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Grasscloth wallpaper has always been a wise design choice for creating texture, warmth, and natural elegance in any room. Grasscloth is made from woven natural fibers such as jute, hemp, or arrowroot. Grasscloth differs from other wall coverings in the organic texture that can be created by hand. Hang this type of wallpaper with the care it takes to hang and install it, but not like traditional vinyl or paper-backed wallpaper.
Installing grasscloth wallpaper in your house has an important and very specific set of recommendations and precautions to follow. Learn how to install grasscloth the right way so you won't have to endure those unpleasantly expensive mistakes more often.
Understanding Grasscloth: Why It’s Different
Before getting into an application, you should know how grasscloth differs from the rest of the wallpapers. Basically, grasscloth means sheets of hand-woven natural plant fibers glued to a paper backing, producing subtle variation in the colors, weaving patterns, and textures of each roll. Part of the beauty of these variations presents challenges in the installation process.
Grasscloth is an impractical material for washing. I mean, if you accidentally spill glue on the face of the grasscloth, you cannot wipe it off as you would a vinyl surface. The stain will actually stay with the material most likely due to discoloration. Also, as grasscloth gets wet, it expands; knowing how to deal with that would be crucial for a clean finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Hang Grasscloth Wallpaper
1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- A sharp utility knife
- Straightedge
- Smoothing brush
- Wallpaper paste (check manufacturer recommendations)
- Seam roller (optional)
- A clean sponge or cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Level or plumb line
2. Prepare the Wall
Clean, smooth, and dry your walls; fill in holes or cracks and sand down rough spots. Because it's semi-translucent, any unevenness or strong colors from your walls can show through the grasscloth. It's good to apply wallpaper primer or lining paper to get that uniform surface and improve adhesion.
3. Cut and Wet the Wallpaper
For optimum ease of application, ensure that you cut your strips a little longer than your desired final height, say an inch or two at the top and bottom for final trimming. Lightly mist the back of the grass cloth with some water from a spray bottle, which helps the fibers to expand before application and minimizes the risk of bubbles and buckling once hung.
Let the paper sit for about five to ten minutes to allow for expansion.
4. Apply Adhesive Carefully
With a paint roller or brush, apply adhesive to the back of the grasscloth. Try not to let the glue drip onto the front of the wallpaper. Grasscloth is easily stained, and even an infinitesimal spot of glue can ruin a piece. Some installers prefer to paste the wallpaper instead of the paper. Check the manufacturer’s guidance to see which method is best for your product.
5. Hang with Precision
Using a level or plumb line, align your first strip vertically. Start at one corner and move around the outside of the room. Install the wallpaper at the wall and smooth it out from the center to its edges to remove air bubbles. A wallpaper brush should also be used (not a plastic smoother) to avoid damaging the delicate surface.
Remember: grasscloth seams are meant to be visible. Unlike vinyl wallpaper, you don’t butt the seams tightly together. Leave a slight overlap if instructed by the manufacturer, or match the edges as cleanly as possible, knowing the natural variation will disguise them.
6. Trim Excess and Clean Carefully
Cut the excess at the ceiling and baseboard using a sharp utility knife and straightedge. If any adhesive has seeped out along the seams, carefully dab it with a clean, damp towel, and do not rub.
Pro Tips for Success
- Test First: Always test a small area to get a feel for how the grasscloth handles adhesive and reacts to moisture.
- Work in Pairs: Having an extra set of hands makes positioning and smoothing easier, especially with longer strips.
- Order Extra Rolls: Due to natural variations and pattern matching, you may need more than you think. Add at least 10-15% extra to your order.
- Embrace Imperfection: Grasscloth is prized for its natural, uneven look. Don’t stress over slight color or texture variations—they add to the charm.
Expert Resources Worth Exploring
If you’re looking for deeper insight or visual guides, these resources provide helpful, real-world advice:
- How To Install Grasscloth (Video) by Jim Parodi: A detailed and easy-to-follow video walkthrough by a seasoned professional.
- NPPG Forum Discussion: Tim Bodie & Mike Stachnik: Two experienced paperhangers share their best techniques and advice for handling tricky grasscloth installations.
- “I Hung Grasscloth and Lived To Tell About It” by Kate from Centsational Girl: A DIY story full of honest lessons, photos, and encouragement from someone who took the leap.
- Tips on Hanging Grasscloth by Brit from Designed to a Tea: A personal account with great before-and-after pictures and useful tips.
Why Grasscloth is Worth the Effort
Despite the learning curve, hanging grasscloth wallpaper is absolutely worth it. It's important to not only choose the best installation but also get it right, given that prices of high-quality grass cloth can soar above $100 per double roll in premium collections like Shangri La and Inspired Elegance. But once this beauty is up, the transformation is breathtaking rich texture, very subtle color variations, and an organic feel that enhances an ambiance.
If grass cloth is not installed properly, it will turn your room into a peaceful haven of sophistication. Take your time and prepare; do what you're supposed to. Take the time to maintain the luxuriously textured look of the wall!