In this guide

Wallpaper Installation Cost Per Square Foot

The price per square foot for a vinyl-coated wallpaper installation is between $3.70 and $8.20, including labor and materials. Wallpaper can often be purchased and installed by the square foot. This is very common because each room, wall, or area is different, so having the ability to custom purchase the right amount of material is crucial. A vinyl-coated wallpaper was used for this example because it is a mid-range wallpaper and a popular material.

Wallpaper Cost Per Yard

The average cost of wallpaper per square yard for a vinyl-coated wallpaper is between $33 and $74. This includes materials and labor costs. Although not as common as being sold by the square foot or roll, wallpaper is also sold per yard.

Wallpaper Cost By Material

The wallpaper’s material is one of the biggest cost factors. Materials range widely in price. Each material gives a different look and style to the room. These prices are for the material only and do not include installation.

Non-Woven Wallpaper Price

The average cost of non-woven wallpaper is $0.50 to $1.15 per square foot or $18 to $40 per roll. Non-woven wallpaper was originally designed to make wallpaper removal easier. It has a paper backing and is washable and environmentally friendly. There is no vinyl used in non-woven wallpaper, which makes it better for the environment. It can also be washed without damaging the product, so it can be placed in high-traffic areas or rooms where it could get dirty.

Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper Price

The average cost for vinyl-coated wallpaper is between $1.67 and $2.23 per square foot or $58 to $78 per roll. Vinyl-coated wallpaper is more durable than plain paper wallpaper. It has a paper base with a vinyl coat over the top. This coat makes the wallpaper more durable and can be washed. This wallpaper can be used in high-traffic areas or areas with higher moisture levels, such as in bathrooms and kitchens.

Vinyl Wallpaper Cost

Vinyl ¹ wallpaper costs $1.76 to $2.33 per square foot or $60 to $80 per roll. Vinyl wallpaper is a popular material because it is low maintenance and easy to clean. It has a water-resistant finish to be used in bathrooms and kitchens that have more moisture than other rooms. Vinyl wallpaper comes in various colors and textures and can even be custom designed. The versatility of vinyl makes it one of the most chosen wallpaper options.

Woven Wallpaper

On average, woven wallpaper ranges from $1.76 to $2.33 per square foot or $60 to $80 per roll. Woven wallpaper is made of polyester fabric and has a woven pattern and texture. It is not meant for high-traffic areas or places with a lot of water or where it could be damaged. Because woven wallpaper has its own texture, it does not work well on previously textured or painted walls.

Solid-Sheet Vinyl Wallpaper

The average cost for solid-sheet vinyl wallpaper is about $1.85 to $2.40 per square foot or $65 to $84 per roll. Solid-sheet vinyl, also known as paper-backed vinyl, consists of a paper backing and a solid decorative surface. It is known for its durability because the surface is solid. Solid-sheet vinyl is moisture-resistant and easy to clean. This material is not suitable for a mudroom or where there could be a physical damage.

Foil Wallpaper

Foil wallpaper is naturally more expensive than standard wallpaper and costs an average of $2.14 to $2.71 per square foot or $75 to $95 per roll. Foil wallpaper is made of a thin metallic foil and comes in many patterns, textures, and colors. They are a bold addition and can make a room pop. Foil is notoriously difficult to install because it is very thin, tears easily, and defects are magnified by the foil’s shine. Despite this, foil wallpaper is very versatile and beautiful.

Grasscloth Wallpaper Cost

Grasscloth ² wallpaper costs on average $90 to $140 per roll or $2.47 to $3.97 per square foot. Grasscloth wallpaper is made of natural fibers, such as hemp, seagrass, bamboo, joot, rafia, and arrowroot grass. The wallpaper is handwoven, which makes this a unique and more expensive option. The backing is unpasted rice paper. Because they are handwoven from natural materials, each roll of grasscloth wallpaper is unique. Grasscloth should not get wet and is considered more of a statement piece than a durable wall covering. Additionally, grasscloth wallpaper is very hard to install and can hold scents in the fibers.

