Spare Change Equals New Floor

I can't get enough of unconventional materials used in a DIY project, or even ordinary objects used in extraordinary ways. My latest inspiration? Flooring created from pennies.

What a brilliant way to use something that is really kinda worthless. Sure, you can collect jars of pennies and eventually cash them in for some bucks. But otherwise, pennies are pretty yet overlooked items with the tendency to collect in drawers, cup holders, bowls and pockets.

MAKE magazine profiled a real-life penny floor found at Manhattan eatery The Standard Grill. Writer Sean Michael Ragan estimates that the floor's cost would be comparable to ceramic tile, but as he puts it, "a whole lot more interesting."

I don't know that this would be the best option for a large area, like a living room, but it could add a striking aesthetic to a small room like a bathroom or study.

Would you tile a floor with pennies? Or maybe another surface, such as a wall or countertops? A penny for your thoughts -- pun definitely intended!

Photo courtesy of MAKE magazine

Katy Ryan | Comments () |

Guest

Oh my god I love it so much!!!

Lacey

There's a bar in downtown KC that uses pennies as a backsplash for behind the bar, it looks great! I've always wondered how well it would translate in an actual home.

buttermaker

I'm pretty sure this is illegal.
Which makes it even cooler!

Katy Ryan Schamberger

Really? I didn't even think about that! Probably not the government's intended use for our official currency :) But yes, I agree - it adds even more intrigue to the project. This would be a great floor for a speakeasy-type bar/lounge.