Question:

Could you please provide instructions as to the correct way to hang grass cloth (real, not vinyl)? I have understood there is a special method. The store where I am purchasing the wall covering was not aware of any special method.

Answer:

All I knew about hanging grass cloth was that it could be "tricky," so I searched out a little advice. I talked to two pros with the needed expertise.

John Wylie of Wylie's Paperhanging suggests that when hanging grass cloth you make sure the walls are properly prepared and sized. He recommends using a premixed clear vinyl adhesive. Trim 1 inch off each side of the grass cloth. And reverse every other strip.  Reversing every other strip is one way to install grass cloth that will accentuate the pattern effect.

Dan McVay with McVay Wallcoverings reiterated that adhesive could stain the front of grass cloth (even from the paste on your fingertips) - so clear adhesive is very important. He also mentioned that due to the paneling effect of grass cloth (you can see the seams), you should center at least one or two areas in the room – centering means that you would start installing the paper in the middle of the wall and work your way to the corners. Centering will assure that seams do not distract from focal points, you should plan seams so they will not interrupt features like wall  sconces, mirrors, pictures, etc.