Vinyl-Coated Fabric Wallpaper

The average cost for vinyl-coated fabric wallpaper is $2.50 to $3 per square foot or $90 to $105 per roll. Vinyl-coated fabric wallpaper is similar to solid-sheet vinyl wallpaper. Instead of a paper backing, the backing is fabric. This wallpaper can be very beautiful and is meant to be decorative. It is not the most durable option and is popular in low-traffic areas like dining and living rooms. These are meant to be artistic pieces and can be extravagant.

Textile Wallpaper

Textile wallpaper prices range from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot or $90 to $160per roll. There are two types of textile wallpapers, natural and synthetic. Natural textile wallpapers use laminated natural fibers, usually on paper backing. Sometimes, they are mounted on an acrylic backing instead. Synthetic textile wallpaper is made the same way, but instead of using natural fibers, synthetic fibers are used. Textile wallpaper cannot be cleaned with water and can be easily impacted by moisture. There are many colors, textures, and patterns available.

Fiberglass Wallpaper

Fiberglass ³ wallpaper costs an average of $3 to $5 per square foot or $105 to $175 per roll. This wallpaper, also known as glasscloth wallpaper, is a style made of woven glass fibers. The glass yarns can be of different thicknesses for a unique look. Fiberglass wallpaper is very strong and can be used in high-traffic areas. It is fire-resistant and has an average life of 30 years.

Velvet Wallpaper

The average cost for velvet wallpaper is about $175 to $245 per roll or $5 to $7 per square foot. Velvet wallpaper is an older style of wallpaper. Besides being soft and elegant, it is fire-resistant and provides great thermal insulation. It is also easy to clean and maintain. There are various colors, textures, and patterns to make them unique.

Bamboo Wallpaper

Expect to pay $6 to $8 per square foot of bamboo wallpaper or $210 to $280 per roll. Bamboo wallpaper is made of natural bamboo. It is usually mounted on a paper backing. While bamboo is physically durable, it expands and contracts significantly with changes in moisture. As a result, it cannot be cleaned. Bamboo wallpaper always retains its color. Bamboo wallpaper is eco-friendly and offers a range of natural colors. No two rolls of bamboo wallpaper are identical because they are made of natural materials.

Wallpaper Price by Type

There are several types of wallpaper, which differs from the material. The wallpaper type used can be determined by the location, how it is installed, or a coating over the material. Below is a table of costs and details on each type of wallpaper, excluding the installation cost.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Cost

Peel-and-stick wallpaper, also called self-adhesive wallpaper, costs an average of $20 to $45 per roll. It is great for easy installation and removal. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is also versatile. Installation is as simple as pulling off the backing and sticking it to the wall. It is also designed to be easy to remove. Because of this, people use peel-and-stick wallpaper for everything from walls and bookshelves to bathrooms and basements.

Prepasted Wallpaper

Prepasted wallpaper costs about $20 to $80 per roll. It has a dry inactivated adhesive on the back. It is a style meant to make the installation process simpler. To activate the adhesive, prepasted wallpaper must be sprayed with water before installing it on the wall. This is a great option for those who want to install it DIY.

Liquid Wallpaper Price

Liquid wallpaper prices range from $25 to $50 per pack. Liquid wallpaper is unique because it does not come in rolls. It is liquid and made of natural materials, such as cellulose and cotton fiber. Liquid wallpaper is great in arches or areas where normal wallpaper is difficult to install. It can also be repaired easily, similar to touching up paint. Because of the natural materials, liquid wallpaper can be lightly textured. Liquid wallpaper comes in dried packs roughly equivalent to one roll of standard wallpaper.

Printed Wallpaper Price

The average cost for a roll of printed wallpaper is $30 to $50. This wallpaper is printed digitally, meaning it is usually cheaper than other types of wallpaper and offers an almost infinite number of color and pattern options. However, printed wallpaper tears easily. It is not as sturdy as some other types, but its lower price and variety of patterns and colors make it an attractive choice for many.

