How Much Does it Cost to Wallpaper a Room? (DIY vs Decorator)

Are you looking for a way to update and add more interest to your home? Wallpapering is an effective and relatively inexpensive solution, but it can also be time-consuming and intimidating if you’ve never attempted DIY wallpapering before. Before embarking on this project, it’s essential to consider all necessary factors – including cost!

This blog post will explore the differences between painting or DIY wallpapering versus hiring a professional decorator so that you can accurately determine how much wallpaper a room may cost. Whether you’re new to do-it-yourself projects or have experience in large-scale renovations, we’ll cover everything in getting this statement-making job done right!

The average cost to wallpaper a room

Wallpapering a room can be a great way to add character and flair to any living space, but figuring out the cost can seem daunting. The average cost to wallpaper a room can be found below:

• 10 metres squared = £200
• 20 metres squared = £260
• 30 metres squared = £375
• 50 metres squared = £500

All of these prices can change, depending on the type of wallpaper used, the complexity of installation and the additional services needed.

Professional wallpaper installers typically charge by time, square footage or the number of rolls required. So, when budgeting for this project, it’s essential to factor in labour costs, material costs and the cost of supplies such as wallpaper paste and tools.

For a single roll of wallpaper, the cost can range from £10 to £50 depending on the pattern, quality and size. A professional decorator may charge an hourly rate of around £15-30 depending on skillset and experience. The good news is that with proper planning and preparation, wallpapering fees will be worth it in the end, as your room comes together with a fantastic new look.

6 steps for calculating costs

1. Calculating your material costs

Wallpapering a room can be daunting, no matter your skill level. But with some planning and preparation, you’ll feel proud of your finished product and save money by ensuring you have factored in all material costs. Start by taking accurate measurements of each wall and ensure to include windows, skirting boards, and any other features that might take extra wallpaper. Once you have your measurements, add 10% to allow for mistakes or miscalculations.

Always double-check how much wallpaper is needed for the entire job, including wastage. Once you know what type and how much material is required – go ahead and buy it all in one go.

2. Comparing different wallpaper options

There are dozens of wallpapers out there, from traditional to modern. Do your research and compare different wallpaper options, ensuring you are getting the best quality for your money. Consider cost per square foot, design elements, longevity and other features such as wallpapers with washable finishes or eco-friendly materials like bamboo.

3. Figuring out your total surface area

When wallpapering a room, many people forget one of the most critical parts: correctly measuring the total surface area. It is essential in determining how many rolls of wallpaper you need and can save you time and money further down the line. You will want to measure not just each wall but also any doors or windows and add the numbers to get the square footage of your walls and other surfaces.

Doing this often requires a stepladder to reach high ceilings and closet spaces – make sure to use caution! Once you have measured, compare that number with the coverage stated on the wallpaper packaging for an accurate way to determine how many rolls are necessary for your project.

4. Hiring a professional vs DIY

The most significant advantage of hiring a professional wallpaper installer is convenience. Most professionals will come with the necessary tools and materials, including paste, primer, tape measurers, knives, and more. They’ll also have experience with different types of wallpaper and know how much is needed for your project. Additionally, you won’t need to worry about making mistakes because they will take care of everything from start to finish. The downside is that it can be pretty expensive since you’ll need to pay for their services and the materials they use.

On the contrary, if you decide to take on the project yourself, there are some advantages and disadvantages. The biggest perk is that you’ll save money since you won’t need to hire anyone or purchase all the necessary supplies. DIYing your wallpaper installation is an excellent option if you feel creative or want something unique in your space.

On the other hand, if you don’t have experience installing wallpaper, it could be difficult or even dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially when dealing with electricity. Furthermore, if there are any issues after installation, it will be up to you to fix them without help from anyone else.

4. Understanding different types of adhesives

Paste-the-Wall Adhesives

Paste-the-wall adhesives are an excellent option for beginners who want an easy and hassle-free installation process. These adhesives are applied directly to the wall, eliminating the need for pre-pasting or soaking. Most paste-the-wall adhesives have a shallow VOC content, making them safe to use indoors without any unpleasant odours or fumes. They are usually water-based and can be easily washed off walls with soap and water if necessary. This type of adhesive is ideal for heavy vinyl wallpapers because it provides strong adhesion without leaving any residue behind on removal.

