Exactly How to Install Seagrass Carpet

We are here at a beautiful home in Middletown, Rhode Island with an absolutely gorgeous view of the sea.

This is not an easy proposition. Seagrass, as I’ve said in a prior video, “it’s alive!” What does this mean? It grows and it shrinks depending upon the temperature and humidity and the time of year.

The key thing with seagrass is to make it impossible for it to move.

The other thing that’s unusual about this job is that we have to seam the seagrass carpet. Seagrass is made in wide widths, but since we’re installing it in such a BIG room, seaming is necessary.

Thankfully, we have only the best craftsmen doing this work including Jody Tucker (our custom installation manager) and Jose Gomes (a master installer.) Both of them did a splendid job in this very difficult installation.

In the video above, Jody walks through exactly how he and Jose installed this seagrass carpet.

Jody: “In order to make the seam, what we’re using is a double-face microwave iron tape. It has a sticky back and I use a roller to ensure maximum adhesiveness to the carpet pad.

This installation is a double glue down. That means that we’re gluing right up to the microwave tape on each side. Gluing is important, especially when you’re near saltwater air since the seagrass will want to shrink. You have to use a lot of glue.

Once the glue has been evenly distributed on the floor, each piece of carpet has to be carefully placed on top. That’s the most delicate part of the job.

Now we can start doing the seam using a microwave iron. This tool sends microwaves through the rug and it activates the metal liner in the tape underneath and heats up the glue.

First, I seal the seam using a pam stick. Then immediately afterwards, Jose uses the microwave iron to finish the seam.”

If you want to install seagrass or natural fiber rugs, you need to know these things. Or, if you’re looking for a local company to do this work, Carpet Workroom of Newport has the best people in the business to do that.

With that in mind, we’re happy to help with anything you need. If you have questions about any of the above—or, you’re interested in finding a local company to handle natural rugs for you—give us a call at (401) 324-9215 or come visit our Middletown showroom. We’re happy to provide you with free advice.