Water-Resistant Wallpaper

Water-resistant wallpaper is $45 to $75 per roll on average. Also known as moisture-resistant, it is a coating put over the desired wallpaper. This can be done during manufacturing or after it is installed. Not all materials can be water-resistant. Grasscloth, foil, bamboo, and velvet wallpaper cannot have the coating on it because it ruins the material. Most vinyl and paper-based wallpaper can have a coating on it. The water-resistant coating protects wallpaper in high-traffic areas.

Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper costs an average of $50 to $125 per roll. Some textured wallpaper is thicker and comes in panels because it cannot be rolled. Textured wallpaper is three-dimensional. The texture can be one of two design details: physically raised portions in the design’s details or printed to appear 3D. Textured wallpaper is great for adding depth to a room. Because it has 3D features, it can be more expensive and harder to clean. Several materials, such as vinyl and pressed paper, are used to make textured wallpaper, which affects if it can be cleaned.

Embossed Wallpaper

Embossed wallpaper prices range from $70 to $105 per roll. Embossed wallpaper is unique in that it can be painted over. It is great for covering up areas of a wall or ceiling that might have light damage. This wallpaper has a texture, adding volume and depth to any room. Embossed wallpaper is also popular on ceilings to give a Victorian-era feel.

Mylar Wallpaper

Expect to pay around $80 to $230 per roll of Mylar wallpaper. This wallpaper has a polyester film coating the print’s top so that it can be washed. This is a huge benefit if you want wallpaper in a high-traffic area or somewhere that it could get dirty. The Mylar coating protects the print and makes it washable. It can be tricky to install because this type creases easily, but removing Mylar wallpaper is fairly simple. It is a more expensive type of wallpaper.

Average Cost of Wallpaper By Brand

Different brands offer various options and benefits. Some brands specialize in a specific style or type, while others offer many material and design choices. There are pros, cons, and cost differences for each brand of wallpaper. The costs below are for materials only and do not include installation.

Porter Teleo Wallpaper Cost

Porter Teleo wallpaper costs $45 to $425 a roll. The studio produces unique, hand-printed wallpaper designs, mainly in neutral colors. Their abstract and contemporary artwork is featured on long-lasting wallpaper with pops of color throughout. There is limited availability for all original wallpaper designs, which can influence the final price.

Thibaut Wallpaper Cost

Most people pay between $100 and $250 for Thibaut wallpaper rolls. As the oldest wallpaper company in America, Thibaut is known for print, vinyl, and performance wallpaper in various colors and patterns. Natural tweed and grasscloth wallpapers are some of their popular offerings with neutrals and pastels. Although, they have stripes, geometric, floral, leaves, and animal print options too.

Pierre Frey Wallpaper Cost

Wallpaper rolls from Pierre Frey cost $150 to $600 on average. The company specializes in traditional French wallpapers and fabrics with an elegant, eccentric wallpaper collection. Their offerings include colorful geometric designs and pretty floral designs. Animal, nature, mosaic, and botanical-themed wallpapers are non-woven and feature hand-painted details in many varieties.

Cole and Son Wallpaper Prices

The average cost for Cole and Son wallpaper is between $165 and $185 per roll. However, prices can go as high as $650 per roll, depending on the style. Cole and Son specialize in print wallpapers in floral, geometric, and striped patterns. They have several grades of wallpaper, ranging from decorative use and light-traffic areas to general domestic and light commercial use, which would be more water have damage-resistant. Cole and Son have nearly every pattern of wallpaper imaginable.

Zoffany Wallpaper Prices

Zoffany wallpaper costs on average $230 to $270 per roll. Zoffany offers many wallpaper options. They tout sophistication and cater to high-end clientele. They specialize in printed wallpapers with patterns. Zoffany takes its inspiration from varying times in history. Their wallpapers have been known to be easy to maintain and hold their color.

Farrow And Ball Wallpaper Cost

The average cost for a roll of Farrow and Ball wallpaper is $250 to $400. Farrow and Ball use eco-friendly processes when making their wallpaper, including water-based paint, eliminating vinyl, and sourcing all-natural materials. Their products are vegan, child-friendly, and naturally made. The price of this brand is mid-range compared to other brands.

