How much does wallpaper installation cost?
How much does wallpaper installation cost?
$400 – $1,000 cost for professional wallpaper installation (100 SF)
$100 – $300 cost to install wallpaper DIY (100 SF)
Average cost to install wallpaper
Professional wallpaper installation costs $4 to $10 per square foot or $400 to $1,000 total on average for a 12'x8' wall. Wallpaper costs $20 to $50 per roll for the material. The labor cost to install wallpaper is $3 to $7 per square foot or $30 to $50 per roll.
| Installation type | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Pro installation | $400 – $1,000 |
| DIY installation | $100 – $300 |
*Cost to wallpaper a 12'x8' wall.
How we get this data: First we used HomeGuide's proprietary database of estimates from contractors, then we personally contacted industry experts to compile first-hand insights and pricing, and then we did in-depth research to ensure accuracy.
Cost to hang wallpaper by room
The cost to wallpaper a room ranges from $450 to $7,000 for labor and materials, depending on the room size, type, and features. Wallpapering the ceiling, a complex layout, or doing a custom design will cost more due to the extra labor.
| Room | Square feet of wall surface* | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom / half bath | 110 – 180 | $450 – $1,800 |
| Average bathroom / small primary bath | 181 – 280 | $700 – $2,800 |
| Large primary bathroom | 281 – 420 | $1,100 – $4,200 |
| Average bedroom | 320 – 480 | $1,300 – $4,800 |
| Large primary bedroom | 450 – 640 | $1,800 – $6,400 |
| Living room | 600 – 700 | $2,400 – $7,000 |
| Dining room | 550 – 650 | $2,200 – $6,500 |
| Kitchen | 400 – 700 | $1,600 – $7,000 |
*Based on 8' to 10' ceilings.
Purchase 20% more wallpaper than your wall's square footage to account for the waste from cutting, pattern matching, and to have some left for future repairs. This is especially important if you buy discounted wallpaper that has been discontinued.
Wallpaper price by type
Wallpaper comes in a variety of types. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, DIY-friendly, and ideal for renters who need to remove it later. Water-resistant wallpaper is best for moisture-prone and high traffic areas. Consider liquid wallpaper for complex areas where traditional wallpaper is challenging to install.
Most wallpaper is sold in single or double rolls. Single rolls typically cover 28 to 30 square feet, while double rolls cover 56 to 60 square feet.
| Material | Average material price (per single roll) | Average installed cost (per single roll) |
|---|---|---|
| Peel-and-stick | $20 – $50 | $50 – $100 |
| Pre-pasted | $20 – $75 | $50 – $125 |
| Printed | $30 – $50 | $60 – $100 |
| Liquid | $30 – $50 | $60 – $100 |
| Water-resistant | $40 – $75 | $70 – $125 |
| Embossed or textured | $50 – $140 | $80 – $190 |
| Mylar | $80 – $250 | $110 – $300 |
Wallpaper price by material
Wallpaper costs $20 to $250+ per roll, depending on the material. Vinyl is the most popular and the best choice for bathroom and kitchens. Other materials work well for bedrooms and living areas that are not moisture prone.
| Material | Average price* (per square foot) | Average price* (per single roll) |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo paneling | $1.50 – $3.00 |
$70 – $90 (32 SF rolls) $260 – $350 (200 SF rolls) |
| Fiberglass | $3.00 – $5.00 | $105 – $180 |
| Foil | $2.25 – $3.75 | $70 – $100 |
| Grasscloth | $2.50 – $5.25 | $75 – $120 |
| Non-woven | $0.50 – $1.50 | $20 – $80 |
| Vinyl | $0.75 – $1.70 | $20 – $50 |
| Textile | $2.00 – $3.50 | $60 – $200 |
| Velvet / flocked | $3.00 – $6.00 | $100 – $300 |
*Material price only. Not including installation.
Wallpaper installation cost calculator
The table below shows a breakdown of the average material and labor costs for wallpaper installation.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $3 |
| Labor | $3 – $7 |
| Total installed cost | $4 – $10 |
Factors affecting the cost of wallpaper installation include:
Area size & type – The larger the space, the more wallpaper needed to cover it. A room with a complex layout often requires more materials due to the extra cutting needed, especially if you are pattern matching the wallpaper.
