The best examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation at home

Real-world examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation

Instead of starting with theory, let’s jump right into real examples. When people ask for examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation, they’re usually trying to figure out which style fits their space, tools, and patience level.

The three main DIY approaches that keep showing up in real projects are:

• Loose-fill blown newspaper insulation
• Rigid or semi-rigid newspaper insulation panels
• Layered, quilt-style newspaper batts

Within those, there are at least half a dozen practical variations that people actually use in garages, sheds, tiny homes, and even older houses.

Example of loose-fill recycled newspaper insulation for attics and walls

One of the most common examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation is loose-fill. This is the fluffy, shredded style that you blow or pour into cavities. It’s similar in concept to cellulose insulation you can buy in bags, which is also mostly recycled paper.

Here’s how it typically works in a DIY setting:

You start by collecting a lot of clean, dry newspaper. People often underestimate how much they’ll need; a small attic can eat through a surprising number of Sunday papers. The newspaper is then shredded into small pieces. Some folks use a paper shredder; others use a drill with a paint-mixing paddle in a large bin to break the paper into a fluffy mass.

To improve fire resistance and deter pests, many DIYers mix in borax or boric acid powder. Commercial cellulose insulation uses similar chemicals. If you want to understand more about fire safety and home insulation, the U.S. Department of Energy has a useful overview of different insulation types and safety considerations: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation.

Once treated, the loose paper can be blown into attic spaces or wall cavities. People do this with a rented insulation blower, a modified shop vac on “blow” mode, or even by hand in smaller spaces.

Real-world example: a homeowner insulating a 1950s bungalow attic

A common real example goes like this: someone with a drafty mid-century house wants a low-budget insulation boost. They already have some fiberglass batts but lots of gaps. They shred newspaper, treat it with borax, and blow it over the existing batts to create a thicker blanket. The result is better coverage around odd shapes and wires, and a noticeable drop in heat loss through the ceiling.

This is one of the best examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation if you:

• Have a large open attic area
• Are comfortable working around joists and wiring
• Want to reuse a lot of paper quickly

Examples include dense-pack newspaper insulation for interior walls

Loose-fill works well in open spaces, but if you want a more controlled, higher-density approach, dense-pack insulation is another example of how to make recycled newspaper insulation that’s gaining attention.

With dense-pack, you still use shredded newspaper, but you pack it more tightly into wall cavities or custom-built boxes. The higher density helps reduce air movement inside the insulation, which can improve performance.

A typical DIY process looks like this:

You remove interior wall coverings (or work in new construction), staple a breathable fabric or paper across the studs, leaving a small opening at the top. Then you blow or stuff newspaper into the cavity until it’s firmly packed. Some people use a homemade tamping stick to push the paper in and remove air pockets.

Real example: sound-dampening in a home office wall

One of my favorite real examples comes from a remote worker who wanted both thermal and sound insulation between a home office and a noisy hallway. They:

• Built a non-load-bearing interior wall
• Packed the cavities with dense shredded newspaper treated with borax
• Covered it with drywall

The result was a wall that muffled conversation and helped stabilize the room temperature. It’s not studio-grade soundproofing, but it’s a noticeable improvement using almost entirely recycled materials.

Another real example: van or bus conversion

DIY vanlifers have used dense-pack newspaper in framed-out van walls. They build shallow stud walls inside the metal shell, staple fabric on one side, then pack the cavities with newspaper. They’re careful to control moisture, adding vapor barriers where needed and providing ventilation.

If you’re considering this, it’s worth reading about moisture and condensation in mobile homes and small spaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has general guidance on indoor moisture and mold: https://www.epa.gov/mold.

Dense-pack is one of the best examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation if you:

• Want both sound and thermal insulation
• Have access to wall cavities or are building new walls
• Prefer a more “finished” look behind drywall or paneling

Layered newspaper batts: a simple example of low-tech insulation

Not everyone wants to shred paper or rent a blower. A very accessible example of how to make recycled newspaper insulation is the layered batt method. Think of it like making a thick, paper quilt.

You take full sheets of newspaper and stack them in layers, sometimes with a light mist of water and cornstarch glue between layers to help them stick. The stack can be compressed slightly and allowed to dry, forming a semi-flexible pad. Some people slide these pads into fabric covers made from old sheets or canvas drop cloths.

Real example: insulating a shed or workshop

I’ve seen many real examples where people use layered newspaper batts in backyard sheds:

• They build simple stud walls
• Cut newspaper batts to fit between the studs
• Cover everything with plywood or paneling

This doesn’t need to meet building code standards for a primary residence, so it’s a forgiving place to experiment. The difference in winter comfort in a shed or workshop can be dramatic.

Real example: floor insulation in a tiny cabin

Another example of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation is using batts under a raised floor. Builders lay down a subfloor, place newspaper batts between the floor joists, then cap it with finished flooring. As long as the space is kept dry and well-ventilated, this can be a surprisingly effective way to cut cold drafts from below.

Layered batts are especially appealing if you:

• Don’t have power tools or shredders
• Want a very low-tech, low-noise process
• Are working on a small structure like a shed, coop, or tiny cabin

Hybrid examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation

Some of the most interesting examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation blend these methods.