Zuber Wallpaper Cost

The average price of Zuber wallpaper is $250 to $450 per roll. Known for its repeat styles, wood blocks, and awe-inspiring scenes, Zuber produces unique panoramic artwork for elegant, classical decor. The highly detailed wallpaper panels depict monumental scenes of European history, wars, palaces, royal life, and the world as it once was. These one-of-a-kind artistic wallpapers are bright in color and historical significance.

Phillip Jeffries Wallpaper Cost

The average price for Phillip Jeffries wallpaper rolls is $250 to $475. As a leading provider of natural, textured, and specialty wallpapers and wallcoverings, the company has premium products that last longer than standard wallpaper. Their textiles include large geometric patterns and beach/desert-themed imagery. Vinyl hemps and grasses add a bit of shimmer to living rooms and bedrooms.

Calico Wallpaper Prices

The average cost for Calico wallpaper is $900 to $1,200 per roll. Calico wallpaper is a popular company specializing in printed wallpapers. Most of their products use a vinyl base, making it durable and heat and water-resistant. This is not a wallpaper you can find in a store, however. Calico custom prints each order to the size desired by the customer. They can also provide custom colors and designs for an added cost.

Gracie Wallpaper Cost

Gracie sells its product in 3’ x 10’ panels, which start at $1,000 each and range up to $4,500 per panel. Customizations to the wallpaper are additional costs. Gracie wallpaper is comparable to De Gournay. They are an American-based wallpaper company that specializes in high-end hand-painted wallpaper. They have numerous collections, including everything from exotic landscapes to panoramics.

De Gournay Wallpaper Cost

This wallpaper is a custom design and priced upon request only, but it can be well over $1,000 per panel. De Gournay specializes in hand-painted wallpaper. They offer limited design options across a series of collections. Each piece of wallpaper is meant to be a work of art. This wallpaper is painted by hand and designed to the customer’s preferences.

Wallpaper Pricing By Design

There can also be a range of prices for different wallpaper designs. These designs enhance standard wallpaper and create a unique atmosphere in your home. This wallpaper’s design can be an elegant addition or decoration to any room. The prices below are for the wallpaper materials and do not include installation.

3D Wallpaper Price

The average cost of a roll of 3D wallpaper ranges from $25 to $70 per roll. 3D wallpaper adds dimension to a room. This is a specific style of printed wallpaper where the shading and colors create the perception of three dimensions. Some of the designs are very intricate. They can make a space pop and are great as accent pieces in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms.

Toile Wallpaper

Toile wallpaper is a cheaper variety and usually runs between $30 and $90 per roll. As a specific subset of printed wallpaper, the print is a repeating pattern of a scene. This is usually an outdoor scene, such as cityscapes or nature. The scene is usually small and repeated numerous times on a wall.

Wallpaper Half Wall

The average cost to wallpaper half of a wall is about $50 to $70 per roll. The total amount needed for half of a wall depends on the wall’s size. The cost to wallpaper half of an 8’ x 15’, or 60 square foot 3, wall using a standard vinyl 5 wallpaper ranges between $100 and $140. Using half of the wall is a great way to create space and separation in a room when choosing where and how to wallpaper. Additionally, bold patterns and prints look great on half walls without seeming overwhelming. This can also be great for bright and dark color schemes. The wallpaper can be on the wall’s top or bottom half, depending on the look desired. Some people choose to do a third or a quarter of a wall for a unique look

Wallpaper One Wall Cost

The average cost for a roll of wallpaper is the same as the half wall, typically between $50 and $70 for a standard printed paper or vinyl 5 wallpaper. The average price to wallpaper a full 8’ x 15’, or 120 square foot 3, wall using a standard vinyl 5 wallpaper is between $200 and $280. Covering the entire wall gives a uniform look throughout the room or wall. The only downside to wallpapering the entire wall is if a bold pattern or color was chosen. This creates an overwhelming feeling in the room.

