How do I install Lauhala Matting on a wall? - Tiki Carving

M Monkeyman Tiki Socialite Vista, CA Joined: Mar 04, 2003 Posts: 2386	M Monkeyman Posted posted on Thu, Jun 3, 2004 6:28 PM It has been quite some time since I wrote the original post. My expertise in this area has improved substantially. The best way to keep it modular and FLAT (no sagging lauhala) is to glue it (contact cement) and staple it to 1/4" plywood and THEN mount the plywood to the wall with only a few screws. The last thing you want is 100-200 staple holes in your wall. In addition, I recommend putting a small square of duct tape on the lauhala where you intend to staple it that way the staple does not simply shoot straight through the lauhala. Then take a remnant piece of lauhala (in single strips) and insert the scrap over the staple by tucking the edges under the nearby overlap. If you use this technique, then the matting stays flat and the staples are not visible at all.

It has been quite some time since I wrote the original post. My expertise in this area has improved substantially.

The best way to keep it modular and FLAT (no sagging lauhala) is to glue it (contact cement) and staple it to 1/4" plywood and THEN mount the plywood to the wall with only a few screws. The last thing you want is 100-200 staple holes in your wall. In addition, I recommend putting a small square of duct tape on the lauhala where you intend to staple it that way the staple does not simply shoot straight through the lauhala. Then take a remnant piece of lauhala (in single strips) and insert the scrap over the staple by tucking the edges under the nearby overlap.

If you use this technique, then the matting stays flat and the staples are not visible at all.

Post #94476 by Monkeyman on Thu, Jun 3, 2004 6:28 PM