Wallpaper Install
Wallpaper Install is a common walls job. Homeowners typically spend about $62 on materials if they tackle it themselves, while hiring a professional usually runs $300–$800 depending on access, parts, and local labor rates. DIY can save up to about $738 versus a full pro job when the work stays straightforward.
Expect roughly 1-2 days for a careful DIY attempt versus about 1 day for a seasoned pro. Difficulty is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) with low risk. Typical materials include wallpaper roll, wallpaper paste, primer. Common tools: smoothing brush, utility knife, level, sponge.
Use the sections below to weigh DIY against hiring: cost ranges, safety alerts, common mistakes, and a personalized analysis for your ZIP code.
Typical Cost
Cost estimates based on cataloged material prices and regional pro rates. Run the analysis for US-wide retailer prices and a regional professional-cost estimate. How we estimate costs.
Is this a DIY job?
AI-assisted educational guidance — not reviewed by a licensed professional. Review policy.
- Typical DIY time1-2 days
- Typical pro time1 day
- Permit requiredNo
What affects the cost
- Local labor rates for walls pros and whether the visit is emergency vs. scheduled.
- Brand and quality of parts (wallpaper roll, wallpaper paste, primer) versus economy alternatives.
- Access difficulty (tight spaces, multi-story work, finished surfaces that must be protected or repaired after the job).
When to hire a pro
- If mold covers a large area, returns after cleaning, or anyone has severe respiratory symptoms, stop and hire a remediation pro.
- If you strike a wire or pipe, or see unexpected water/electricity, stop immediately and call the appropriate trade.
- High-impact DIY mistake — Ignoring Electrical and Moisture Precautions: Always turn off electricity to the room at the main electrical panel, and cover outlets and switches with plastic bags to prevent damage from moisture.
- When hiring a professional to install wallpaper, provide them with the room dimensions, the type of wallpaper you've chosen, and any specific design or pattern requirements. Ask for a detailed estimate, including the cost of materials and labor, and a timeline for completion.
- Ask the contractor about their experience with wallpaper installation, and request references from previous clients. Check online reviews and ratings to ensure you're hiring a reputable and skilled professional.
- Before the installation begins, confirm that the contractor has all necessary materials and tools, and that they will obtain any required permits or inspections. Also, ask about their process for protecting your floors, furniture, and belongings during the installation.
- Get 3 quotes from licensed professionals
- Check reviews on Angi, Thumbtack, or Google
Hazards & safety alerts
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medium mold Mold and moisture exposure
Disturbing damp materials can release mold spores. Incomplete drying after a leak invites regrowth behind finished surfaces.
Stop and call a pro if: If mold covers a large area, returns after cleaning, or anyone has severe respiratory symptoms, stop and hire a remediation pro.
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low injury Hidden utilities behind finishes
Cutting or fastening into walls for wallpaper install can hit electrical cables, plumbing, or HVAC lines hidden in the cavity.
Stop and call a pro if: If you strike a wire or pipe, or see unexpected water/electricity, stop immediately and call the appropriate trade.
Materials you'll need
| Material | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| wallpaper roll | $40.00 |
| wallpaper paste | $10.00 |
| primer | $12.00 |
| Total (DIY materials) | $62.00 |
Tools: smoothing brush, utility knife, level, sponge
DIY steps
- Turn off electricity to the room at the main electrical panel, and ensure all outlets and switches are covered with plastic bags to prevent damage from moisture. Wear a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves to protect yourself from dust and adhesive. Remove old wallpaper, border, or existing wallcovering, and clean the wall surface with a mixture of soap and water to remove dirt, grime, or old adhesive.
- Apply a coat of primer to the wall surface, using a roller to cover large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This step is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the new wallpaper.
- Measure the wall surface to determine the number of strips needed, and cut the wallpaper into strips using a utility knife and a straightedge. Leave about 1 inch of extra paper at the top and bottom of each strip for trimming.
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the first strip, using a brush or a specialized tool. Align the strip with the ceiling and the edge of the wall, using a level to ensure it's straight. Smooth the paper with a smoothing brush, working from the center outwards to remove air bubbles and excess paste.
- Continue applying strips of wallpaper by butting seams edge-to-edge and matching the pattern, unless the wallpaper manufacturer specifically requires overlap. Use a sponge to wipe away excess paste and a utility knife to trim the edges at the ceiling, baseboards, and around outlets.
- Allow the wallpaper to dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the wall surface for any air bubbles, wrinkles, or other imperfections, and make repairs as needed using a pin or a small brush to apply additional paste.
- Clean your tools and wash your hands thoroughly. Remove the plastic bags from outlets and switches, and turn the electricity back on.
Common DIY mistakes
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medium Insufficient Surface Preparation
Failing to clean the wall surface properly or apply primer can lead to poor adhesion and a short lifespan for the new wallpaper.
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low Incorrect Pattern Alignment
Failing to match the pattern correctly can result in a visually unappealing installation.
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medium Inadequate Paste Application
Applying too little or too much paste can lead to air bubbles, wrinkles, or a weak bond between the wall and the wallpaper.
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high Ignoring Electrical and Moisture Precautions
Failing to turn off electricity or protect outlets and switches can result in electrical shock or damage to the wallpaper.
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low Not Allowing Sufficient Drying Time
Failing to allow the wallpaper to dry completely can lead to a weak bond or a poor finish.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to fix a wallpaper?
- DIY materials typically run about $62. Hiring a pro usually costs $300-$800 depending on your area and the scope of the job.
- Can I fix a wallpaper myself?
- It depends on the job. Difficulty is rated 3/5 and risk level is low. Run the free analysis on RepairSmart for a personalized DIY vs. hire recommendation.
- What are common mistakes when you fix a wallpaper?
- Common DIY mistakes include: Insufficient Surface Preparation; Incorrect Pattern Alignment; Inadequate Paste Application. See RepairSmart for the full list and cost breakdown.
- What safety hazards should I watch for when working on wallpaper?
- Key hazards include: Mold and moisture exposure; Hidden utilities behind finishes. See RepairSmart for stop-conditions and the full safety list.
Not sure? Get a personalized recommendation
RepairSmart compares US-wide retailer prices with regional pro costs and gives you a weighted DIY-vs-hire recommendation in under 60 seconds.
About these estimates
- Numbers on this page come from the RepairSmart catalog (materials baselines and typical pro ranges). They are educational estimates, not contractor quotes.
- Personalized ZIP analysis may add live or cached retailer prices and regional pro signals when third-party data is configured.
- Read how costs and DIY scores are calculated, our safety & review policy, and about RepairSmart.
- If guidance is marked unreviewed, treat steps and tips as educational only—not a professional sign-off for your home.