Flock wallpaper

Prices for flock wall coverings typically range from $70 to $175 per roll. Flock wallpaper is a specific design style created when the pattern is slightly raised from the wallpaper. This creates a textured and 3D look. The pattern’s raised portion is typically made of velvet or other soft material. Unlike velvet wallpaper, only small areas of flock wallpaper have the raised texture.

Wallpaper Accent Walls

The average cost for artistic accent walls increases to between $90 and $125 per roll. For an 8’ x 15’, 120-square-foot accent wall, the average cost to wallpaper is between $360 and $500. Wallpaper can also make a great accent wall, usually creating a bolder look than entire-room wallpaper. Accent walls are great to add some style and flair. This is great for flock, bamboo, and even velvet wallpaper.

Wallpaper Mural

Murals make great accent walls in a house and are more expensive, ranging from $100 to $300 per roll. Expect to pay between $400 and $1,200 for a wallpaper mural of 120 square feet. Wallpaper murals, typically on an accent wall, usually have one large image rather than a repeating pattern. Some murals could be cityscapes, naturescapes, or large geometric shapes. The difference between mural wallpaper and standard wallpaper is mural is one cohesive picture.

Wallpaper Installation Cost

Hanging wallpaper can usually be completed in one to two days of work and costs between $400 and $1,300 for installation, depending on the wall’s condition and wallpaper type. For example, installation for a 12’ x 18’ room using vinyl 5 wallpaper costs between $350 and $500 for materials and an average of $450 to $700 for installation, bringing the total average cost to $800-$1,200. A professional installer is always the best choice because they have the tools and experience to install wallpaper correctly the first time, saving on timely repairs and redos that can quickly add up. Different ways in which wallpaper may be priced are shown in the table, including the cost per hour ($30 to $60), the cost to hang wallpaper ranging from $18 to $54, cost per yard from $18 to $54, and the wallpaper rate per sq. ft. which usually ranges from $2 to $6.

Wallpaper Installation Process

Wallpaper installation can be a fairly involved process. Most of the cost is dependent on the wall’s condition and the wallpaper type and style. Some wallpapers, such as a peel-and-stick vinyl 5, are simple to install. Others, such as bamboo and foil, are incredibly difficult and time-consuming.

First, a contractor must prepare the walls. This means cleaning the wall so that the adhesive can be applied. Sometimes, an existing wall’s texture must be removed so that it does not disrupt or ruin the wallpaper being installed. Generally, the cleaning and preparation of the wall are included in the price. However, these may be billed separately at the contractor’s hourly rate if extensive texture removal must be completed.

Next, the wallpaper is measured and cut. A plumb line ensures the wallpaper is straight. The paste or adhesive is applied, and the first piece of wallpaper is hung. Then, the contractor moves around the area, hanging pieces of wallpaper. They ensure the wallpaper has no folds, creases, or bubbles.

After the contractor is finished, they make sure the corners are all cut and installed properly. They fill in any gaps and trim the excess wallpaper before sealing. Typically, contractors have an hourly rate for this, but sometimes it is by area.

Cost to Wallpaper a Room

Different rooms in a home can have varying wallpapering prices. Some wallpapers are better suited for different areas. For example, vinyl wallpaper is durable and could be installed in a bathroom, kitchen, or living room. Bamboo is very susceptible to moisture, so it is exclusively an indoor wallpaper that would not do well outside or in a bathroom or kitchen. The prices below include materials and installation.

Ceiling Wallpaper Price

A ceiling of 100 square feet costs between $370 and $700 to install using a vinyl-coated wallpaper. Using wallpaper on a ceiling is a great way to make a room pop. It is not very common, but it can be tasteful and decorative when done well. Depending on the room the wallpaper is installed in, the necessary durability of the wallpaper could change.

