How much does wallpaper installation cost in Australia?
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.
Key takeaways
- Most wallpaper installation jobs in Australia land between A$250–A$2,400 — known locally as wallpapering.
- Wallpapering needs no licence in Australia (painting does in QLD over certain values, but paperhanging is typically bundled under decorating trades). Sealing plasterboard before hanging is the key local practice — unsealed gyprock makes removal destructive.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Wallpaper Installation prices by job size in Australia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature wall Hang one accent wall, prep included | A$300 | A$500 | A$850 |
| Full room Paper an average bedroom, four walls | A$800 | A$1,400 | A$2,400 |
| Wallpaper removal (per room) Strip old paper, walls ready for prep | A$250 | A$450 | A$800 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | A$60 | A$80 | A$110 |
| per roll (labour) | A$50 | A$70 | A$100 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Australia typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a wallpaper installation pro in Australia
- Check reviews on hipages or Oneflare with close-up photos of seams
- Confirm wall prep and sizing are included; gyprock walls need sealing first
- Ask for public liability insurance and an ABN invoice
- Confirm roll count against the pattern repeat and order one batch
- Agree removal of old paper as a separate line
- For rentals, check landlord consent — most leases require it
Red flags
- Hangs paper on unsealed gyprock
- Quotes per room without knowing the paper or repeat
- No ABN or written quote
- Papering over old paper
- No local references
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to AUD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: hipages wallpapering cost guide; Oneflare installer rates.
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of wallpaper do I need?
Measure wall width and height, then let the installer confirm — pattern repeat is the trap. A large repeat can add 15-25% waste, and you should order all rolls from one batch number to avoid shade differences. Always order one spare roll for future repairs.
Does the wall need preparation before wallpapering?
Yes, and prep is most of the outcome. Walls need to be smooth, clean, primed/sized, and uniform in colour (dark patches ghost through pale papers). Fresh plaster must fully dry and be sized first. Ask whether prep, lining paper, and primer are in the quote.
How long does wallpapering a room take?
A single feature wall is usually half a day; a full average room takes 1-2 days including prep. Add time for stripping old paper (half to a full day per room), wall repairs, and drying between prep coats.
Is paste-the-wall wallpaper easier than traditional?
Yes — paste-the-wall (non-woven) papers skip soak time, hang faster and strip dry in full sheets later. Most modern papers use this backing. Traditional paste-the-paper and delicate materials like grasscloth still reward a professional hand.
Can you wallpaper over old wallpaper or painted walls?
Painted walls, yes, after cleaning and priming. Papering over old wallpaper is a false economy — trapped seams telegraph through and moisture can lift both layers. Strip first; installers quote removal as a separate line.
Can wallpaper go in bathrooms or kitchens?
Yes, with the right product — vinyl and washable papers handle humidity, and some installers seal edges with clear varnish in splash zones. Avoid delicate uncoated papers near cookers and showers. Good extraction/ventilation matters more than the paper choice.
How much does wallpaper removal cost?
Stripping is typically priced per room or per hour and depends entirely on what's underneath: modern non-woven papers peel off dry in minutes, while old glued layers over unsized walls can take a full day per room with steamers and leave repairs behind.
What does wallpaper installation cost in Australia?
Most installers charge $50-90 per roll hung or $60-100 per hour, with feature walls from around $300. Mural and grasscloth specialists in Sydney and Melbourne price higher. Stripping old paper adds $200-500 per room.
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.