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The average cost to install or hang wallpaper is around $575 per room or project, with typical prices ranging from $200 to $1,500. Costs can be higher for custom or luxury products. Since project size varies, it's often helpful to estimate labor costs per square foot, which generally fall between $1 and $7, with an average of $4 per square foot. The total cost depends on several factors, including the quality and type of wallpaper, the size and type of the room, and whether old wallpaper must be removed first. Opting for less expensive materials like peel-and-stick wallpaper or choosing to do the installation yourself can lower the overall cost. For the most accurate estimate, it is best to have a professional inspect the space and provide a quote.

No, you don’t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it’s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We’d also recommend against putting wallpaper over textured or dark-colored wallpaper because the old layer may be visible through the new one. In addition, if you try to hang new wallpaper over vinyl-coated wallpaper, the adhesive might not stick properly. 

It is less costly to paint than wallpaper when you only consider the upfront cost. Wallpaper costs $320 to $820 when applied by a pro, while paint only costs $200 to $700 per room. However, when comparing wallpaper versus paint, consider the long-term as well. Wallpaper can save you money over time since it has a much longer life span than paint.

In most cases, it is not recommended to wallpaper over existing wallpaper, as the success depends on the type of paper already on the wall. While you might be able to cover non-coated wallpaper, you should never apply new wallpaper over a vinyl-coated one, which is more common. Doing so can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in bubbles, imperfections, and peeling. It can also trap moisture, potentially causing hazardous mold growth between the layers.

Even if the existing wallpaper is suitable, experts recommend applying only one new layer. Adding multiple layers (more than two total) can cause significant adhesion problems, leading to warping and bubbling. For the best results, the recommended approach is to remove the old wallpaper and all paste residue before hanging the new paper. If you are unsure about your wallpaper type, consider consulting a professional.