Cost to Wallpaper a Bathroom

The average installation cost, including materials, of bathroom wallpaper is usually between $650 and $1,200 for a bathroom of approximately 170 square feet. Wallpaper in a bathroom needs to handle moisture. It also should be durable and able to be cleaned. Solid-sheet vinyl 5 wallpaper is one of the better choices for a bathroom wallpaper material. Due to a bathroom being a high-traffic area and the change in moisture, there are not many materials that could handle the everyday usage a bathroom gets.

Outdoor Wallpaper

When wallpapering an exterior wall with an area of 200 square feet, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,400. While most of this buying guide focuses on indoor wallpaper, there is specific wallpaper that can be installed outdoors. It is not very common and is quite expensive. Typically, outdoor wallpaper is an accent to the rest of the facade. Outdoor wallpaper is specifically made to be water and weather-resistant and durable.

Bedroom Wallpaper Cost

The average bedroom is about 300 square feet. The average material and installation costs for wallpapering a bedroom are between $1,100 and $2,100. Bedrooms are a great place to create a unique look with wallpaper. They are a personal space that can be customized to each person’s needs. There is a lot of traffic in a bedroom, but not as much of a chance for damage or moisture. Similar to a living room, a vinyl-coated fabric wallpaper is a good bedroom option.

Kitchen Wallpaper Price

For a standard kitchen of about 385 square feet, the cost to install wallpaper ranges from $1,500 to $2,700. Kitchens have very similar needs to bathrooms. The wallpaper must be durable, water-resistant, and able to handle daily traffic. It should also handle damage well. Kitchens are one of the most used rooms in a home, so having the right wallpaper is key. Solid-sheet vinyl 5 or woven wallpaper meets all these requirements.

Living Room Wallpaper Price

Using a vinyl-coated fabric wallpaper, the cost for materials and installation are between $1,600 and $3,250 for a living room of 450 square feet. Living rooms do not need as durable wallpaper as bathrooms and kitchens, but it is still a fairly high-traffic room. This is a room where the wallpaper could be more decorative rather than functional. Non-woven and vinyl-coated fabric wallpapers are great for living rooms.

Wallpaper for a Garage

A 500-square-foot garage costs an average of $1,900 to $3,600 for wallpaper and installation. A garage is another unique place for wallpaper to be installed. If the garage is finished and temperature-controlled, nearly any wallpaper type or material can be used. However, if the garage is not temperature or moisture-controlled, a durable wallpaper like vinyl-coated should be used.

Wallpaper Hanging Cost Per Roll

The cost to hang wallpaper falls between $90 and $150 per roll. This includes labor and a medium-priced wallpaper, such as a vinyl-coated wallpaper with a basic pattern. This is the most common way wallpaper is sold. A standard single roll of wallpaper is 28-30 square feet. However, wallpaper is manufactured in double rolls, which are between 56 and 60 square feet. Although wallpaper is priced per single roll, you can only buy it in even numbers:

Wallpaper Replacement Cost

Replacing wallpaper is more expensive than installing wallpaper for the first time. The old wallpaper must be removed before putting up the new wallpaper. This is not simple and could ruin or damage the wall if done incorrectly.

Professionals can remove wallpaper without harming the wall, but it can be time intensive. Some wallpapers, such as a peel-and-stick style, are meant to be temporary and easily removed. Others like textured and fabric wallpaper are harder to remove and cost more.

The average labor cost to remove wallpaper is between $0.75 and $2 per square foot. This does not include the installation. There may also be a $50 to $75 material handling and disposal fee, but some contractors dispose of the old wallpaper for free.

Considering the cost to remove and install new wallpaper, including materials and labor, a complete replacement project for a 12’ x 18’ room costs $1,162 to $1,432.

Floor Wallpaper Price

While floor wallpaper isn’t common in older homes, it’s becoming more popular with 3D technology that creates vivid imagery to transform basic floors into stylish, eye-catching designs. Some interesting options include marble floors, water, trees, and clouds. The average cost per roll is $25 to $75. Some homeowners may try to lay the floor wallpaper themselves, while others have contractors do it for $30 to $80 per hour. It’s always recommended to hire a professional because once the wallpaper is attached to the floor, it’s hard to fix any installation mistakes.

