A Moment of Tiki Episode 52: La-La-Lauhala

Lauhala matting, made in the Philippines by weaving together leaves of the native hala plant, is probably the single most popular wall covering for tiki spaces--either home tiki rooms or expansive commercial bars. I've never worked with lauhala before. Looking for a new aesthetic for my ongoing upstairs tiki build, I decided to try my hand at wrangling lauhala despite its reputation as a building material that wasn't entirely cooperative. Turns out, that reputation is not undeserved. Join me as I wrestle with how to cut lauhala square, attach it to drywall and anchor it with custom trim pieces so that it doesn't fall down. And also how to treat it so that the dry plant fibers don't become a critical fire hazard in your home!
Along the way, I might also power carve, torch, wire brush, stain and seal more than 50 feet (15 meters) worth of custom wood trim sporting a nifty Polynesian spiral design. If my baseboard technique way back in episode 8 wasn't enough for you, you're not going to want to miss this one.
Acoustics in the interior space are kind of terrible, so apologies for that in advance.
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[@aaronwilson4767]

Thanks for incorporating all the safety tips into your videos.

[@LagoonofMystery]

I often forget to mention them when I get working, and that's a problem. I also have bad habits arising from being self-taught I don't want to spread. The last thing I want to happen is someone hurting themselves because of my videos!

[@user-rz3dw8fj6l]

How does one guy know how to do everything? Nevermind. Go with it!

[@LagoonofMystery]

I don't! I scour Tiki Central, watch the KZbins and when that doesn't work, make it up as I go along! 😅

[@brianhaselden5680]

You might try 3M spray adhesive instead of nails. Frank's Bamboo suggests 3M90+ (I use 94). I just use a hard roller after the mat and wall have dried (similar to rubber glue). Easier to set the matting dead flat with no sagging, way faster and more accurate, and no nail holes. Cleans off with Goo Gone if you want to take it down. I went that route after previously using nails, gluing it to thin plywood, etc. and never looked back.

[@LagoonofMystery]

I definitely considered spray adhesive! Since I knew I'd be using custom baseboards, trim and crowns, however, I figured this would be simpler. But adhesive is absolutely a valid option!

[@stephenberrie8736]

Thanks for another informative video, always learning new tips and tricks

[@LagoonofMystery]

Happy to be of service!

[@rustyshackleford7923]

This was really helpful. Thanks!

[@LagoonofMystery]

You're welcome, Rusty!

[@littleredflying-fox]

Great job! I am probably alone on this, but I think the spotting of the matting from the fire retardant gives it a weathered look.

[@LagoonofMystery]

It's not obvious unless one looks closely--which isn't likely to be an issue in a darkened tiki space. The spotting did affect the new trim pieces as well and was more obvious on the dark wood. Soap and water cleaned that up, but it was still a pain to deal with.

[@jcost0099]

Great video! I like the extra info during the routing portion of your video. The inclusion of time it takes, burrs to use, and wood types will definitely help out the folks not yet experienced with doing this stuff.

[@LagoonofMystery]

I'm glad you found it useful! I realized it's been a couple years since I did anything related to routing trim pieces, and this was a different technique than I used on the baseboards, so would be valuable to include (as opposed to having them magically appear in the final video).

[@adambhoy]

Great stuff as always, Jayme--thanks for all your hard work. We can all benefit from your experience!

[@LagoonofMystery]

Thank you!

[@lenalight3788]

What we have done in the past, is used light mdf boards and used liquid cement to attach lauhala. Then just screwed mdf into walls. We had paneling on the bottom half of the wall, which was very helpful, so we only had to do the top half. It needed to be removable, so using mdf made it removable. We used flat bamboo to frame it out and hide seams, but I do appreciate your trim work! Adds a special touch.

[@benandrovich112]

As always, I love the detail you go into. It really helps!! Thanks again.

[@LagoonofMystery]

Hey, it keeps me off the streets! 😅

[@benandrovich112]

By the way, you did a video a while back at Nautical Antiques in Galveston. It was awesome!! I just got my first shipment from them the other day and it’s glorious. I’m rewiring the antique nautical lights this weekend, can’t wait!! So thank you for pointing me in the right direction

[@LagoonofMystery]

@@benandrovich112 They are great, aren't they? It's killing me that they're retiring next year. I'm hoping someone will buy the business and keep it going!

[@benandrovich112]

Oh wow, I’m so glad you let me know. I missed Oceanic Arts by 6 months (they closed half a year before I finally was able to start my tiki bar construction). So, I will be sure to load up on Nautical Antiques in the next few months. I really hope someone will take it over too!

[@LagoonofMystery]

@@benandrovich112 Yes, they announced last month that they're retiring mid-2024. They're going to continue operating normally until then, with new shipments coming in, so it's not like they're going to be picked over anytime soon. Still, with the loss of OA and now Nautical Antique Warehouse, it's getting tough to source tiki decor!

[@j_finderup]

This video comes at the right moment, as I am about to attach my Lauhala to the wall. Great ideas in this video, especially with the panels you made. 👍

[@LagoonofMystery]

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out!

[@donsherpa9833]

Amazing ! Thanks for the video I’m looking into incorporating lahaula into my tiki bar. The stuff’s kinda pricey 😮!

[@LagoonofMystery]

Thank you! And yes, it is pricey. The sad truth of the matter is that tiki is not cheap to do. At least, not if you want to do it right.

[@donsherpa9833]

@@LagoonofMystery totally agree, especially nowadays, more than it ever was! Makes it more special! I’ll be posting my personal tiki backyard soon! Keep tiki ing my friend!

[@jeffreyparsons7374]

Is there a place online you’d recommend to purchase lauhala?

[@LagoonofMystery]

Forever Bamboo (although they seem to be out at the moment, they currently do have Bac Bac matting). For woven bamboo panels I'd suggest Bamboo Creasian.

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

Great channel keep up the good work

[@LagoonofMystery]

Thank you!

[@nice1nik]

What’s more economical lauhala? Or Bamboo matting?

[@LagoonofMystery]

Broadly speaking, in my experience bamboo matting is marginally less expensive than lauhala matting, but not enough to be a major factor in the decision. That said, the price can vary from retailer to retailer and week to week. A shop that was more expensive the previous month may be the best deal today. Some offer free shipping, others not, which can make a big difference. COVID supply chain issues still crop up from time to time and lauhala seems more impacted than bamboo matting. Aesthetically, the two offer different looks. I've had good experiences ordering my bamboo matting from Bamboo Creasian and bamboo tambour panels along with lauhala from Forever Bamboo, but there are certainly other reputable companies out there for you to consider.

[@nice1nik]

Thank you so much@@LagoonofMystery