How to Measure and Order Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth is one of the most beautiful wallcoverings you can choose, and one of the easiest to order wrong. Because it is a natural material, sold in wide rolls, a few extra steps before you order will save you time and money.

Step 1: Measure each wall

Measure the width and height of every wall you plan to cover, in inches. Write them down wall by wall. Don't subtract for doors and windows yet; you will use that as part of your extra allowance.

Step 2: Check the roll size

Every product page lists the width and roll length. Many of the grasscloths we carry are 36 inches wide, and roll lengths vary, often around 8 yards (288 inches). Always use the numbers listed for the product you are ordering.

Step 3: Count your strips

Divide the wall width by the roll width and round up. That is the number of strips (drops) you need for that wall.

Example: a wall 144 inches wide with 36-inch grasscloth needs 144 ÷ 36 = 4 strips.

Step 4: Work out strips per roll

Add about 4 inches to the wall height for trimming at the top and bottom. Then divide the roll length by that strip length and round down.

Example: a 108-inch (9-foot) wall plus 4 inches is a 112-inch strip. A 288-inch roll gives 288 ÷ 112 = 2.57, so 2 full strips per roll.

Step 5: Count your rolls, then add extra

Divide the strips you need by the strips per roll and round up. In our example, 4 strips ÷ 2 per roll = 2 rolls. Then add roughly 15 to 20% for trimming, mistakes and future repairs. For a small job like this, that usually means ordering one extra roll, so 3 rolls.

Things to know about grasscloth

• Seams will show. Grasscloth is woven from natural fibers, so each strip is slightly different, and the seams are visible. This is part of its character, not a defect.
• Color varies from roll to roll. Order everything you need at once so your rolls come from the same production run. Rolls ordered later may not match.
• Some patterns are reverse hung. Random-match grasscloths are often hung with every other strip turned upside down to even out shading. Check the product's match information.
• Keep it dry. Most grasscloth is not washable. It is best in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, and in powder rooms rather than full bathrooms.
• Hire an experienced installer. Grasscloth is less forgiving than printed paper. Ask your installer to confirm the roll count from your measurements before you order.

Order a sample first

Natural textures look different in every light. A sample is the best way to see the color and weave in your room before you commit. Browse our Grasscloth Collection, including Thibaut's Cape May Weave, Mackinac and Lake Shore, and contact us if you would like help with your measurements.