurethane

Pour water-based polyurethane into a paint tray.
Use a paint roller to apply a thin, even coat over the entire floor. Let it dry completely (follow the drying time on the polyurethane label).
Apply two or three additional coats for durability, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.

Step 7: Let the Floor Cure

Once the final coat is dry, lightly sand the floor with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish, then wipe away the dust.
Let the floor cure for a few days before moving furniture back in.