How much does Wallpaper cost?

Wallpaper is a great way to add depth and warmth to the room. The styles and designs that are available provide almost endless design possibilities. Wallpaper cost depends on the size of the room and the type of wallpaper that you choose, but the average range is $7 to $100 per metre. Wallpaper installation costs vary across Australia, from $40 to $80 per hour.

Below is the average cost of a wallpaper installation job in different states around Australia:

The cost of wallpaper depends on several factors. Installation costs are a key driver of price, as is the type of wallpaper to be installed. Some types of wallpaper are more difficult to install than others.

Cost of Wallpaper and Installation –Wallpaper installers have several different methods for determining the price of the job. Some charge by the square metre while others charge by the hour. The average cost is about $30 per square metre. Hourly rates range from $40 to $70 per hour. Regardless of the pricing method used, you can generally count on about $200 to $220 per wall.

Asbestos Removal – In some older homes, the walls or wallpaper itself can contain asbestos. This is a hazardous material and can cause life-threatening lung damage. You should never attempt to remove it yourself or even work around it. You must call a professional who can remove it safely. Asbestos wallpaper removal cost can be anywhere from $1,500 for a small area to $30,000 for several rooms.

Removal of Old Wallpaper – Sometimes, the old wallpaper can be papered over, but if it is damaged, textured, or in poor condition, it must often be removed. The type of wallpaper to be removed can affect cost. Removing wallpaper from a single bathroom wall can be around $500.

Type of Wallpaper – The type and material of the wallpaper is a definite factor that will influence the end price.

Elephant wallpaper inside an office building. | Source: Creme De La Creme Decor 

Best Material for Your Room

One thing that you need to consider is the use of the room. For instance, you might want to consider vinyl for bathrooms or kitchens where they might get wet or exposed to food. For a child’s room, you might want something where marks can be easily removed. A living room or bedroom might not need something as durable and stain-resistant. In these rooms, you may consider more decorative designs. Another factor to consider is how easily it cleans. You might not want to put flocked or heavily textured wallpaper in an area that needs cleaning often.

Colour and Pattern

Choosing the right colour or pattern is a personal choice, but keep in mind that you probably will not wallpaper as often as you paint. The right wallpaper can make or break the interior design. Think about scale. You might not want to go with a larger pattern in a small room. A smaller design in a larger room can look too busy.

Think about your plans for the room in the future. If you are anticipating life changes such as a new baby,  you might want to consider your future needs in your wallpaper choice. The most important thing is to get a sample to take them home. The lighting in the store, or colours online, can make the wallpaper appear differently. You will be putting a lot of time and money into the project, so taking samples home is a step that you do not want to skip.

The cost to install wallpaper depends on both the value of the wallpaper and installation. Some types are more challenging to install and will add to both the cost per roll and labour costs.

Vinyl Coated Wallpaper – Vinyl coated wallpaper is an excellent choice for kitchens that might occasionally need to be wiped down. It is an inexpensive choice at about $10 to $30 per roll.

Solid Vinyl Wallpaper – Vinyl wallpaper is an ideal choice for bathrooms, kitchens and wet areas. It is durable and easy to clean. Vinyl wallpaper can range from $30 to $200 per roll.

Mural – If you want a wallpaper that adds a bit of flair, then you might want to consider a mural. Some can be designed to be photo-realistic, and others are embossed. They are sold per piece and can range from $90 to $900.

Peel and Stick – This is an excellent option for a DIY. It is easy to install and typically a lower-price option. It is an affordable option and averages from $5 to $130 per roll.

Grasscloth Wallpaper – Grasscloth has a natural look and brings a little of the outdoors inside. It is a good addition to a nature-inspired or coastal-themed room. Grasscloth runs about $65 to $90 per roll.

Flock Wallpaper – Flocked wallpaper has a velvety touch and gives a formal feel to the room. It adds to the character of the place, but it can be difficult to clean. It starts about $190 per roll and goes up to $650, or more.

Removing Wallpaper – If you have to remove the old wallpaper, it costs between $2 to $5 per square metre.

Beautifully patterned wallpaper next to a staircase. | Source: Creme De La Creme Decor

Summary of Wallpaper Costs

There are several types and designs on wallpaper to choose from. Here’s a quick cost summary of different types of common wallpaper across Australia:

Tips to Create an Accurate Estimate

Tip #1 – Measure the height of your ceilings and the area of your walls

Tip #2 – Know the cost of the type of wallpaper that you want

Tip #3 – Consider any repairs or resurfacing that might need to be done

Tip #4 – Get multiple estimates to compare pricing

Licencing and Qualifications

There are no specific licenses required by Australia to hang wallpaper, but installers must adhere to regulations regarding historical buildings and preservation. They must also know how to recognize hazards such as asbestos and lead-based paint and how to handle these situations.

Although there are no formal government licenses; however, individual training institutes offer certification programs. One of them is the National Painting and Decorating Institute. It is suggested that you hire a professional who has a certification by one of these bodies. This is especially true if you have a historical home that may fall under historic preservation regulations or have potentially hazardous materials present.

A qualified professional will be the best person for the job. They know how to handle difficult situations such as uneven wall surfaces. They also know the best techniques for getting the best adhesion and aligning the design to appear seamless.

How to Save Money Hiring a Wallpaper Installer

Tip #1 – Hiring a wallpaper installer must take into some of the same considerations as hiring any other contractor. You want someone who will do an excellent job at a fair price.

Tip #2 – Find out if they have any certifications and how much experience they have

Tip #3 – Ask if they have insurance or offer any warranties on their work

Tip #4 – Ask for references from previous clients

Can you put wallpaper in the bathroom?

Yes, you can install wallpaper in the bathroom, but be careful about the type of wallpaper that you choose. Make sure that it is water-resistant and washable.

What can you put wallpaper over?

One of the best things about wallpaper is that you can put it over almost any surface. You can set wallpaper over old wallpaper, drywall, concrete, plaster, masonry and panelling. You can also put it over tile, laminate panelling and concrete block. Preparation of the surface is the key to a good job.

Should I hang wallpaper myself?

Installing wallpaper looks simple, and there are some videos available that also make it look easy. However, it might not be as easy as it seems. Many little details can make the job more difficult. If you have installed it before, then you know what you are getting into and how difficult it can be. If you have never installed it previously, it can be harder than it looks. The worst-case scenario is that you end up with a job with which you are not satisfied. A professional with experience can make sure the job is done right.

Paint or wallpaper?

When deciding whether to paint or wallpaper, there are several considerations. First, ask whether you are a person who is likely to want to change things up every couple of years. If you are one of those who change their colour every time Pantone comes out with something new, then paint might be the better option. You have more choices in wallpaper designs to help add colour and character to your room, which can be a break from plain colour walls. Whichever you decide, make sure to do your research beforehand.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources