INSTALLATION GUIDE for WOVEN Sisal, Coir, and Seagrass
floor coverings
When installing natural fiber floor coverings,
it is important to follow some basic guidelines.
It must be understood that these materials are woven
natural materials and will expand and contract under
different climate conditions, much like wood flooring
will do.
It is recommend the material be acclimated for
a minimum of 24 hours, open, at the installation
site before it is cut to fit. Failure to do so can
result in the material acclimating after it is already
cut in and installed, resulting in some shrinkage.
The more extreme the conditions the more critical
this becomes. Shrinkage is not manufacturing defect
and is avoidable.
Make sure the installation area is climate controlled
and remains that way for at least 48 hours after
the installation. Changes in the conditions at the
installation site will cause these products to expand
and contract prior to the adhesive setting up. Natural
fiber floor coverings need to be installed in climate
controlled areas only.
Use premium multi-purpose adhesives. Adhesive should
be spread evenly, using a spread rate of approximately
7 square yards per gallon. Use a 1/8" x 1/8"
U-notched trowel (minimum size). Getting a good
transfer of adhesive is very important. Take a few
seconds to make sure the trowel lines are fully
busted when the material is pressed into the glue.
These natural fiber floorcoverings require more
adhesives than normal glue down carpets since the
backings are not smooth and flat. All the voids
in the back must be filled with adhesive before
there is good contact. Making sure the trowel lines
are busted is the best indicator. A light coat of
adhesive is not sufficient to hold the material
in place. Bubbling and shrinkage will occur when
too little adhesive is used.
These floor coverings should be cut from the surface
using a straight edge with a slotted razor carpet
knife. Change the blades frequently. All the cuts
are "net".
These floor coverings make good side seams. Trim
the factory edges off on both sheets and match the
weave in the pattern as close as possible. Cross
seams will be more visible. When cross seams are
necessary, make sure they are sealed and placed
in less-visible areas. As a rule, cross seams need
to be minimized the same as in all woven floor coverings.
Tools: 1/8" x 1/8" U-notched trowel,
slotted razor knife and blades, straight edge, chalk
line.
Adhesive: a premium grade multi purpose adhesive
(low water-quick grabbing)
Surface prep: Clean, dry, and free of dust, grease,
wax. Concrete floors must be cured and dry. Make
sure concrete is free of excess moisture and that
cracks are filled. Other surfaces such as resilient
tile should be checked and patched as needed.
Installation procedures:
Dry fit the pre-cut floorcovering into the room,
centering the covering so that 3-4 inches surplus
will lap against the walls evenly. Leave excess
Make sure there is enough covering to reach the
center of thresholds in doorways. Allow the material
to acclimate for a minimum of 24 hours before making
your net cuts.
Side seams will provide the best results as is
the case in most woven products …
Trim off factory side edges when seaming….do
not double cut seams
After seams are matched, make sure the pattern
is aligned. Seam cuts should be net cuts
Make sure the trowel lines are ‘busted’
when the material is pressed into them.
Secure seams with seam adhesive. With an applicator
bottle, apply a bead to the edge on the backside….not
on the face
7. Trim the floor covering by making a crease in
the covering. At the wall, trim with the razor knife
8. Keep the conditions at the installation site
stable and well ventilated giving the adhesive time
to cure.
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