Who Installs Wallpaper? Best Pros to Hire

A wallpaper installer or a handyperson can hang wallpaper in your home

A worker putting up wallpapers on the wall.
Photo: artursfoto - Stock Photography.adobe.com
A worker putting up wallpapers on the wall.
Photo: artursfoto - Stock Photography.adobe.com
Highlights
  • Professional wallpaper installers manage complex layouts, delicate materials, and wall prep to deliver a smooth, high-quality finish.

  • Most homeowners spend $320 to $820 for installation, with a national average of $560; many quotes fall between $1 to $7 per square foot.

  • Additional costs come from wall preparation, existing wallpaper removal, and custom or luxury materials that require more time and care.

  • Hiring a pro saves time versus DIY and reduces the risk of visible seams, bubbles, and peeling in the finished room.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who installs wallpaper, look to professional wallpaper installers for the best results, or a handyperson for simpler rooms. Pros align seams, match patterns, and prep walls more efficiently than DIYers, which helps the finish look clean and last longer.

Use this guide to compare your options, understand how the work is done, and see what impacts total project cost.

Benefits of Hiring a Wallpaper Installer for Wallpaper Installation

Hiring a professional wallpaper installer ensures tight seams, accurate pattern alignment, and reliable adhesion. These pros bring specialized tools, calculate quantities correctly, and complete work faster with minimal disruption. Many also remove old wallpaper and properly prep and prime walls, which improves durability and appearance over time. For most homes, this combination of speed and precision delivers consistent, professional results.

  • Experienced with tricky room layouts, corners, and angles

  • Skilled with delicate and specialty wallpaper materials

  • Works cleanly around built-ins, windows, and doors

  • Accurately measures so you buy the right amount

  • Brings all necessary, professional-grade tools

  • Completes installation faster than DIY attempts

  • Preps surfaces to reduce bubbles and peeling

  • Delivers a high-quality, frustration-free finish

  • Can remove old paper before installation

  • Plans the final seam in a low-visibility area

Can I Hire a Handyperson for Wallpaper Installation?

A handyperson can be a cost-saving choice for straightforward installations in simple rooms. However, most handypeople do not have the specialized experience of professional wallpaper installers, which matters for complex patterns, tight corners, or delicate materials. Ask for a written price quote and confirm wallpaper-specific experience before hiring. Choose a pro for intricate layouts, heavy pattern matching, or walls needing significant prep. Avoid high-moisture rooms, which can cause wallpaper to peel. If your project is more involved, you might want to consider a handyman near you to ensure the job is done efficiently and with professional results.

How Do Wallpaper Installers Install Wallpaper?

Professional wallpaper installers follow a proven process to produce consistent results.

  1. Prepare walls: smooth surfaces, remove bumps, remove old paper, and prime if needed

  2. Plan layout: map sheets to minimize visible seams and manage pattern placement

  3. Create straight guides using a laser level or plumb line

  4. Apply adhesive to the wall or paper, one sheet at a time

  5. Hang from the top, align to guides, and smooth out bubbles

  6. Trim edges cleanly with a razor or straightedge

How Much Does Wallpaper Installation Cost?

When hiring a pro to install wallpaper, expect to pay $320 to $820, with a national average of $560. Many quotes run $1 to $7 per square foot, averaging $4. Custom or luxury wallpaper increases material and labor, and larger rooms or complex layouts add time. Wall prep and removal add costs; removal runs $0.55 to $1.50 per square foot or $500 to $700 per room.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.

The homeowners guide to wallcovering or wallpaper installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.