Brown paper bag floor over concrete subfloor



Brown paper bag flooring over concrete subfloor
First let me say....YAY! I am done and I must say the floors look amazing!
There are tons of great examples of this you can find by browsing Pinterest. My favorite was Domestic Imperfection because she did this on concrete subfloor like I would be doing. Many of the blogs show this flooring method done over plywood subflooring, which involves some different steps. Some other great blogs on this are... Uniquely Grace and Lovely Crafty Home. Before starting a project like this, I would suggest looking through how different people did theirs. I read through tons of blogs before I started. The basics are the same, but each of the above does it a little different.

These are the steps that I followed for my concrete subflooring that had carpet laid over it. My living room is about 27 feet long by 18 wide. My finished project was under $200 for an almost 500 sq ft room. That even includes new quarter round trim which has not been installed yet.
The poly takes up to a week to fully cure, so we have to wait to put the area rug down.

Step 1: Rip up the carpet. I just started pulling it up at a corner and rolling up the carpet and pad as I went. I later realized that cutting it into sections first would have been easier. I ripped up the carpet without really knowing what I was doing. I hadn't even bought any supplies yet and my husband was out of town for 6 days, which left me at home with my 1, 6 and 8 year olds. Probably not the brightest idea to start this then, but I couldn't wait to get rid of that dirty carpet!


Step 2: Remove carpet tack strips and repair any holes. This is by far the WORST part of the whole process. Carpet tack strips are EVIL! Here is a must watch video I found that shows how to do it without tearing up the concrete. I only ended up having to repair a handful of holes and I probably pulled out 100 nails. Do not pry up with a crowbar like other blogs say. This will damage the concrete and you will waste time filling the holes in.

Step 3: Clean the concrete floor. I just swept, then vacuumed mine a few times. Some people mop. I didn't see the need. If there is anything like glue, paint globs, caulk spills, etc on the floor you need to sand them down. If not, they will show when the floor is finished.

Step 4: Tear up and crinkle the paper. For my almost 500 sq ft room I used almost 2 rolls of the brown builders paper from Amazon, you can purchase it HERE. Tear the paper into pieces about 12 inches wide...doesn't matter the shape. I found it helpful to put the straight edge pieces in a separate pile. This made doing the perimeter of the room faster. After tearing them, crinkle up and then open and crinkle again in a different direction. The more crinkles, the better the paper looks on the floor. Toss into a box or bag.

 Step 5: Glue the paper down. I used about 2 1/2 gallons of Elmer's Glue-All from Amazon, you can purchase it HERE. Each blog does and slightly different method, and Uniquely Grace uses poly instead of glue. What worked for me was a 50/50 glue/water mixture. I used a bucket lined with a trash bag for the glue. Mix a small batch of glue, dunk a crinkled paper into the mixture, open and use your gloved hands to kind of squeegee off most of the glue. Lay it down on the floor and smooth out with your hands. Make sure its as flat as it can be. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. Add dabs of glue if needed for stubborn edges. Make sure to overlap the edges a little bit because the paper shrinks up a little after the glue dries. I read that a lot of people couldn't get the paper to stick to the concrete at all. At first I was spreading some straight glue on the concrete in small sections and they laying the wet with glue paper down. I found that that step was not necessary for my floors. Allow to dry at least overnight. Paper will ripple a little while drying, but mine was mostly flat after drying. Don't try to smooth out while its drying...the paper will tear.
Looks like this after gluing down
Looks like this after drying
BEFORE staining
AFTER staining
Step 6: Stain the paper (optional). This was by far the most rewarding step! This is when you really see the beauty! I ended up using Minwax wood stain in Special Walnut and I LOVE the color. I wanted a medium tone to go with the existing wood flooring. I applied this using a foam roller with the stain in a paint tray lined with a plastic sack for easy cleanup. I tried wiping the stain off but I like the richer color that I got with the pure stain, so I just rolled on and let dry. In such a large room, maintaining a "wet edge" was impossible. I just feathered the stain out at the edges of the section I was doing and tried to leave the edges at the edges of the paper so that if there was a line from the stain drying it would be concealed by the edges of the paper pieces. It took about an hour to do the whole room.

LET DRY AT LEAST 12 HOURS! I had a small section of the room that I was too tired to stain that night, so I did it the next morning...the day I was planning to poly. Being impatient, I tried to poly it about 8 hours later and the poly pulled the stain up! AHHH!

