If you are looking for a fun way to bring an element of the outdoors into your home, a gorgeous moss wall is a great option to make that a reality. Whether you’re considering a true living moss wall to frame your garden or outdoor patio space, or a preserved moss wall to accent your office or living room, you are sure to make an eye-catching statement.

While many companies can assemble a stunning moss wall, they often come with a hefty price tag that may be out of your budget.

To help you bring this dream to life, we have put together this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, describing how to create a moss wall that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family. The best part is that it allows you to add your own personal touch!

You Will Need

  • Pre-built frame or wood necessary to build a border frame
  • A piece of plywood cut to the desired size of your wall (or corkboard for a preserved moss wall)
  • A variety of different types of moss (preserved or live)
  • Rocks, stones, sticks, driftwood
  • Fishing line
  • Glue gun or super glue

Step One: Build a Frame

two pieces of wood being secured to create a frame

Image Credit: architectphd on Canva

The first big decision you will have to make is how large your finished moss wall will be. While some people choose to cover the entire wall with shades of green, others prefer to target one part of the wall for a slightly smaller display.

In addition to the four sides of the frame that will be seen around the perimeter of your moss wall, you will also need to add a piece of plywood to the back to create a surface to build everyone on.

If you are planning on adding a unique touch to your moss wall by creating it in a fun shape or design, this is where you would frame that out.

Step Two: Choose Your Moss Options

a selection of preserved moss varieties

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Next, you have to decide whether you will build a living wall or a preserved moss wall. It will largely depend on the maintenance you are willing and able to do after your wall has been installed. 

The water and humidity need to maintain a living wall are hard to preserve indoors without causing damage to your existing walls, floor, or nearby furniture. For this reason, we recommend a preserved moss wall indoors. However, if you're adding a wall to an outdoor space like your garden, a living wall is a beautiful choice.

The difference between real moss and preserved moss is that preserved moss has had its water content replaced with a preservative. It allows it to retain the colors and appearance of real moss. However, it no longer requires water to stay vibrant. The only ongoing maintenance necessary for a preserved moss wall is occasional dusting. 

For a living wall, you select living, growing moss that will need to be watered and cared for to keep it alive and thriving. Start growing your moss indoors before transferring it to your moss wall. To create depth and interest in your moss wall, combine different colors, sizes, and textures

In addition to moss, you can also incorporate other elements of interest, including rocks, sticks, and driftwood. Not only does this add some more dimension to your display, but for those working on a living will, this will create a variety of different surfaces to accommodate the growing needs of your different types of moss. Start your moss growing on these items before everything is assembled in the frame.

Step Three: Attach Your Moss

glue gun lying on a wooden table

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This step is easy if you are building a preserved moss wall. Arrange your moss in the frame, mixing the different options until you are happy with the overall appearance. Secure the moss to the plywood backing of your frame using a hot glue gun, super glue, or wood glue. Choose something strong that will hold your moss in place securely over time.

If you are building a living wall, this step has some additional considerations. You will need to ensure that each variety of moss is attached in a way that will provide it with the necessary elements for growth. For moss that needs to be rooted, drill holes into the plywood board and tie them on using a fishing line. Make sure that you are using a fishing line, not twine or another type of string that will decompose over time.

If you are including air plants, they get all of the nutrients that they require from the air. For this reason, they can be glued directly to the surface like preserved moss. Finally, for moss varieties growing on rocks and wood, allow them to take hold to their ideal surface before gluing the item into the frame. For example, start your moss on a piece of driftwood and allow it to grow and root into the wood before gluing the wood to the plywood backing.

Step Four: Check to Ensure Everything is Secure

living wall with a variety of different moss varieties and succulents

Image Credit: PamelaJoeMcFarlane on Canva

Follow the directions on your glue or adhesive to the time necessary for it to fully dry. Afterward, lift your frame and wiggle it slightly, taking note of any moss that may be loose or fall out. Make sure that everything is secured, adding glue where necessary. Repeat this process until nothing moves or falls free when you test it.

Step Five: Hang Your Moss Wall

moss wall panel displayed on a shelf

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The time has come to hang your moss wall in its desired location. For a living wall, secure the wall somewhere where any excess water can drip from the frame without causing damage. Use nails, screws, or wire to secure it in place. These options can stand up to the elements over time without the risk of decomposition.

The amount of sunlight necessary will depend on the moss varieties you have chosen, creating their ideal growing conditions. Most types will require at least a couple of hours of natural light every day. Make sure to mist your living wall with water frequently to maintain the necessary moisture levels.

For a preserved moss wall, hang your frame in a location where it is out of direct sunlight as it can fade the colors of the moss over time. Another option for displaying a preserved moss panel is to prop it up on a shelf or table. Over time you may need to replace moss if some fall off, but it is maintenance-free for the most part.

Embrace the Natural Beauty of a Moss Wall in Your Home

Easy to make and budget-friendly, moss walls have been gaining great popularity recently on social media. It is an awesome choice for those interested in bringing a natural element into their home but lack the green thumb necessary to take care of traditional houseplants.

It’s also a fun option for pet owners as they can be hung out of the reach of their pets. Whether you create one large moss wall or a series of smaller panels to achieve your desired result, it can complement the decor in any space.