Buyer Guide
What to Expect: Your First Grasscloth Purchase
Everything first-time buyers and specifiers need to know — from sample request to installed wall. Timeline, normal characteristics, common surprises and how to evaluate quality.
Key Takeaways
- See detailed sections below.
What Is the Process Timeline?
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sample request | 1-3 days | Request samples — free digital, $45 physical swatch kit |
| 2. Evaluation | 3-7 days | Compare in your room at different light conditions |
| 3. Ordering | 2-4 weeks (stock) | Confirm quantity, ship to your location |
| 3b. Custom color | 6-8 weeks | Lab dip → approval → production. See color guide |
| 4. Installation | 1-3 days/room | Professional installer, proper prep |
| 5. Enjoyment | 10-15 years | Beautiful walls, minimal maintenance |
What Is Normal for Natural Wallcovering?
- Visible seams: Expected and normal — part of the handwoven character
- Color variation between panels: Slight differences are inherent to natural dye absorption
- Texture irregularity: No two panels are identical — this is the appeal
- Natural fiber inclusions: Occasional thicker or darker fiber strands — evidence of real material
- Slight color shift over time: Warm patina develops — this is aging gracefully, not degrading
If any of these bother you, natural wallcovering may not be right — consider vinyl alternatives.
How Do You Evaluate Samples?
- Touch it: Feel the weave depth and fiber quality — this is the #1 advantage over vinyl
- View at multiple angles: Grasscloth looks different in direct vs. raking light
- Check at different times: Morning vs. evening light changes the color perception
- Hold against furnishings: Compare with your existing furniture, fabrics and flooring
- Look for consistency: Within a sample, the weave should be even and well-tensioned
See our detailed sample evaluation guide.
What Are Common First-Timer Mistakes?
- Not sampling: Never order full rolls without seeing a physical sample first
- DIY installation: Professional installation is strongly recommended — see guide
- Wrong room choice: Avoid bathrooms, kitchens and high-humidity areas
- Expecting vinyl uniformity: Natural material has natural variation — embrace it
- Ordering exact quantity: Always add 10% overage for waste and pattern matching
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
Sample request to installed wall: 4-8 weeks. Sampling takes 1-2 weeks, ordering 2-4 weeks for stock colors, 6-8 weeks for custom colors. Installation takes 1-3 days per room. Rush orders available for stock items.
What will surprise me most?
The texture. Photos do not do natural wallcovering justice. When you receive your first sample, the tactile depth and visual complexity will exceed expectations. Also: visible seams and panel-to-panel color variation are normal.
What if I do not like it after installation?
This rarely happens when samples are properly evaluated beforehand. Request full-size memo samples, view them in the actual room at different times of day, and set expectations about seams and variation. Proper sampling prevents regret.