Not all contractors have experience in floor wallpaper. Generally, fewer varieties are available than traditional wallpaper. Even so, if you want to do something different on your floor without paying thousands of dollars for new flooring, this kind of wallpaper may be a viable option. Just check with your local wallpaper installer to see if they offer floor installations. Most installers charge per sq. ft. of floor.

Preparing Walls for Wallpaper

Before installing wallpaper, prepare the walls for the wallpaper. Dirty or damaged walls can cause an imperfect seal with the wallpaper, causing gaps, bubbles, or creases in the wallpaper. It can also cause the wallpaper to fall off prematurely.

Small imperfections, such as holes or small scratches, are fairly simple to repair. The damage needs to be filled in with spackle. Large bumps or textures on the wall must be sanded down.

Some wallpapers can be installed on a wall with a little texture. However, certain wallpaper materials, such as foil, cannot have any texture. The contractor hired to install the wallpaper may include wall preparation in the price, but it should not be more than an hour or two, costing between $25 and $160 if it is not already included.

Moving and protecting furniture is typically included in a contractor’s price, but confirm this before they arrive. Additional items, such as decorations, books, and other personal effects, should be moved before the contractor comes.

It may be more practical to install lining paper before the wallpaper if damage to walls is significant enough or there are many imperfections that must be fixed. Lining paper is made of fiberglass and does not have a pattern. Its purpose is to create a clean and durable base layer for the wallpaper to adhere to. There are different thicknesses of wallpaper liner ⁴ that can be used based on the amount of damage that must be covered up. A roll of wallpaper liner, approximately 55 square feet, typically costs between $20 and $40.

It is still important to cover imperfections with plaster ⁵ or spackle ⁶ for peel-and-stick wallpaper. The most important thing to do before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper is to clean the walls thoroughly. Standard soap should not be used because the residue could cause the adhesive to not stick. The best solution is sugar soap or hot water with vinegar to clean the walls.

How to Measure for Wallpaper

Homeowners and contractors rely on accurate measurements to ensure wallpaper is appropriately fitted for the space. Your wall measurements will help with the cost estimate of the overall wallpaper project. Generally, you need to measure the wall height and width to calculate how much total area you need to cover. These measurements determine how many wallpaper rolls are required. Use a tape measure and a beam level to measure from the top of the wall to the bottom and from one side of the room to the other.

For more complicated wallpaper jobs with organic shapes, doorways, windows, and furniture to consider, it’s best to use an online wallpaper calculator from a reputable source or ask your contractor to help get detailed measurements.

Wallpaper Pros and Cons

Wallpaper offers many advantages to homeowners looking for affordable, aesthetically-pleasing wall décor. One of the main pros is the seemingly endless variety of colors and styles from which to choose. Unlike paint usually applied in one base color, wallpaper offers a wide range of patterns that are relatively easy to apply on the wall.

Some homeowners find the shorter lifespan of wallpaper a disadvantage, as it generally lasts for five to ten years before showing signs of wear and tear. However, others view this as an advantage because it’s easy to switch up and change colors or designs for renovations or just refreshing a room. Modern wallpaper has become more advanced to resist water and sun damage and last longer, even in homes with young kids or pets.

Keep in mind that cheaper, older wallpaper is more susceptible to moisture and peeling, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where water exposure is higher. Generally, the more you pay for wallpaper, the better quality it is and the longer it will last. Professional wallpaper installation can be quick and completed within a day. These results are often faster than applying multiple coats of primer and paint.

Wallpaper Maintenance

Professionals recommend lightly dusting wallpaper every few months or even monthly if there is a lot of dust in your home. Clean grease splatters and finger smudges right away with warm water and a small drop of dishwashing liquid. Just lightly wash the affected area, taking care not to soak the entire wall. Keep in mind the specific instructions for your wallpaper, as some types may have specific requirements. Vinyl is typically the easiest to clean because it’s resistant to dirt and water damage.

