How much does wallpaper installation cost in United States?
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Key takeaways
- Most wallpaper installation jobs in United States land between $250–$2,200 — known locally as wallpaper installation.
- No licence is required for wallpapering in the US, though scraping painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes falls under the EPA's lead-safe RRP rule. High-end installers certify through the Wallcovering Installers Association.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Wallpaper Installation prices by job size in United States
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature wall Hang wallpaper on one accent wall, prep included | $250 | $450 | $800 |
| Full room Hang wallpaper in an average bedroom, four walls | $700 | $1,200 | $2,200 |
| Wallpaper removal (per room) Strip old wallpaper and leave walls ready for prep | $300 | $550 | $1,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | $50 | $75 | $110 |
| per single roll (labour) | $40 | $60 | $90 |
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 United States 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 United States
- Look for installers affiliated with the Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA) for high-end papers
- Confirm the quote covers wall prep, primer/sizer, and whether lining paper is needed
- Ask for proof of liability insurance
- Provide the paper's brand and pattern number so the installer can verify roll count and batch
- For pre-1978 homes, scraping old paper may disturb lead paint — ask about EPA RRP practices
- Agree who orders the paper and who owns overage/spare rolls
Red flags
- Quotes per roll without asking the pattern repeat or wall condition
- No mention of priming or sizing the walls
- Won't hang customer-supplied paper (or won't warranty seams on it — clarify either way)
- Cash-only, no written estimate
- No photos showing seam and corner work
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 USD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: HomeAdvisor wallpaper installation cost guide; Angi wallpaper hanger rates.
Frequently asked questions
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.
How much does wallpaper installation cost?
Installers price per roll, per square metre, or per day. Labour usually lands between half and the full cost of the paper itself — and premium papers (grasscloth, murals, wide-width vinyls) cost more to hang because mistakes are expensive. Removal of old paper is always quoted separately.
What do US installers charge per roll?
Typically $40-80 per single roll for standard papers, more for murals, grasscloth or metallic papers. Many now quote per square foot ($2-7 installed labour) since American 'double rolls' confuse per-roll comparisons.
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