Wallpaper Removal Cost: DIY vs Professional

Professional Wallpaper Removal Costs

Standard Pricing in NYC

Single layer, standard wallpaper: $1.50–$2.50/sq ft

Vinyl or coated wallpaper: $2.00–$3.00/sq ft

Multiple layers: $2.50–$4.00/sq ft

Wallpaper with strong adhesive: $2.50–$3.50/sq ft

By Room

| Room | Wall Area | Professional Cost | |------|-----------|------------------| | Small bedroom | 320 sq ft | $480–$960 | | Standard bedroom | 400 sq ft | $600–$1,200 | | Living room | 560 sq ft | $840–$1,680 | | Full 2BR apartment | 1,200 sq ft | $1,800–$3,600 |

What's Included

Professional removal typically includes:

Scoring or perforating the wallpaper

Application of removal solution or steam

Stripping all wallpaper

Removing adhesive residue

Light wall cleaning

Not usually included: Wall repair, skim coating, or painting

DIY Wallpaper Removal Costs

Materials Needed

Wallpaper scoring tool: $8–$15

Wallpaper removal solution (or fabric softener): $10–$20

Spray bottle or garden sprayer: $10–$25

Scraper/putty knives: $5–$15

Drop cloths and plastic: $15–$30

Trash bags: $5–$10

Total materials: $50–$115

Time Investment

This is where DIY gets tricky:

Easy wallpaper (peelable): 2–4 hours per room

Standard wallpaper: 4–8 hours per room

Stubborn wallpaper (multiple layers, strong glue): 8–16+ hours per room

For a full apartment, expect a full weekend or more of hard, messy work.

Side-by-Side Comparison

| Factor | DIY | Professional | |--------|-----|-------------| | Cost (per room) | $50–$115 | $500–$1,200 | | Time | 4–16 hours/room | 2–4 hours/room | | Wall damage risk | Higher | Lower | | Cleanup | You handle it | Included | | Quality | Variable | Consistent | | Satisfaction | Depends on patience | Guaranteed |

When DIY Makes Sense

Good Candidates for DIY

Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Designed for easy removal

Single room, single layer: Manageable scope

Strippable wallpaper: Comes off in large sheets

You enjoy hands-on projects: And have a free weekend

Tight budget: Every dollar counts

DIY Tips for Success

Test a corner first: Peel back a small section to see how easily it comes off

Score the surface: Use a scoring tool to let moisture penetrate

Apply solution generously: Let it soak for 10–15 minutes

Work from top to bottom: Gravity helps pull strips down

Use a wide scraper: 6-inch or wider works best

Be gentle: Aggressive scraping damages drywall

Tackle adhesive residue: Use warm water and solution after wallpaper is removed

When to Hire a Professional

Situations That Need Expert Help

Multiple layers of wallpaper: Each layer adds complexity

Wallpaper painted over: Paint seals the surface, making removal very difficult

Plaster walls: More delicate than drywall, easier to damage

Large area (more than one room): Scale makes DIY impractical

You plan to paint or install new wallpaper: Professional removal ensures a clean surface

Time constraints: Need it done quickly

What Could Go Wrong with DIY

Drywall damage: Over-soaking or aggressive scraping tears paper facing

Incomplete adhesive removal: Causes bumps under new paint

Water damage: Excessive moisture can damage drywall

Mold growth: If walls stay wet too long

Uneven results: Leading to expensive professional repairs

After Removal: Next Steps

Once wallpaper is removed, walls typically need additional work:

Light sanding and cleaning: $0.50–$1/sq ft

Skim coating (if needed): $2–$4/sq ft

Priming: $0.50–$1/sq ft

Painting: $1.50–$3/sq ft

Total after-removal finishing: $3–$8/sq ft

This is why many homeowners opt for a complete package: removal + skim coat + paint.

Our wallpaper service handles both installation and removal. We can also provide a complete wall renovation package including removal, repair, and painting. Get a free quote today.