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What are the advantages of wallpaper?

Choosing wallpaper over paint may seem like a big commitment, however, it’s possible to remove or replace wallpaper that’s no longer needed. So what are the advantages of wallpaper? These include:

• Appearance - Wallpaper can be very visually appealing.

• Maintenance costs - While wallpaper may be more expensive than paint, it's a lot less difficult and expensive to maintain.

• Versatile - Wallpaper comes in a large number of styles, colours, designs and textures, allowing you to customise it to fit your interior design scheme.

• Covers issues with the wall - Ideal for walls in less than perfect condition.

• Lifespan - While paint needs to be refreshed every few years, wallpaper can last up to 15 years.

What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?

With all the benefits of wallpaper, it’s easy to forget that this material also has a few drawbacks. These include:

• Price - Wallpaper can be more expensive than painting.

• Repairs and replacement - If your wallpaper becomes damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced, it may be difficult to find the same pattern again.

• Installation - If you don't have experience hanging wallpaper, this can be a tricky, complicated job.

• Removal - Wallpaper removal can be hard work, especially in larger rooms.

• Humidity - If you install wallpaper that isn’t resistant to humidity, in humid areas of your home it won’t last very long.

• Fumes - Some wallpapers give out toxic fumes so look for eco friendly alternatives.

This depends on your circumstances. The price you pay for a professional to wallpaper your home, will vary based on the following factors:

• Number of rooms - The more rooms that need wallpapering, the more you will pay.

• Wall size - Depending on how large your walls or rooms are, the average wallpapering cost will vary.

• Type of wallpaper - There is a wide variety of wallpaper options available today, each with different prices. For example, high quality wallpaper will be more expensive than low quality wallpaper.

• Number of fitters - If you hire multiple wallpaper fitters they will charge more, however, your rooms will be finished in less time, meaning less labour costs.

• Current decoration - If you already have wallpaper on your walls, this will need to be removed first, increasing the amount you pay.

• Condition of walls - Walls that are in poor condition may need repairs before wallpaper can be hung. This is an extra cost to consider.

Wallpapering cost

The larger your rooms are the more you’ll pay. For example, the average cost to wallpaper a small room is £125, while the cost for a large room is £265. In addition you’ll need to pay for the wallpaper itself. Generally, this will range from £5 to £60 per roll.

The best effort free method of hanging wallpaper with amazing results is to hire a professional to do the work for you. However, if you have DIY experience, this could be an option for you. Below, we’ve summarised the process:

• Prepare the wall - By removing any old wallpaper and cleaning.

• Buy and measure your wallpaper - You may need to cut down to size.

• Adding adhesive to the wall - To help the wallpaper stick to the wall.

• Laying the wallpaper onto the adhesive - Start hanging the wallpaper, smoothing each piece onto your wall.

• Going round any obstacles - You’ll need to carefully fit your wallpaper around obstacles like windows and radiators.

  There is more guidance and advice in our how to hang wallpaper guide

If you are wondering how you remove wallpaper, we can help make this process easier and quicker. Check out our wallpaper removal cost guide. It covers everything from when it's time to replace your wallpaper, to average prices.

Want to speak to wallpaperers in Kirkwall?

Ready to get started removing or installing wallpaper in your home? You can find a wallpaper specialist in Kirkwall on Checkatrade. Our members each pass full checks and are recommended by your neighbours.

So, how can we help with your search? You have two easy options. One is to use our free search feature. Using just your postcode, we can show you a range of wallpaper specialists in Kirkwall.

Alternatively, our request a quote feature. Just tell us about your job using our online form and we’ll send your details to three wallpaper installation experts in location. They’ll then get in touch to offer you quotes.