Wallpapering cost guide for 2024

Whether you want to achieve a fresh look, hide some imperfections or introduce a new colour scheme, wallpapering is a great way to go. Knowing how much it costs can help you plan the project and get it done quickly and efficiently.

Keep reading to see the typical wallpapering costs in the UK to give you an idea for your decorating project.

How much does wallpapering cost?

For labour, you’ll pay around £14 per m2. This doesn’t include the cost of materials. 

Prices can vary a lot depending on the tradesperson’s level of skill and experience, with costs of around £16 per m2 being typical on the lower end of the scale, and £12 per m2 on the higher end.

Remember, wallpapering will take longer – and cost more – if old wallpaper needs removing first.

How much is it to wallpaper a room?

Wallpapering a whole room (4.4m x 3.3m) costs about £450 on average. 

This also doesn’t include the price of materials, which can significantly influence the overall cost.

The low range for wallpapering a whole room is about £350, and the high range is about £500.

Again, the tradesperson’s level of expertise will determine how much you pay for their labour.

How much does wallpaper cost?

In addition to labour costs, you’ll need to purchase some of your desired wallpaper, and enough of it to cover the room or wall. Wallpaper prices can vary a lot, as there are countless options out there, all varying in quality and style.

As a general guide, you can expect to pay around £20 to £40 per square metre for wallpaper.

The bottom line

All in all, you can expect to pay between £32 and £56 per square metre for wallpapering, including the cost of wallpaper. 

Measure your wall to get a more accurate idea of how much it’ll cost, or speak to a professional and get a personalised quote. If you have DIY skills, you can always save some money by stripping the old wallpaper yourself.

Getting wallpapering quotes from a professional

It’s always a good idea to get at least three quotes from local decorators. This makes sure you get the best deal.

Also, not all wallpapering quotes are created equal. Keep an eye out for things like detailed service descriptions, whether wall preparation is included and whether wallpaper is factored into the price.

Typically, more detail is better, as this helps you understand exactly what to expect, preventing any potential confusion down the line.

That said, the quote for wallpepring should also clearly outline how much the service will cost.

Reach out to multiple decorators in just a few clicks

Our request a quote feature is perfect for this – you post details about the job you want doing, and we’ll send it out to local decorators in your area who are approved, trusted and reviewed by people local to you. Try it out!

FAQs

What is the average cost to wallpaper a room?

A typical room with dimensions of 4.4m x 3.3m costs about £450 to wallpaper on average.

Why is wallpapering so expensive?

Compared to painting, for example, wallpapering can be quite expensive. This is essentially because it costs more to purchase and install.

There are also a few other factors that make wallpapering a relatively expensive form of decorating, such as walls often requiring preparation, old wallpaper needing to be removed and the fact that a lot of wallpaper gets wasted if rooms have irregular layouts.

How long does it take to wallpaper one wall?

It depends on the size of the wall and how much preparation is needed, but it should take around 1 to 2 hours. If the wall needs patching and sanding, it could take a few hours longer, as the spackling needs time to dry.

How much does a decorator cost per hour in the UK?

Painters and decorators charge about £34 per hour on average. This can vary depending on where you live and how experienced the tradesperson is. It’s always a good idea to get several quotes so you can get the best price.

How long does it take a professional to wallpaper a room?

It depends on a few factors, like the layout of the room, how much preparation the walls need and the size of the walls. Typically, wallpapering a room takes about 6 to 8 hours, but this can extend to a few days if the wall needs significant preparation or if old wallpaper needs removing.

How much do decorators charge per roll?

Wallpaper rolls vary a lot in price, with more intricate designs and higher quality paper costing the most. In general, you can buy a roll of wallpaper for between £10 to £70, and a standard roll gives you about 35 square feet of paper.

How do you estimate how much wallpaper you need?

You can figure out how much wallpaper you need by following these steps:

• Measure the walls. Measure the height and width of each wall in feet. Multiply the height by the width for each wall, then add these numbers up to get the total square footage.

• Account for waste. Consider adding an extra roll to account for mistakes, future repairs and wastage.

• Calculate number of rolls. Determine how many rolls you need by dividing the total square footage of your walls by the coverage provided by one roll. Always round up to ensure you have enough.

You can also subtract the size of any doors and windows for increased accuracy. For the most accurate estimate, contact a professional wallpaper installer.

Is wallpapering easy?

Wallpapering is relatively straightforward if you know what you’re doing and have some experience, but for a beginner, it can be difficult. You can simplify the process, such as by using pre-pasted wallpaper with basic patterns. Applying this to a standard room layout would be achievable for most people.

Although, it’s usually not straightforward in practice, and hiring a professional is always recommended to get the best results. Walls often need preparation, which takes specialised skills. Pattern matching and avoiding wrinkles are also difficult tasks that are beyond the capabilities of most people.