How much does Wallpaper removal cost?

When updating the look of your home, swapping out wall coverings can often make the biggest impact. As homes age and trends change, wallpaper that was in style in the 70s, 80s, or 90s may be in desperate need of a refresh now.

However, wallpaper removal is not an easy DIY job—it’s labor intensive and time consuming, plus mistakes can cause damage to your walls and fixtures. It’s recommended that homeowners hire a professional with the experience, know how, and equipment to do the job safely and correctly. 

If you’re in the market for an interior makeover, you may be wondering, “How much does wallpaper removal cost?” Read on to understand how wallpaper removal jobs are typically priced and what you need to know before hiring a pro. 

Contractors typically price wallpaper removal services one of two ways: by the square foot or by the hour.

When priced by square footage, the national average total cost of professional wallpaper removal amounts to $1–2 per square foot, plus $50–75 in materials. For example, removing wallpaper from all the walls of a standard 12×12-foot room with 8-foot ceilings could range from $475–925, which includes some light repair to the wall.

When priced by the amount of labor required, the average hourly rate is $40–75. Most jobs take 1–2 days for 2 small rooms (like a foyer and a bathroom) or 1 large room (like a living room), for a total average price of $320–1,200.

Other factors that help determine total price include: 

Because pricing models can vary between companies, homeowners should shop around and get multiple quotes. Ask pros to take a look at your wallpaper and test a sample for removal, before offering a number.  

There are three main methods used to remove wallpaper. Pros will consider the type of wallpaper, its age, and the type of wallpaper glue when deciding which method is best for your walls.

Stripping. Stripping wallpaper is the simplest and cheapest method of removal. It involves applying water or an inexpensive chemical stripper to loosen the glue of the wallpaper, which can then be pulled off in large sections. This method typically works well for newer “peel-and-stick” strippable wallpapers, as well as commonly used porous wallpapers, which easily soak up water or chemicals. Average cost: $0.75–1.50 per square foot plus $50–75 in materials.

Soaking and scraping. Some wallpaper, like the non-porous, vinyl-coated varieties, can’t be easily stripped and must be scraped off instead. With this method, a perforator or scoring tool is used to make small holes in the wallpaper, which is then sprayed with a chemical agent and allowed to soak. Once the agent has soaked through the perforations in the wallpaper and loosened the glue, it can then be removed with a scraper. Average cost: $1–2 per square foot plus $50–75 in materials.

Steaming. Steaming is similar to soaking and scraping, but instead of a chemical agent, pros use electric steamers to loosen the wallpaper from the wall before scraping. Steaming typically works well for porous wallpaper because it easily absorbs the moisture. Expect to pay an extra $30–60 in equipment costs for the steamer. Average cost: $1–2.50 per square foot plus $50–75 in materials.

Before beginning, your wallpaper removal pro will prep the room by removing furniture, wall plates, and any obstructive fixtures; covering outlets and switches; and laying down protective tarps or drop cloths on the floor. 

After they’re finished, wallpaper pros will clean up the job site including disposing of old wallpaper and patching up any damage to drywall or plaster with a putty knife in preparation for new papering or paint. 

The final cost of wallpaper removal is unique to every home. It’s critical to obtain multiple quotes from different professionals to ensure that you’re getting the best price. The following factors can increase your total bill:

How much does it cost to remove wallpaper?

The average cost of wallpaper removal is $0.75–2.50 per square foot plus $50–75 in materials and equipment.

Is it cheaper to remove wallpaper or replace drywall?

Removing wallpaper is typically much cheaper than replacing drywall. Replacing drywall in a 12×12-foot room can cost upwards of $1,500–2,000 in labor and materials, while removing wallpaper costs an average of $475–925.

Do painters remove wallpaper?

Many painting contractors, along with handymen and general contractors, specialize in wallpaper removal. If you’re planning on hiring a painter to refresh your walls after wallpaper is removed, ask if they also offer wallpaper removal service. In any case, call several professionals for quotes, to make sure you’re getting the best price for your project.

Find a wallpaper removal professional in your area.