Wallpaper type – Peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper installs the fastest. Textured, embossed, and mylar wallpaper is more difficult to hang, increasing labor costs.
Brand – High-end brands like Calico, De Gournay, Gracie, and Zuber cost $250 to $1,200 per roll, before installation. Many budget-friendly brands are available at chains like Home Depot and Target for $20 to $50 per roll on average.
Residential vs. commercial – Commercial wallpaper jobs are typically larger and cost more, but retailers may reduce the price per roll when buying in bulk.
DIY vs. professional – Hanging wallpaper yourself can save $3 to $7 per square foot in labor costs. Keep in mind you'll need additional materials for DIY wallpaper installation, like masking tape, surface repair and prep materials, and cleaning supplies.
Consider using wallpaper for an accent wall and fresh paint on the remaining walls to reduce the project cost. Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot for labor and materials.
Labor cost to install wallpaper
The labor cost to install wallpaper is $3 to $7 per square foot. Some professionals charge $40 to $80 per hour or $30 to $50+ per roll for installation. Depending on the wall's existing condition, additional labor costs may include:
Old wallpaper removal – Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the condition and the removal method.
Repair – Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
Surface prep – Prep work may include sanding and skim coating, re-plastering, or installing an underliner to smooth the surface for the new wallpaper. Underliner installation costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Moving furniture – The cost of moving furniture away from the project area is $25 to $75 per room. Some companies include this service as part of the project cost while other companies charge extra.
Wallpaper installation FAQs
Is wallpaper hard to install?
Wallpaper installation difficulty varies depending on the wall surface you're working with and the type of wallpaper you choose. Hanging any wallpaper smooth and straight takes practice, especially if only one person is doing it. Hiring a trained professional will ensure it's done right the first time.
How long does wallpaper installation take?
Wallpaper installation takes 1 to 2 days on average. The size of the project, amount of prep work required, and number of walls involved all affect the project timeline. The installation will take longer if there are walls needing extensive repairs.
Is wallpaper installation cheaper than painting?
Wallpaper installation costs more up front than painting, but the result typically lasts much longer than a painted wall.
How long does wallpaper last?
Wallpaper lasts 10 to 15+ years when installed properly and well maintained—significantly longer than paint. Extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity can reduce the wallpaper's lifespan.
Maximize your wallpaper's lifespan by dusting regularly and cleaning dirty spots at the first sight of them. Keep an eye out for mold and mildew and hire a wallpaper repair company if needed to fix damaged areas before the issue spreads.
Do painters install wallpaper?
Many painters install wallpaper, but not all of them do. Be sure to confirm the professional you hire is trained and qualified for the task.
Can you paint over wallpaper?
While you can paint over wallpaper, professionals do not recommend it. Since wallpaper is installed in rows, the seams between each row, as well as any patterns on the surface, may show through the paint.
Be sure to use an oil-based primer if you paint over wallpaper. Using a water-based primer can loosen the wallpaper.
Can you install wallpaper on textured walls?
You can install wallpaper on lightly textured walls, but installing it on a flat, smooth surface yields the best results. Before wallpapering, smooth textured walls by skim coating with a joint compound. If you choose to leave them textured, buy thick wallpaper to hide the texture underneath.
Getting estimates from wallpaper installers
Follow these guidelines when searching for a wallpaper installation service near you:
Get at least 3 in-person estimates from licensed, insured, bonded wallpaper installers.
Hire a company that has been in business at least 5 years.
Check out wallpaper installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their licensing information.
Have a detailed contract and warranty in hand before the work begins.
Don't pay in full until the job is complete.
Avoid hiring the lowest bidder as this may indicate lower quality materials and work.
Questions to ask
Consider asking these important questions to help you select the best wallpaper installation company near you:
How long have you been in business in this area?
What training and certifications do your installers have?
Do you have a portfolio with photos from previous jobs?
Do you have experience installing the type of wallpaper I chose?
What is your hourly rate, or do you charge by the job?
Do you have a minimum charge if I only want one accent wall done?
Does the estimate include moving the furniture, old wallpaper removal, prep work, and cleanup?
What additional costs should I expect?
How should I prepare the space for the installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a guarantee?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation?