Wallpaper installation costs $4 to $10 per square foot on average for labor and materials. So, for a 12'x8' accent wall, you'll spend $400 to $1,000 total for professional installation. The labor alone for wallpaper installation costs $3 to $7 per square foot, though some professionals charge by the hour at $40 to $80 per hour, or by the roll at $30 to $50+ per roll, depending on the difficulty. Costs increase if your walls need any repairs before they can be prepped for the new wallpaper.

Wallpaper can be easy or difficult to install yourself, 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. 

For a DIY-friendly project, choose non-woven, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and make sure your walls are smooth and damage-free. Consider hiring a trained professional, however, to ensure your wallpaper installation is done right the first time and potentially save you time and money in the long run.

Professional wallpaper installation takes 1 to 2 days on average. The project size and the number of walls involved affects the project timeline. Walls that require extensive repairs will take longer.

Wallpaper can last 10 to 15+ years when installed correctly and well maintained. Extreme temperature changes and high humidity can reduce the wallpaper's lifespan.

Extend your wallpaper's lifespan by dusting it often and cleaning any grease or dirt spots at the first sight of them. Check periodically for mold and mildew, and hire a wallpaper repair company if needed to fix damaged areas before the problem spreads.

Wallpaper installation costs more up front than painting, but wallpaper typically lasts much longer than paint, so the cost over time is often higher for painted walls. To reduce your project cost, consider installing wallpaper on one accent wall and then a fresh coat of paint on the remaining walls. Professional interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot, including the paint and labor.

You can install wallpaper on some textured walls, but installing it on a flat, smooth surface yields the best results, especially if you are working with thin wallpaper. Smooth out heavily textured walls by skim coating with joint compound. If you choose to leave them textured, be sure to buy thick wallpaper to better hide the texture underneath.

Hanging wallpaper is not rocket science, but lining up each section to be even, straight, smooth, and matching the pattern of the adjacent strips requires skilled hands. Follow these guidelines to help you choose the best wallpaper installation service near you:

• Get 3 to 5 in-person estimates from licensed, insured, and bonded companies.
• Select a company that has been in business for at least 5 years.
• Browse wallpaper installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Confirm their licensing information.
• Get a detailed contract and warranty in hand before the work begins.
• Never pay in full until the job is complete.
• Avoid going with the lowest bidder as this may indicate lower quality materials and work.

Consider asking these questions to help you select the best wallpaper installation company near you:

• How long have you been in business?
• What training and certifications does your installation staff have?
• Can I see your portfolio or photos from previous jobs?
• Can you provide a list of references with contact information?
• 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?