Pre Pasted Wallpaper Adhesive

Pre-pasted wallpaper adhesive is another excellent option for beginner DIYers who want a quick and easy installation process. Pre-pasted wallpaper adhesive comes with its own pre-applied adhesive, so there is no need to buy extra glue or paste separately. You must activate the pre-existing glue by wetting it with warm water before applying it to your walls. Pre-pasted wallpaper adhesive is ideal for lightweight paper wallpapers such as nonwoven, fabric-backed vinyl, and Mylar-coated papers because it allows you to reposition your paper several times during application without losing its stickiness or causing damage to your walls.

Heavy Duty Adhesive

For heavier papers such as clay-coated and heavy vinyl, you will need a more powerful adhesive like a heavy-duty wallpaper paste or ready-mixed tub paste. Heavy-duty adhesives provide superior adhesion even when working with heavier materials such as solid vinyl or textured papers that require extra strength to stay on your walls. Ready-mixed tub pastes are convenient because they come in resealable tubs, making them easy to store after use while still providing superior holding power even on complex surfaces such as plasterboard or concrete walls. 

5. Buying in bulk to save money

Wallpapering a room can be an investment that pays off when done right. One way to ensure you’re doing it properly is to plan and purchase in bulk when you can. While buying in bulk upfront may require some out-of-pocket money, it will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to worry about paying for more rolls if you don’t have sufficient coverage or installing additional sections to match with existing wallpaper.

Not only will this break down the cost of your wallpapering project, but planning and purchasing in bulk will also save time since there is no need to shop for extra rolls later on the rare occasion you’re caught short.

6. Setting a budget and shopping around

When wallpapering a room, it’s essential to set a budget and shop around. Wallpaper has come a long way since the days of drab designs, so you can likely find something that will bring life to your walls while staying within your budget.

Plus, when you compare prices between different stores and online sources, you’ll be able to secure the best wallpaper for your money. Consider the cost of hanging tools such as pasting tables and smoothing tools if you also plan on DIYing them. Once you’ve done your research and set your budget, give yourself some wiggle room, so you don’t risk overspending once you see what’s available. You will be happy with how much money you save.

How much does it cost to hire a professional?

Hiring a professional to get the job done can help save you an incredible amount of time and leave you with peace of mind that the results will be top quality. The cost of having a professional wallpapering your room varies depending on several factors, such as how large the room is, what type of wallpaper is needed and whether or not any additional materials are needed.

Generally speaking, having your walls professionally papered could cost between £200-£300 or around £150 a day. However, regardless of budget limitations, hiring a professional is always worth considering if you want a seamless finish every time.

What are the cheapest types of wallpaper?

Although wallpaper can be expensive, there are some very affordable options. Vinyl-coated types of wallpaper tend to be the cheapest, and vinyl is a strong and durable material that makes it an excellent choice for many people. The greatest advantage is that you get all the aesthetic benefits of wallpaper without breaking the bank in the process.

Nonwoven wallpapers are also a great option because they’re lightweight and easy to install while being among the more affordable wallpaper types. Finally, fabric-backed vinyl wallpapers provide a great combination of appearance and performance at an attractive price – perfect for any budget.

Conclusion

Wallpapering a room isn’t a task to be taken lightly, but with suitable materials and cost breakdowns, you can ensure that you get a great-looking result at an affordable cost. If cost is still a concern, consider finding cost-effective options like vinyl wallpapers that are both attractive and durable. Whatever your choice, be sure to shop around and have a budget in mind before committing to a wallpaper type or cost. With the proper research, you’ll save money and get beautiful results for your home.

We stock a huge range of affordable wallpapers, with free delivery on orders over £49. Alternatively, discover more how-to guides on the 1ClickWallpapers blog:

• Wallpaper Size Guide: How Long Are Wallpaper Rolls?
• Hanging Wallpaper? Here’s Where to Start
• Can You Recycle Wallpaper?