For instance, a DIYer might:

• Use dense-pack newspaper in the walls of a tiny house
• Add loose-fill on top of the ceiling
• Slide layered batts under the floor

Another hybrid real example: chicken coop and animal shelter insulation

Backyard chicken keepers often worry about winter temperatures. A common pattern looks like this:

• Loose-fill newspaper in the coop roof cavity
• Layered newspaper batts along north-facing walls
• A removable panel filled with dense newspaper that can be taken out in summer

Because animal shelters can be dusty and humid, people usually overdo ventilation and make sure the newspaper is well-protected behind plywood or boards.

Hybrid approaches give you flexibility. You can match the method to the space:

• Loose-fill where you have open, horizontal spaces (attics, ceilings)
• Dense-pack where you need higher R-value per inch (walls)
• Batts where you want something you can remove or adjust later

Safety, fire treatment, and realistic expectations

Any time we talk about examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation, someone asks: “Isn’t this a fire hazard?” That’s the right instinct. Untreated newspaper burns easily, so DIY projects need to be thoughtful.

Commercial cellulose insulation is also made from paper, but it’s treated with fire retardants and tested to meet building codes. If you’re insulating a primary residence, you should check local codes and consider whether a DIY newspaper approach is appropriate or if you’re better off buying certified cellulose.

For sheds, outbuildings, and experimental projects, people typically:

• Mix in borax or boric acid (both commonly used in commercial cellulose)
• Keep newspaper insulation fully enclosed behind drywall, plywood, or plaster
• Avoid running hot light fixtures or exposed wiring directly in contact with the paper

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers general fire safety guidance that’s worth reading when you’re modifying building materials: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education.

Another honest point: newspaper insulation will not match the performance of high-end spray foam or modern mineral wool. But for many DIYers, the appeal is:

• Low cost (often nearly free materials)
• Lower embodied energy than many manufactured products
• The satisfaction of turning waste into something useful

In a world where heating and cooling costs keep rising, even modest improvements in insulation can make a noticeable difference.

2024–2025 trends: why these examples matter now

In 2024–2025, interest in DIY and low-impact building materials is growing fast. Several trends make these examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation especially timely:

• More people are working from home and upgrading garages, sheds, and backyard offices
• Tiny houses, ADUs, and van conversions are still popular
• Municipal recycling programs in some areas are cutting back, leaving people with more paper waste than they’d like

Organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy highlight insulation as one of the most cost-effective ways to improve home energy efficiency: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation. While they focus on certified products, the principle is the same: reduce heat loss, reduce energy use.

These real examples show that you don’t always need expensive materials to make a meaningful change, especially in non-critical structures.

Choosing the best example of newspaper insulation for your project

If you’re still deciding which method fits, it can help to think about your space and your comfort level with DIY.

You might lean toward:

• Loose-fill if you have a big open attic in an older house and want a fast, low-cost boost (while still respecting fire and code issues)
• Dense-pack if you’re building or rebuilding interior walls and want better sound and thermal control
• Layered batts if you’re insulating a small outbuilding and want something you can install with just scissors, tape, and determination

In practice, the best examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation are the ones that match your:

• Climate (cold winters, hot summers, or both)
• Structure type (primary residence vs. shed, cabin, coop, van)
• Risk tolerance and willingness to research local building rules

If you’re insulating living spaces where health and safety are a concern, it’s worth reading general guidance on indoor air quality and dust. The EPA’s indoor air quality pages are a good starting point: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq.

FAQ: real examples and common questions about recycled newspaper insulation

Q: Can you give more examples of where recycled newspaper insulation actually works well?
Yes. Some of the most practical spots include: attic spaces in older homes (as a top-up over existing insulation), detached garages, workshops, tiny cabins, chicken coops, and van or bus conversions (with careful moisture control). These are real examples where people report noticeable comfort improvements.

Q: What is one simple example of newspaper insulation for beginners?
A great beginner-friendly example of newspaper insulation is the layered batt method. You stack folded newspaper into thick pads, slide them into fabric sleeves, and place them between studs in a shed wall or under a raised floor. No shredders, no blowers, just patience and a stapler.

Q: How does DIY newspaper insulation compare to store-bought cellulose?
Store-bought cellulose is professionally shredded, treated, and tested. It tends to be more consistent and safer for primary residences. DIY newspaper insulation is more variable and better suited to experimental or secondary structures. The concepts are similar, but the quality control is very different.

Q: Are there examples of people mixing newspaper with other insulation materials?
Yes. Some examples include topping up thin fiberglass batts with a layer of loose newspaper, or using newspaper batts alongside rigid foam boards on exterior walls. Others use newspaper only in non-critical areas, like interior partitions for sound control, while relying on commercial products for exterior walls.

Q: How long does recycled newspaper insulation last?
If kept dry, protected from pests, and enclosed behind solid wall or ceiling materials, it can last for many years. The weak points are moisture and exposure. If your structure is leaky or damp, no insulation—paper or otherwise—will perform well over time.

In the end, the most inspiring examples of 3 examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation all have the same spirit: people looking at a waste stream, a drafty space, and a tight budget, and deciding to experiment. If you approach it with curiosity, caution, and a willingness to learn, recycled newspaper can be more than just something you toss in the bin—it can become part of a more comfortable, more resourceful home.