It’s also a good idea to check for marks and signs of mold or mildew. The sooner these things can be addressed, the longer your wallpaper will last. You can avoid the need for early replacements. While general wallpaper maintenance is often easy enough to do on your own, some companies offer wallpaper cleaning services for a more high-level cleaning and inspection. This costs around $0.56 to $0.59 per square foot.

Wallpaper vs Tiles

Many homeowners try to narrow down their options between wallpaper and tiles. While wallpaper averages $0.50 to $8 per sq. ft., tile can be much more expensive, around $1.25 to $50 per sq. ft. for machine-made styles and $10 to $100 per sq. ft. of handmade tiles.

While the initial cost of tiles is higher, they generally last for up to 50 years when properly installed and maintained. Wallpaper doesn’t last as long. The color may fade within a few years, depending on the quality of the product and the natural light shining through. Wallpaper replacements add up over the years, while tile repairs are less common, although the latter requires more labor. Removing stains is easier with tiles, while marks and dirt on wallpaper are more difficult to remove.

Overall, most homeowners opt for wallpaper if they want a cost-effective décor option that they can change up in five to ten years. Tile is seen as a more permanent, long-lasting option that may improve the home’s value.

Wallpaper vs Paint Cost

Wallpaper and paint have the same basic function, which is to decorate and protect walls. Each has pros and cons. Paint is typically cheaper than wallpaper, costing an average of $600 to $850 for a bedroom. Some of the pros of paint include color versatility, easy cleaning, and humidity resistance. However, paint chips easily, shows imperfections, and does not last as long as wallpaper.

Wallpaper is more expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,200 for a 12’ x 18’ bedroom. It comes in a nearly infinite number of colors, textures, materials, and patterns. Wallpaper has a long life, usually at least 15 years, and does not chip or peel easily. However, wallpaper needs to be hung professionally, can be affected by humidity, is hard to clean, and can be difficult to remove.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper vs Regular

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is becoming very popular among DIY enthusiasts and people who rent homes or apartments. It is easy to install and take off the wall and does not ruin the wall underneath. It is also on the cheaper end for wallpaper, about $1.50 per square foot or $20 to $45 per roll. However, peel-and-stick wallpaper limits the materials and patterns available. While there is a wide range of colors and patterns, it is not nearly as wide as regular wallpaper options.

Regular wallpaper typically requires a professional to hang the wallpaper. Sometimes, a professional is required to remove the wallpaper. Regular wallpaper costs anywhere from $1.50 to $7 per square foot or $20 to $270 per roll and cannot be cleaned or exposed to moisture, depending on the material. The major benefit of regular wallpaper is a nearly infinite number of material, texture, pattern, and color options.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Premium Wallpaper

Premium wallpaper comes in different forms. It can be a high-end printed wallpaper on a standard material or a special material, such as foil, bamboo, or velvet. Premium wallpaper is typically meant to be decorative and does not have much use in high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. They make great accent walls or statement pieces in a home. Premium wallpaper typically starts at about $7 per square foot.

Custom Wallpaper Cost

Custom wallpaper is a great way to make a space your own. It is much more expensive than premium wallpaper. Some brands offer custom colors for their standard patterns, which they charge a flat fee of several hundred dollars for. Others, such as De Gournay, only do custom hand-painted wallpaper, costing over $1,000 per roll.

Splashproof Wallpaper

Sometimes homeowners are concerned about water getting on their bathroom walls due to close proximity to showers and sinks. That’s why splashproof wallpaper for bathrooms has become a popular option for interior design that’s moisture resistant and long-lasting even with the humidity in these rooms. This wallpaper costs between $40 and $150 per roll, depending on brand and style.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

⁴ Liner: A covering, usually made of vinyl, for the walls and floor of a swimming pool, used to keep the water in and protect the pool's surface.

⁵ Plaster: A paste composed of sand, water, and either lime, gypsum, or cement, which forms a smooth hard surface on walls, ceilings, and other structures upon drying

⁶ Spackle: A paste, composed of gypsum plaster, glue, and water, used to repair holes and cracks in plaster before painting or wallpapering