Frequently Asked Questions
Everything international buyers need to know about sourcing natural wallcoverings from China — materials, sampling, pricing, logistics and more.
Products & Materials
What types of natural wallcoverings does Grasscloths supply?
We supply six categories: grasscloth (woven grass, jute, seagrass or reed fiber), sisal (agave/hemp fiber), wood veneer (real timber sheets on flexible backing), gold foil (metallic leaf finishes), cork (cork oak bark with acoustic properties, NRC 0.15–0.35), and mica (natural mineral flakes). See our Materials Hub for full details.
Is grasscloth suitable for commercial spaces?
Yes, with proper material selection. Sisal and cork are the most durable options for high-traffic commercial areas (offices, hotel corridors, retail). Standard grasscloth is best for low-to-medium traffic spaces like hotel guest rooms, executive suites and residential living areas. For high-traffic commercial projects, ask about our Type II-equivalent options.
What is the difference between grasscloth and sisal?
Grasscloth is woven from grass, jute or seagrass — it has a more organic, varied texture. Sisal is woven from agave fiber — it's tighter, more refined, and significantly more durable. Sisal is better for commercial/high-traffic areas; grasscloth is preferred for residential warmth and visual character. See our Grasscloth and Sisal guides for detailed comparison.
Can I get custom colors?
Yes. We offer custom colorway matching with a minimum of 500 m² per color. Provide a Pantone reference or physical sample and we'll produce a dye lab dip for your approval before production. Custom colorway lead time is 25–35 working days.
What fire rating do your wallcoverings carry?
Standard products meet Class B1 (China GB 8624) fire rating. For projects requiring ASTM E84 Class A (US) or EN 13501 (EU) certification, we can supply fire-retardant treated versions. Certification testing reports are available upon request.
Ordering & MOQ
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Standard MOQ: 300 m² for grasscloth and sisal, 200 m² for wood veneer, gold foil, cork and mica. We offer flexible MOQ for first-time buyers, trial orders and sample-stage projects. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
What payment terms do you accept?
Standard terms: 30% deposit on order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment. We accept T/T bank transfer and Western Union. Letter of Credit (L/C) available for orders above $10,000 USD.
What is the production lead time?
Standard colors and weaves: 15–25 working days. Custom colorways: 25–35 working days depending on complexity and volume. Rush orders may be available — please inquire.
Can I mix materials in one order?
Yes — this is one of our core advantages. You can combine grasscloth, sisal, wood veneer, gold foil, cork and mica in a single order. Each material must meet its individual MOQ, but logistics and documentation are consolidated.
Sampling
How do samples work?
We offer 4 tiers:
1. Digital sample kit — Free. Emailed within 24 hours with hi-res photos, spec sheets and Pantone references.
2. Physical swatch pack — $45 flat DHL worldwide. A5 cuttings of all 6 materials. Fully credited on first order over $500.
3. Production proofing samples — 1 m × 0.91 m panels, charged at sample pricing, credited on first order above MOQ.
4. Complimentary specifier kit — Free for qualified distributors and verified hospitality/contract projects.
How long does sample delivery take?
Digital samples: within 24 hours by email. Physical samples: 3–5 business days via DHL/FedEx international express from Chengdu, China.
Shipping & Logistics
What shipping methods are available?
We ship FOB Chengdu or CIF to destination port. Options include:
Air express (DHL/FedEx): 5–7 business days, best for samples and small orders.
Air freight: 7–10 days, for medium shipments (100–500 kg).
Ocean freight: 25–35 days to US West Coast, 30–40 days to Europe. Best for container loads (LCL or FCL).
Does Grasscloths export to the United States and Europe?
Yes. We have completed export orders to the United States, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian markets. Full export documentation provided: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin.
Where is Grasscloths located?
We are based in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. We operate a dedicated warehouse and showroom. Factory visits can be arranged by appointment.
Installation & Care
How do I install grasscloth wallcovering?
Natural wallcoverings require professional installation. Key steps:
1. Acclimate rolls in the room for 48 hours before installation.
2. Apply adhesive to the wall, not the material (paste-the-wall method).
3. Use a smoothing brush — never a seam roller, which can crush fibers.
4. Expect visible seams (known as "paneling") — this is a natural characteristic of handwoven material, not a defect.
5. Book panels from multiple rolls to blend natural color variation.
Can natural wallcoverings be used in bathrooms?
Most natural wallcoverings are not recommended for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Exceptions: cork has natural moisture resistance and can be used in powder rooms. Mica is also moisture-tolerant. For wet areas, we recommend these two materials specifically.
How do I clean natural wallcoverings?
Natural wallcoverings should be dry-cleaned only. Use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust. For spots, gently blot (never rub) with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners, which can stain natural fibers permanently.
Company
Is Grasscloths a manufacturer or trading company?
Grasscloths is a specialized sourcing supplier and export partner. We curate natural wallcoverings from verified production partners, offering the advantage of multi-material sourcing through a single contact — covering all 6 material categories in one order. Our value is quality control, export logistics and buyer support, not factory-floor weaving.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We target a 24-hour response time for all inbound inquiries, including weekends. Most inquiries receive a detailed reply within 4–8 hours during China business hours (GMT+8, 9 AM – 6 PM).
Still Have Questions?
Our team responds within 24 hours — send us your question and we'll get back to you with a detailed answer.
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