Plant Wall Installation – A Guide from Idea to Finished Wall

A plant wall installation needs to be planned around the wall, materials, venue, mounting and how the room is used day to day. The process becomes more reliable when the information is clear from the start: measurements, a photo of the wall, light conditions, the desired look, and any fire, cleaning or accessibility requirements.

A plant wall can be preserved, artificial or living. The installation therefore doesn't look the same in every project. A preserved plant wall normally needs no watering, but requires a dry indoor environment. An artificial plant wall can be more practical in certain exposed locations. A living plant wall requires technical upkeep, water and light.

Plant wall installation – step by step

The installation doesn't start with the mounting itself. It starts with assessing the wall and the venue. Good initial information makes the design, materials and quote more accurate. For larger projects, there may also be a need to discuss logistics, fire requirements, working hours, and whether the venue is operating during installation.

1. Initial information. The customer sends measurements, photos, venue type and desired look.
2. Assessment. Wall, light, moisture, foot traffic, mounting and material choice are reviewed.
3. Proposal. Design, plant material, colour scheme, size and any frame or logo are discussed.
4. Quote. The quote should clearly outline materials, production, transport, installation and any add-ons. For a separate breakdown of cost factors, see our guide on plant wall pricing.
5. Production. The plant wall is made once the information, measurements and chosen solution are approved.
6. Installation. The wall is mounted according to the venue's conditions and the planned fixings.
7. Walkthrough. Afterwards, the responsible person should receive simple advice on placement, touching, cleaning and care.

Information needed before a quote

The most important thing is to show the space. A photo taken straight-on, ideally supplemented with side-angle shots, often says more than a long description. Measurements of the wall's width, height, ceiling height and placement in the room make it easier to assess proportion and scale.

Also describe the venue: office, reception, hotel, restaurant, shop, showroom or private setting. Different venues have different requirements for cleaning, foot traffic, fire documentation and installation. For office projects, the guide on plant walls for offices can offer more guidance on placement and overall look.

Wall, mounting and technical conditions

Not all walls should be treated the same way. Plasterboard, concrete, brick, wood board and existing wall panels may require different mounting. If the wall has power outlets, ventilation, alarms, sprinklers, signage, screens or doorways, this needs to be known before production.

It's also important to know whether drilling into the wall is allowed, whether the venue has specific rules, and whether the work needs to happen outside regular opening hours. In some settings, fire, mounting or material documentation may be required before the installation is approved.

Preserved, artificial or living plant wall

A preserved plant wall consists of treated natural materials. It normally needs no water or plant light, but should be placed in a dry spot indoors and protected from moisture, direct sun, heat and rough handling. It suits situations where a natural feel and low maintenance matter.

An artificial plant wall can be more durable in certain exposed environments and can be practical where cleaning, touching or material requirements make natural materials harder to use. A living plant wall is a separate technical project involving irrigation, light, plant care and ongoing upkeep.

The choice should be based on the venue's conditions, not just the desired look. For a broader comparison, see the article on preserved vs living green wall.

Logistics, production and installation

The timeline is affected by the project's size, materials, customisation, the wall's backing, transport, and when the venue is accessible. Smaller walls can often be planned more simply, while larger installations require more coordination between the client, the property, installers and any electrician. This applies especially when the installation takes place in a venue with opening hours, customer flow or limited access.

Before installation, the surface should be clear of furniture and easy to access. The transport route, lift, entrance, parking and the ability to carry panels in all matter. In a venue that's operating, installation may need to be scheduled at times that disrupt the business as little as possible.

After the installation

After installation, the responsible person should receive clear advice on how to handle the wall. For preserved plant walls, that normally means no watering, no wet-wiping, no spraying and no rough handling. Dusting should be done gently and dry, when needed.

Cleaning staff should be informed in writing if the wall is located in an office, hotel, shop or restaurant. The instructions should be short, clear and easy to share internally, since several people are often responsible for the venue's day-to-day operations. Much of the damage doesn't happen during installation, but later, when the wall is treated like an ordinary painted wall, plastic plant or piece of furniture.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is starting from an inspiration photo but skipping the technical questions. A plant wall that works in a lobby won't necessarily suit a narrow corridor, a sunny window location, or a wall with many fixtures. That's why the inspiration photo should always be translated into the venue's actual measurements, light and use.

Another mistake is underestimating logistics. If panels don't fit in the lift, if parking is unavailable, or if the wall is blocked by furniture, the installation can take longer or need to be rescheduled.

The third mistake is describing the plant wall as an acoustic solution, a work-environment measure, or a brand booster without supporting evidence. It's fine to describe the plant wall as visual and decorative interior design, but technical or psychological effects require documentation.

Checklist before installation

• Send measurements of the wall's width, height and desired coverage area.
• Send photos of the wall, the room and the access route.
• Describe what wall material is behind the surface layer.
• Mark power outlets, screens, ventilation, alarms and other obstacles.
• Check whether drilling, fire documentation or property approval is required.
• Plan clear working space in front of the wall during installation.
• Decide who will receive care and cleaning instructions after installation.

Frequently asked questions about plant wall installation