How much does Wallpaper installation cost?

Based on 290 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$216

TYPICAL

$500

$1000

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

Cost estimates for wallpaper installation will vary depending on the type of wallpaper, size of room, and condition of your walls
Labor accounts for at least half the cost of professional installation
Although DIY might save money, wallpaper installation is best left to the pros

Wallpaper has experienced a surge in popularity in the past few years—with good reason. Wallcoverings are a great way to add style and personality to your space, without ever pulling out a paintbrush. You can even save money by creating a feature wall—an eye-catching interior design trend that involves papering one wall and painting the other three a coordinating color.

However, installing wallpaper isn’t a project for the beginner DIYer. Even moderately experienced home improvement weekend warriors find wallpapering a hassle. Between prepping walls, applying adhesive, and getting a seamless match in the print, it’s a job best left to the pros.

This guide will break down the cost of hiring a contractor for professional wallpaper installation, including some tips that could help you save money.

Total cost to hang wallpaper

The total cost to wallpaper a 14×16-foot room averages $500. Professional installation can range from $250–1,000 per room, depending on type of paper you choose, size and shape of the room, and amount of prep work required.

Material costs

Wallpaper comes in a wide range of materials, from peel-and-stick wallpaper and standard adhesive-based paper, to pricier fabrics like grasscloth.

The average roll of wallpaper costs $25–50 before installation, which typically covers about 30 square-feet of wall space. If designer styles are a must-have, then a high-end single roll of custom wallpaper could cost thousands of dollars.

Average costs for the most common types of residential wallpaper materials:

Standard: $1–2 per square foot
Vinyl wallpaper: $1.75–2.25 per square foot
Foil: $2.25–3.75 per square foot
Vinyl coated fabric: $2.50–3 per square foot
Grasscloth wallpaper: $2.50–4 per square foot

Ask your contractor to measure your space and let you know how many rolls you’ll need to purchase.

Labor costs

Labor accounts for roughly half (or more) of the cost of installing new wallpaper. These costs will go up or down, depending on how long the project takes and how much prep work the walls need. Stripping off old wallpaper or patching damaged walls, for instance, can increase time and expense.

Contractors price by the square foot, the roll, the hour, or total project. Expect to pay an average $1–7 per square foot for the installation.

Pro tip: Removing existing wallpaper may cost more upfront, but it’s worth the expense. Papering over old wallpaper can cause a lot of headaches later on like patterns, textures, or colors showing through your new wallpaper.

Cost factors

The following factors can affect the average cost of wallpaper installation:

Wall condition. New walls in good condition cost less. Damaged drywall or plaster, on the other hand, will need repair before wallpaper can be hung, increasing installation prices.
Wallpaper removal. Removing old wallpaper before hanging the new wallpaper costs more, but it’s worth it.
Location. Contractors in pricey cities, like Los Angeles or New York, will charge more for installation than contractors in Houston, for example.
Type of wallpaper. If you fall in love with a more expensive paper like a grasscloth or a foil print, be prepared to pay more.
Project size and shape. Wallpapering a large living room with tall ceilings will cost much more than wallpapering a small dining room. Additionally, walls with fixtures, cabinets, or other features to work around will require more labor which drives up costs.

How to save money

Here are some ways to save money on your next wallpapering project:

Focus on a feature wall. Many homeowners opt for papering a feature wall and painting the remaining walls a coordinating color—or simply leaving them the existing color. Hanging wallpaper on one wall will cost $150–250, on average.
Choose a less expensive wallpaper. There are thousands of wallpaper manufacturers who’ve created designs in every price range. If you fall in love with a paper that’s outside of your budget, shop around.

FAQs

How much does it cost to wallpaper one wall?

If you only want to wallpaper a single wall, you can expect to pay $150–250.

How much does wallpaper cost per square foot?

Depending on the type of wallpaper you choose, your cost can average $1–3 per square foot.

How much should I pay to have wallpaper installed?

Wallpaper installation by a professional contractor will cost between $1–7 per square foot, on top of the cost of wallpaper.

Find a wallpaper installation professional in your area.

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