Mop mark after applying poly before stain dried 12 hours
Step 7: Polyurethane. I used Pro Polyurethane for Floors, water based, in semi gloss. This one from Amazon is also a great pick and you can purchase it HERE. People say they have applied anywhere from 4-12 coats of poly. I applied 9. I got an extender pole and a rectangle latex paint applicator pad. I poured into a paint tray lined with a plastic bag for easy cleanup. Tip: Make sure there is not any printed writing on the part of the bag that touches The poly had a neon purple tint while wet on the floor, so I could see where I was putting it. It took about 30 minutes max to apply each coat and my poly said to recoat in 1-2 hours. After the first coat I freaked out, because it was splotchy looking and seemed dull in spots and shiny in others. This went away after the second coat. I waited until after coat 3 to do some light sanding in spots that needed it. 
This is the poly I used


Applied with this










You can see random darker pieces on my pictures of the flooring. I originally started with the method that Uniquely Grace used on her blog (link at top). I stained the dry crinkled pieces first and was planning to glue them down already stained because I thought it would be too hard to stain such a large area of flooring without leaving edge marks. I used Cabot wood stain in brown mahogany to match our front door. After about 60 pieces I realized that it was taking WAY too long to do it that way, so I started laying down unstained pieces and mixing in the pre-stained ones. The pre-stained ones were a pain to get to lay flat, even after soaking in glue. I love the added depth the 2 colors give, but if I did it again I would maybe lay the entire floor unstained and then lay some random stained ones over the top while still wet.
 


Comments

  1. I had both types of floors, but I definitely know, that it is better to have concrete flooring. That is just because concrete floor is easier to clean, it is cheaper and there is huge variety of colours and styles. For me it is much better than paper bag flooring. I can even recommend you specialists who makes concrete flooring the best- betoniniu grindu irengimo technologija

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your floor! A couple years ago I saw the brown paper posts on Pinterest. We pulled up all the carpet in our house and needed a very inexpensive flooring. I did the brown paper floor in both my daughters rooms and guest bathroom almost exactly the same way you did your living room. We went with dark walnut. I lightly sanded between each coat. Their floors are doing fine. We do have one gouge in the bathroom floor that happened when our heavy curtain rod fell. I haven't tried repairing it yet. We have been living on ugly concrete way too long and are now planning on doing our living, kitchen and dining in it. I was wondering how your floor was holding up with a heavier traffic than a bedroom. Have you had to repair any scratches or tears?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can i ask do you rinse your brush after applying polyurethane everytime? I am about to start my floor and dont know if i have to keep it or wash every application thanks

      Delete
  3. Yes, concrete has become the most requested choice by homeowners. And those who already have the concrete floor started to go for concrete floor polishing because of the benefits polished concrete offers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was thinking of adding stain to the glue/water mixture to help it soak in better and eliminate the extra step of staining. Has anyone tried that? I love 'Special Walnut' by Minwax! Use it all the time for hardwoods.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is the perfect blog for anyone who wants to know about this topic. It contains truly information. Your website is very useful.
    Urethane concrete

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is an excellent posting, I located your website browsing aol for a related topic and arrived to this. I couldn't get to much other details on this piece, so it was great to find this one. I will probably end up being back to check out some other posts that you have another time....

    Concrete Contractor Atlanta , Asphalt Sealcoating Atlanta

    ReplyDelete
  7. Articles and content in this section of the website are really amazing. Great ideas indeed! I will surely keep these in my mind!

    Fort Wayne Concrete Indiana & Epoxy Floor Coatings Fort Wayne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amber Floor Sanding provides a complete range of floor sanding services. Our director Michael Doyle, is a 2nd generation floor sander with more than 20 years experience sanding and polishing floors and decks.
    Floor sanding Brisbane | Floors sanders ipswich

    ReplyDelete
  9. You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour.

    Crushed Concrete For Sale & Rip Rap Rock in FL

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great detailed information, I ll be visiting you more frequently, here is very interesting information.

    Roofing Garfield Heights & Roof Cleaning Strongsville

    ReplyDelete
  11. I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.

    Remodeling Fairfax VA & Room Additions Fairfax VA

    ReplyDelete
  12. wow nice and very informative blog. Thanks for sharing about brown paper bag floor over concrete.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like your floor. Thanks for sharing photos of brown paper bag floor over concrete.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.

    Roofing contractor Parma & Roofing Berea

    ReplyDelete
  15. Concrete flooring is good way to decorate your floors. You can paint concrete floors as you want.
    Concrete Flooring

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice and informative blog.Your blog is very useful,Thanks for share about
    Concrete Flooring.

    ReplyDelete
  19. How would you best recommend cleaning floors like this? What about minor repairs if there is a scrape?
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. How would you best recommend cleaning floors like this? What about minor repairs if there is a scrape?
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. Question: is there anything special about the brown paper? I am thinking of applying magazine paper on my office floor. Would it work?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that I've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.

    Glaziers in NW3 - Hampstead & Glaziers in NW4 - Hendon

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nice post with great tips. Hope that we will found more helpful post like above from you soon. Thanks.
    Floor Installation

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading.
    Certified Precision Roofing

    ReplyDelete
  25. My floor had a coat of aqua lock on it. Has anyone tried a paper bag floor over that?? Just wondering.

