The Short Answer
Installing Woodwöl mosaic wood wall and ceiling tiles is straightforward when the space, surface, and adhesive are prepared correctly. The two main differences between Woodwöl and Stikwood are that Woodwöl does not come with adhesive on the back, and that Woodwöl comes in tile form, with multiple wood pieces attached to a backer.
Before You Begin
Woodwöl is a lightweight, real wood interlocking mosaic tile system. The tiles take on the strength of the surface they are installed on and can be installed on any flat, dry, primed surface.
Important: The installer is responsible for acclimatizing Woodwöl and following the installation guidelines. Failure to do so may result in warping, shrinkage, or other moisture and adhesion-related problems.
Prepare the Install Environment
- Complete all other work in the space before installation.
- Allow enough time for the installation surface and adjacent walls to reach 9% moisture content or less.
- Only install in a space that has been acclimatized for final occupancy.
- Only install when the temperature is 60°F or above.
- For best results, maintain relative humidity between 35% and 55% at 70°F before, during, and after installation.
Acclimate the Wood
Unbox and unwrap the Woodwöl tiles and allow them to acclimate in the installation space long enough for the wood to reach equilibrium moisture content.
Prepare the Surface
- The surface must be primed before installation.
- Make sure the primer is compatible with the chosen adhesive.
- Allow the primer to dry until the surface reaches 9% moisture content or less. Use a moisture meter if needed.
- For best results, prime the installation surface a similar color to the Woodwöl being installed.
- The surface should be flat enough to allow Woodwöl to adhere. The flexibility of the tile backer allows it to conform to most wall surfaces.
Lay Out the Installation
- Once acclimated, unpackage the materials and stack them in groups of 10, finished side down.
- Take a clean level line off the floor or base of the installation area. Floors, counters, and other surfaces are not always square or level, so make sure the layout on the wall is straight.
- From the center of the wall, draw a line to the top of the installation area. This centerline helps keep future cuts on the outside edges of the installation area.
Choose Your Installation Method
There are two approved methods for installing Woodwöl decorative wall panels:
- Premium polyurethane adhesive
- Premium thinset adhesive
Polyurethane Adhesive Method
Use one of the approved polyurethane construction adhesives:
- Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
- Titebond Greenchoice Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
- Liquid Nails Polyurethane Construction Adhesive Low VOC LN-950
Using a caulk gun, run a minimum 1/4-inch wide bead of adhesive along the back of each panel. “Connect the dots” by covering each perforation in the backer. This helps ensure the entire panel properly adheres to the wall.
Thinset Adhesive Method
Use one of the approved thinset systems:
- C-Cure Cure Crete 936 System
- Custom blend standard thin set mortar + thin set mortar admix
- Tec Full Set Plus premium unmodified thin set + Xtra Flex acrylic latex additive
- Laticrete 317 floor and wall mortar + 333 Super Flexible Additive
Mix the thinset in a large bucket and spread it over only the area that can be set within 15 minutes. Keep the centerline and level line exposed. Back-butter each sheet with a thin coat of thinset before applying it to the wall.
Install the Tiles
For 12“ x 12” Patterns
Place each panel directly next to and on top of the adjoining panels. Press firmly on each piece within a panel. Depending on the pattern, you can alternate the direction of the wood grain from one sheet to the next to achieve the desired look.
For Interlocking Patterns
Stagger each row of panels by a few inches to avoid creating a larger visible pattern and to keep the installation looking randomized.
- Check throughout the process to make sure you are staying level.
- If adhesive gets on the face or exposed edges of the panels, quickly wipe it off with a damp sponge.
- Install as many full panels as possible and leave cuts for the end.
- Fill areas that are not fully covered by measuring and cutting panels to fit.
- If exposed edges remain after cutting, sand the cut edges with sandpaper, then use the provided touch-up kit and a small paint sponge to carefully touch them up. Note: a touch-up kit is only provided with finished items such as White or Ember Black.
- Leave a minimum 3/16-inch gap wherever the panel abuts a wall, ceiling, or floor to allow for possible expansion after installation.
Important Notes
- If you plan to hang shelves, artwork, or pictures on the completed wall, anchor them to the wall and/or studs—not just to the Woodwöl product.
- For ceiling or upside-down horizontal installations, use the polyurethane adhesive method and add a 1 1/2-inch pin nail in each individual piece of mosaic.
- No grout is needed.
- Do not install near open flames.
- Do not install in areas with heavy water exposure.
- Woodwöl is not intended for exterior applications.
- Follow all local building codes when installing near fireplaces, stoves, or similar conditions.
Explore Woodwöl
Browse Woodwöl mosaic wood wall and ceiling tiles, view the Woodwöl collection page, or order a Woodwöl sample book to compare finishes before starting your project.
