First of all, I would like to say, I laid almost 1000 sq.’ of paper bag floor in my home, with success! BEFORE I even considered this project I researched like a mad woman to find any helpful info I could. I searched for the common denominators that seemed to produce a long lasting, beautiful, paper bag floor.
I was surprised when I stumbled upon this flooring idea. How could something so cheap turn out so beautiful… and to be durable too…? I was encourage to see that some people had installed their paper bag floor years prior… there was even one lady that had her floors in for 17 years! Mercy… now that was serving the test of time and she even had her dogs traipsing over them. There were many people that had them in for a few years and were very vocal about how impressed they were with the results.
I did read, in a few places, the suggestion to apply a coat of Varathane on a yearly basis to maintain the durability and conceal any scratches that have been inflicted on the floor. I was impressed that I could just slap a coat of Varathane on my floors to give them a makeover. For many flooring options, once they are down…they are down. Unless of course, take hardwood… you could sand, stain and seal; but I kid you not, that is a dusty, messy, huge task. Or take for instance laminate flooring. Some of that stuff swells with as much as a tear making contact with the grooves where the planks meet. There is no quick fix… that piece needs to be replaced. Sure… just dissemble the floating floor to replace a couple pieces that your dog peed on or your toddler cried on… mercy. That is of course, if it isn’t glued together. Can you tell I’m not super impressed with that flooring option? And then there is carpet… yikes. It holds dirt, dust and who knows what! You can get professional cleaners to come in to wash it but once carpet is worn… the pile just gets flattened and begins to look dated and worn.
I have to say, my floors have been down for 2.5 years and they look great. It’s in a high traffic area where it is exposed to water and abuse of many feet. I’m impressed with how my paper bag floor is lasting…I think it has many years left yet!
Trisha Harris
May 9, 2016 at 1:06 pm
I have been on the look out for such info.
May 11, 2016 at 11:26 am
Glad you found this info then! Hope I managed to answer all your questions…
May 12, 2016 at 10:42 am
Great web site with so much helpful information. Thanks for taking the time to do this…..we “paper floor” people need to spread the word and share our experiences with others. I did it as a cheap alternative to hardwood floors and I can honestly say that I like the “look” of it better than a hardwood floor especially because it is so unique. I love people’s reactions when they come into our house. My floor is now going on 4 years with no issues and still going strong after many wet feet, spills, etc etc. Thanks again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDoVCl94uLU
May 25, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Thank you! It’s an amazing technique for adorable, durable flooring!
October 29, 2016 at 8:22 am
Thank you! We are super impressed with how durable it is!
May 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm
When you laid the “wood planks” did you have an issue with wrinkles. If so what did you do about the wrinkles? Thank you for your help!
May 25, 2016 at 7:10 pm
I did not have an issue with wrinkles. Part of that is the glue, I believe. Also, as you can see under the video tab on my website… I actually soak the paper plank in the glue mixture then crumple it up and squeeze up the excess. I really think this method helps the glue to absorb into the paper, thus adhering properly.
July 27, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Hi there,
Can this type of flooring be done in a bathroom and a screened in patio??
I’m loving this!!!
September 1, 2016 at 9:24 pm
In a bathroom certainly. In a screened patio yes unless it gets wet often it could be a problem.
November 2, 2016 at 8:53 pm
Looks great and doable!! Do you have to overlap the seams? And does the paper shrink after it has dried?
November 4, 2016 at 10:39 pm
I overlapped the seams. If you decided not to you would have to fill in the gaps with a fine paint brush to cover up the gaps. The paper does not shrink after it has dried.
February 18, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Have you ever tried laying a floor that looks like barn wood. If so would I get a different type of paper color or what kind of stain would I use to achieve a Weathered Barn look
March 7, 2017 at 11:48 am
Sorry I never tried a barn wood look.
March 7, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Love love this idea. I have been looking g for ways to redo my floors on a tight budget and I think this is it. And i could do it by myself so I wouldn’t have to bug the hubby lol. Questions u have a floating floor that has some messed up sorts from my dogs the spots are buffeted up should I take a razor blade over that to make it flat? And also the original hardwood floors are underneath the floating floor this wouldn’t hurt them would it. And one more question do I need to remove the toe board or go right up against it. Thank you do much in advance.
March 9, 2017 at 12:39 pm
I would not suggest doing paper bag flooring with a floating floor.