How much does wallpaper cost?

Per roll: peel-and-stick: $25-$60. Pre-pasted: $20-$60. Non-pasted: $20-$100+. Grasscloth: $50-$200+. Per room (12x12 ft): budget: $150-$300. Mid-range: $200-$600. Premium: $400-$1,500+. Installation (professional): $25-$50 per roll or $200-$800 per room. Accent wall (most popular approach): $50-$300 (DIY, 2-3 rolls). Budget tip: peel-and-stick for a single accent wall is the most affordable way to add wallpaper ($50-$180).

Peel-and-stick vs traditional wallpaper?

Peel-and-stick: pros: easy to apply and remove. Renter-friendly. Repositionable. No paste or tools needed. Cons: less durable. May peel in humid areas. Fewer high-end options. Can be expensive per sq ft. Traditional (pre-pasted or non-pasted): pros: more durable. Better adhesion. Wider selection of patterns and materials. Professional appearance. Cons: harder to remove. Requires more skill to install. Not renter-friendly. Recommendation: peel-and-stick for renters, accent walls, or first-timers. Traditional for permanent installations, high-traffic areas, or professional results.

Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

Not recommended. Old wallpaper can bubble, peel, or show through. Seams may telegraph through new paper. Adhesion is less reliable. Best practice: remove old wallpaper first. Methods: score with a scoring tool. Apply wallpaper remover solution or steam (steamer rental: $30-$50/day). Let soak 15-20 minutes. Scrape with a wide putty knife. Wash walls. Repair any damage. Prime before new wallpaper. Exception: if old wallpaper is smooth, firmly adhered, and in perfect condition, you can sometimes paper over it. But it's risky.

How do I remove wallpaper?

Steps: 1. Score the surface with a wallpaper scoring tool ($5-$10). 2. Apply removal solution (DIF or vinegar/water mix) or use a wallpaper steamer. 3. Let soak 15-20 minutes. 4. Scrape with a wide putty knife or wallpaper scraper. 5. Repeat for stubborn areas. 6. Wash walls with sponge and warm water. 7. Let dry. 8. Repair any gouges with spackle. 9. Prime before painting or re-wallpapering. Time: 2-6 hours per room. Tools: scoring tool, spray bottle, scraper, sponge. Steamer (for stubborn paper): $30-$50 rental. Tip: peel-and-stick wallpaper removes much more easily (usually just peel off). Vinyl wallpaper: the vinyl layer peels off, then you steam the paper backing.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Wallpaper Guide: Types, Cost & Installation Tips

Lumberama Editorial Team, Wallpaper & Interior Design Specialists Nov 27, 2026 7 min read

Wallpaper Types

Peel-and-stick (removable): Self-adhesive, no paste needed. Easy to apply and remove (renter-friendly). Cost: $25-$60 per roll. Coverage: 25-28 sq ft per roll. Repositionable. Not as durable as traditional. Best for accent walls and temporary designs.

Pre-pasted: Adhesive is already on the back (activate with water). Cost: $20-$60 per roll. Most popular traditional type. Good durability.

Non-pasted (traditional): Requires separate wallpaper paste. Cost: $20-$100+ per roll. Most durable. Professional installation recommended. Best for long-term applications.

Specialty types: Grasscloth: woven natural fibers. Cost: $50-$200+ per roll. Textured, organic feel. Not washable. Flocked: raised velvet-like pattern. Cost: $50-$150 per roll. Luxurious. Vinyl: plastic-coated, very durable and washable. Cost: $15-$50 per roll. Best for kitchens and bathrooms. Fabric-backed vinyl: commercial-grade. Most durable. Cost: $30-$80 per roll. Mural/photo: full-wall image. Cost: $100-$500 per mural. Statement piece.

Cost

Per roll: Peel-and-stick: $25-$60. Pre-pasted: $20-$60. Non-pasted: $20-$100+. Grasscloth: $50-$200+.

Per room (12x12 ft, 4 walls): Budget: $150-$300 (6-8 rolls). Mid-range: $200-$600. Premium/specialty: $400-$1,500+.

Professional installation: Per roll: $25-$50 (hang only). Per room: $200-$800. Specialty papers (grasscloth, mural): $300-$1,200.

Wallpaper removal: DIY: $50-$100 (steamer rental + supplies). Professional: $1-$3 per sq ft ($200-$800 per room).

Accent wall: 1 wall of a 12x12 room: 2-3 rolls. Cost: $50-$300 (DIY). Most popular and affordable approach.

Installation Tips

DIY difficulty: Peel-and-stick: beginner-friendly. Pre-pasted: intermediate. Non-pasted: intermediate to advanced. Grasscloth/specialty: professional recommended.

Steps: 1. Measure walls and calculate rolls needed (add 10-15% for waste). 2. Smooth and prime walls (wallpaper primer or sizing). 3. Snap a plumb line (vertical reference). 4. Start near a corner (less visible seams). 5. Apply paste or activate adhesive. 6. Align pattern, smooth from center outward. 7. Use a smoothing tool to remove bubbles. 8. Trim excess at ceiling and baseboard with sharp blade. 9. Roll seams with a seam roller.

Tips: Book the paste (fold pasted paper onto itself for 5 minutes before hanging). Work in order around the room. Match patterns carefully (pattern repeat affects waste). Use a sharp blade (change frequently). Wipe excess paste immediately.