    ReplyDelete
  26. We are offering a service of new roofing and roofing repair services to commercial and residential clients in Florida state. To check the details visit here: Grace Roofing Enterprise

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nice blog. I like to read this wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing this valuable information.Shop online waterproofing products

    ReplyDelete
  28. Floors and Up is a flooring company that has been trusted by home and business owners in Houston for over half a century. Flooring Houston

    ReplyDelete
  29. Our long history and experience in Houston is unrivaled. Turn to us for your flooring and design solutions with superior products and craftsmanship. Tile Stores in Houston

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice blog. I like to read your blog. This blog is very informative. Thanks for sharing this information.Buy tile adhesives products online

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice blog. I like to read your blog. Thanks for sharing this information.Epoxy Crack Repair Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  32. Im so excited to cover my concrete floor with the brown paper. The concrete is trashed so i will do some repair first then seal it before paper goes down. We ripped out the old dirty carpet in our apartment and will be leaving a beautiful floor when we move someday...along with other diy upgrades we have done in our stay here. I will be sure to take pictures throughout the process to post. Thank you for the great tips!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I absolutely adore reading your blog posts, the variety of writing is smashing. This blog as usual was educational, I have had to bookmark your site and subscribe to your feed. Your theme looks lovely.
    Floor Repairs

    ReplyDelete
  34. What would be best to make the floor gray?

    ReplyDelete
  35. What would be best to make the floor gray?

    ReplyDelete

  36. Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it
    sprayon bedliner

    ReplyDelete
  37. Woodworking guide offers anyone of any skill level the ability to build amazing projects. The guide is extra helpful because it offers more detailed explanations, videos and blueprints then your typical woodworker magazine.
    Arbor Projects ,
    Adirondack Chairs ,
    Artwork Display ,
    Bathroom Unit ,
    Box Designs ,
    Billiard/Pool Table ,
    Barn Plans ,
    Bed Plans ,
    Bedside Cabinets ,
    Bee Hive Plans ,
    Bench Projects ,
    Bird Feeders ,
    Birdhouse Plans ,
    Boat Plans ,
    Book Case Plans ,
    Baby Changing Table ,
    Coat Rack ,
    Cabin Plans ,
    Cabinet Plans ,
    Carport Plans ,
    Cart Plans ,
    Cat House Plans ,
    CD/DVD Holder ,
    Cellar Projects ,
    Chair Plans ,
    Chest Designs ,
    Chicken Houses
    Childrens Room Plans ,
    Clock Plans ,
    Coasters ,
    Coffee Table Designs ,
    Cold Frame Plans ,
    Compost Bin ,
    Computer Desk ,
    Containers ,
    Cradle Projects ,
    Small Crafts ,
    Cutting Board ,
    Deck Plans .
    Download 16,000 Woodworking Plans & Projects
    https://woodworkingplanst.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you for the inspiration. This article is very helpful and informative. You can also use water blaster to help you cleaning faster.


    Water Blaster

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hey! I have read all your Blog this So Nice and Awesome service you have provided, I learn many new things from here and want implement my website. If you are also Know for related to this then visit my website.


    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Nice blog.Thanks for sharing. With Stamped Concrete it is a good way to decorate your floors. You can paint concrete floors according to your requirements. if you want other services of concrete you can also visit El Dorado Hills Concrete Company

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is really an amazing way of redesigning your home with concrete floor. Thanks for such creative ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  43. CMC Roofing Services LLC is a leading licensed and bonded roofing company in Dallas, Texas. We are dedicated to provide high quality roofing services for residential and commercial buildings in the region. With a dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced contractors, your roofing repair requirements are in best hands.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow! Great Post, thanks for sharing this. Keep up the good work. Flooring Store in Cochrane

    ReplyDelete
  45. I have been reading your posts regularly about pool screen installations this topic . I need to say that you are doing a fantastic job. Please keep up the great work.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing knowledge with us. This site is fantastic. I always find great knowledge from it.

    https://www.tudorflooring.co.nz/

    ReplyDelete
  47. You have basically every one of the style possibilities of painting though with the toughness of definite.epoxy flooring jacksonville

    ReplyDelete
  48. It was really insightful.
    Thanks for such a nice content.
    Cheers
    BTW if anyone interested more have a look besttoolsbrand thanks

    ReplyDelete
  49. Does anyone know, can you stop midway thru gluing paper down? my floor is to large to do in one day, what happens if I leave it unfinished and start the next day - do edges peel?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge on this topic. This is really helpful and informative, as this gave me more insight to create more thoughts and solutions for my plan. I would love to see more updates from you. Epoxy flooring contractors atlanta are one of the best commercial flooring companies in the world; they provide all types of services such as outdoor flooring, commercial flooring etc

    ReplyDelete
  51. Nice Article...

    Read our article also, as we are one of the Leading flooring Contractors in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  52. wood flooring repair

    https://woodflooring.sg/

    Ever heard about the rotten door jamb? When the exterior of your door frame suffers a variety of environmental factors, such as rain, heavy winds,…

    ReplyDelete
  53. Excellent site. Lots of useful information here. I'm sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your effort! ekarzaen

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts