How much does wallpaper cost?

Materials: vinyl $1-$5/sq ft, non-woven $2-$8/sq ft, peel-and-stick $2-$8/sq ft, grasscloth $4-$15/sq ft. Professional installation: $50-$100 per roll, or $500-$1,500 per room (all walls). An accent wall (one wall in a 12x12 room, approximately 100 sq ft): $100-$800 for materials, $200-$500 for professional installation. Total for an accent wall: $300-$1,300. Total for a full room: $500-$2,500. DIY saves 40-60% (you only pay for materials and supplies). Peel-and-stick is the most budget-friendly and easiest to install yourself.

Is wallpaper hard to install?

It depends on the type. Peel-and-stick: easiest (repositionable, no paste, no mess, good for beginners). Non-woven (paste-the-wall): moderate (paste goes on the wall, paper is hung dry, easy to reposition). Traditional paste-the-paper: hardest (paper must be pasted, booked, and handled wet, which can tear or stretch). For beginners: start with peel-and-stick or non-woven. Start with an accent wall (one wall is more forgiving than a full room). The most challenging aspects: getting the first strip perfectly plumb, matching patterns at seams, and cutting around outlets and light fixtures. A full room with complex patterns is best left to a professional.

Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

It is not recommended. Wallpapering over existing wallpaper can cause: bubbling (moisture from the new paste reactivates the old adhesive), peeling (the old wallpaper may release from the wall, taking the new layer with it), and a bumpy surface (seams and textures show through). Best practice: remove the old wallpaper completely, repair and prime the wall, then apply the new wallpaper. Exception: if the existing wallpaper is firmly adhered with no bubbles or loose seams, and it is a smooth, flat paper (not textured or vinyl): you can sometimes apply a new layer on top, but prime the existing wallpaper first with a wallpaper primer. However, this makes future removal much more difficult (two layers to deal with).

How do I remove old wallpaper?

Step 1: Determine the type. Try peeling from a corner. If it comes off in sheets: it is strippable (most modern vinyl and non-woven). If it tears into small pieces: it is traditional and needs soaking. Step 2: For non-strippable wallpaper: score the surface with a scoring tool (Paper Tiger), apply wallpaper remover solution (DIF) or warm water mixed with fabric softener using a spray bottle or sponge, let soak 15-20 minutes, then scrape with a 6-inch broad knife. A wallpaper steamer ($30-$50/day rental) is the most effective tool for stubborn wallpaper. Step 3: Wash the wall to remove all paste residue (warm water + TSP or wallpaper remover solution). Step 4: Repair any drywall damage (spackle, sand, prime). Time: 2-6 hours per room. The messiest and most tedious home improvement task, but straightforward with the right tools.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Wallpaper Guide: Types, Installation & Removal

Lumberama Editorial Team, Interior Design & Wall Covering Specialists Aug 1, 2026 12 min read

Types of Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper: The most popular and durable type. A vinyl layer bonded to a paper or fabric backing. Extremely washable, moisture-resistant, and stain-resistant. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Cost: $1-$5/sq ft. Lifespan: 10-15+ years. The workhorse choice for most rooms.

Non-woven (fleece): Made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers. Breathable (reduces mold risk), tear-resistant, and easy to install (paste the wall, not the paper). Easy removal (peels off in full sheets without soaking). The best choice for DIY installation. Cost: $2-$8/sq ft.

Pre-pasted: Paper with a dry adhesive on the back. Activate by dipping in water or using an activator. Convenient but the adhesive can be weaker than traditional paste. Cost: $1-$4/sq ft.

Peel-and-stick (removable): Self-adhesive wallpaper that peels off cleanly. Perfect for renters and temporary designs. No paste, no water, no mess. Repositionable during installation. Cost: $2-$8/sq ft. Lifespan: 1-5 years (adhesive weakens over time, especially in humid or warm rooms).

Grasscloth: Woven from natural fibers (jute, seagrass, sisal, bamboo) on a paper backing. Beautiful organic texture. Not washable (stains easily). Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens. Cost: $4-$15/sq ft.

Fabric-backed vinyl: Commercial grade. Extremely durable. Used in hotels, offices, and high-traffic commercial spaces. Cost: $3-$10/sq ft.

Installation

Wall preparation: The wall must be smooth, clean, dry, and primed. Fill holes and cracks with spackle, sand smooth, and prime with wallpaper primer (or a primer/sealer like Gardz or Zinsser). Priming is essential (it prevents the paste from being absorbed into the drywall, makes future removal easier, and provides a consistent surface for adhesion).

Measuring and cutting: Measure the wall height. Add 4 inches to each strip (2 inches excess at the top and bottom for trimming). Calculate the number of strips needed (wall width divided by wallpaper roll width, typically 20.5 or 27 inches). Add 10-15% for pattern matching waste.

Hanging: Start at a focal point (usually next to a door or window). Use a plumb line or level to mark a perfectly vertical starting line (walls are never perfectly plumb). For paste-the-wall (non-woven): apply paste directly to the wall with a roller. For paste-the-paper (traditional): apply paste to the back of the strip and book it (fold paste sides together) for 5-10 minutes to relax. Hang the first strip along the plumb line. Smooth from center outward with a wallpaper smoother (removing air bubbles). Trim excess at the top and bottom with a sharp blade and a broad knife (change the blade frequently for clean cuts). Butt the next strip tightly against the first (no overlap, no gap). Wipe excess paste from the surface immediately with a damp sponge.

Removal

Peel-and-stick: Just peel it off. Clean any residual adhesive with warm soapy water.

Strippable wallpaper (most modern vinyl and non-woven): Peel from a corner. The paper lifts off in full sheets. Some adhesive residue may remain (wash off with warm water and TSP or a wallpaper remover solution).

Traditional wallpaper (paste-applied paper): Score the surface with a scoring tool (Paper Tiger), apply a wallpaper remover solution (DIF) or warm water with fabric softener, let soak 15-20 minutes, then scrape with a broad knife. A wallpaper steamer ($30-$50 rental) speeds up stubborn removal. Multiple layers may require multiple passes.

After removal: Wash the wall to remove all paste residue. Repair any damage (skim coat with joint compound if needed). Prime before painting or re-wallpapering.