If you think new flooring has to cost a fortune or be professionally installed, think again. With only four simple items and a little time, anyone can create a fantastic floor on a shoestring budget. Believe it or not, the primary material required is paper. Any brown paper will do – grocery bags, package wrap, builder’s paper, etc.
The resulting floor is not only beautiful, but also surprisingly durable and easy to clean. Besides plenty of paper, you will need about a gallon of white glue, such as Elmer’s, to affix the paper. A good wood stain and a few coats of sealant give the finishing shine and durability. Here’s hpw to do it:
First, remove the existing flooring and baseboards. To create the best surface for your new paper floor, putty any nail holes in the subfloor and sand over rough areas. Next, rip the paper into irregular pieces and lightly crumple each one before soaking the paper pieces thoroughly in glue. Lay them randomly on the floor, overlapping the edges of each piece to assure the floor is completely covered. Allow the crumpled texture to be visible, but try to avoid making it lumpy. Large areas will take time to cover completely, so be patient. Once the entire floor is covered and the glue is dry, apply the stain color of your choice. Dark stain gives the paper a rich, leather-like look. Or for a stony feel, try slightly different stain colors applied to individual sections of paper.
When you are satisfied with the look of the floor, simply seal with a few coats of polyurethane or other protective finish. Be sure to allow the finish to dry according to directions before replacing furniture or walking on the floor. Then, sit back and enjoy your beautiful, budget-friendly floor.
