How much does it cost to install wallpaper?

Whether you want to breathe life into an old room or seal some holes and cracks, replacing your existing wallpaper will make your home look better! However, it can be frustrating to do it yourself since wrinkles, bumps, and bubbles can quickly appear.

When you have a couple of meters to cover in a short time, it's wise to hire a professional. But how much does it cost to get wallpaper installed? Wallpaper installation usually costs $80 to $500, depending on the type of wallpaper and the size and condition of your room. This price guide will help you make an informed choice for your home.

Wallpaper installation price list

Factors affecting wallpaper installation costs

Many things affect the average cost of wallpaper installation. We've listed each of them below to help you avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Room size

The size of your room determines how much wallpaper you need. The bigger the room, the higher the custom wallpaper cost. To get a more accurate quote, you need to measure your ceiling's height and length, as well as the width of your room.

Wallpaper installation for smaller rooms (10 square metres) costs around $100, while bigger rooms require $300 to $500. These prices do not include wallpaper stripping, which can be an additional $200 to $500. If you need to install more specialised wallpapers using fabric or other complex materials, you might need to hire a specialist.

2. Room type

The type of your room also affects wallpaper installation prices. Bedrooms often have the simplest designs. However, installing wallpaper in rooms with many windows, doors, cabinets, and built-in closets will be more difficult. Hence, it might cost more.

3. Wallpaper type

When it comes to wallpaper, you can choose from various designs for your budget and preferences. Peel and stick wallpaper is usually the cheapest, at $5 per roll. On the other hand, vinyl wallpaper starts at $10 to $30 per roll. Custom wallpaper is the most expensive.

Other common types of wallpaper include:

• Liner wallpaper or lining paper
• Printed wallpaper
• Flock wallpaper
• Foil or metallic wallpaper
• Bamboo wallpaper
• Mylar wallpaper

4. Wall condition

The condition of your walls also affects the price of installing wallpaper. If some holes and cracks have appeared over the years and sanding and sealing are necessary, the cost will be higher. If smoke and grease stains have accumulated on your walls and ceilings, you must remove them first. Otherwise, they might prevent the wallpaper from adhering to the surface properly.

In addition, the removal of old wallpaper and residue is essential. If you want to spend less on wallpaper removal services, you can prepare your stained walls, washing and scrubbing them before the installation.

Additional expenses when installing wallpaper

1. Steamer – If you just moved to a new apartment and want to change the wallpaper, you might need a steamer. This will cost $25 to $60.
2. Installation schedule – Painters and decorators often follow regular working hours. Labour fees increase if you book the service in the evening, at weekends, or on holidays. 
3. Minimum payments – Apart from their equipment, decorators will charge you for other expenses, like travel, rentals, and admin fees they need to manage. They often ask for a minimum price to cover these. This will also ensure the job is worth their time and effort.
4. Painting windows, doors, and ceilings – If you need to paint some parts of your room to match your new wallpaper, this will cost $60 to $100.

Reasons to choose professional wallpaper installation

More saved resources

Wallpaper installation is a labour-intensive job that includes measuring, heavy lifting, and estimating. Although you might have some DIY experience, a skilled decorator can quickly finish the job, helping you save time and energy.

Better execution

Sharp attention to detail is needed when installing wallpaper. Taskers can install patterns so that they flow smoothly through the room. They can also work with corners and edges, ensuring the wallpaper doesn't peel off easily.

With their years of experience and mastery, decorators can install your wallpaper well, free of wrinkles, bubbles, and bumps. Since wallpaper is expensive, you'll want to make the most of your purchase and leave nothing to waste.

Longer-lasting walls

Wallpaper can last for 20 years if you install it on quality surfaces. Decorators are good at treating and repairing different wall issues, such as cracks and holes, mould and mildew, and smoke and grease stains. They can make your walls last longer, so maximise your budget by treating these issues before installing wallpaper.

Post a task for wallpaper installation

Overall, hanging new wallpaper for home improvements doesn't have to be complicated. You can achieve the best wall finish for your home by hiring a professional on Airtasker! Just put up a task, and you'll get personalised quotes and recommendations in minutes.