The cost of wallpaper removal in the UK generally ranges from £150 to £538. Wallpaper removal prices are primarily influenced by considerations such as how many layers of wallpaper you plan to remove, how many rooms you want to remove wallpaper from and whether you plan to apply new wallpaper to the walls afterwards.
Wallpaper Removal Costs
| UK National Minimum Cost | £150 |
| UK National Maximum Cost | £538 |
| UK National Average Cost | £350 |
| Average Range | £150 – £538 |
Included in This Price Guide
Considerations For a Wallpaper Removal Service
No matter why you're looking to remove the wallpaper on your walls, it's a rewarding decision that will set you on your way to new wall coverings. There are a few things you'll want to think about before you start the project, especially when it comes to the budget. Read this section for top wallpaper removal tips to get you started.
Repairs
After the wallpaper is removed, you may reveal water damage, cracks, or mould. If this is the case you'll have to repair the plaster underneath. Peeling paint may also appear after wallpaper removal. In either of these cases, your professional can help with plaster repair, wall repair, or sanding peeling paint to ensure your walls are in the best condition for painting or hanging new wallpaper. Keep in mind that depending on how extensive the damage is, this could both lengthen and increase the overall cost of the project.
Preparation
Before you start removing wallpaper, you will need to clear out space. This means moving any furniture out of the room to create a larger working area for your wallpaper stripper. If you can't manage the move by yourself, ask if your wallpaper stripper can help. There will likely be an extra cost added to the total for any moving assistance though.
Put down drop cloths to collect the scrap wallpaper as it's removed from your walls. Loosening wallpaper involves a lot of hot water. Consider using a tarpaulin or plastic sheeting to protect your floor from both water and the mess.
Removal Techniques
If you're looking for easy wallpaper removal the best option is to hire a professional. Unless you’re lucky enough to have ‘strippable’ wallpaper that simply peels away, your wallpaper will need a bit more effort in removal. Use hot water to soak the paper on the walls and loosen the glue. Sometimes steam wallpaper removal tools are used instead of applying hot water directly to the walls. Following this step you may need to score the surface of the paper with a knife so the back of the paper will also get wet.
Alternatively your professional may use wallpaper removal spray. This usually depends on the type of wallpaper and glue used to adhere it to the wall. Some glues may come away best with a wallpaper removal spray. Once it’s loosened, you can scrape the paper off with a scraper.
Once the wallpaper is off the wall, then your professional will tend to the removal of wallpaper glue. Some glues set more thoroughly to walls than others and could leave behind a residue. They can help with this step by washing the walls after wallpaper removal to ensure your walls are clean for the next step of your project.
Time
Expect it to take about 6 hours to completely strip wallpaper from the walls of an average-sized room. If your room has a high ceiling or if it has an unusual layout with lots of corners and angles, you may find it takes longer to remove the wallpaper. Then additional time may be added to the project if additional steps are needed such as washing the walls, sanding, painting, or hanging new wallpaper.
Number of Rooms
The more rooms you need to remove wallpaper from, the higher the of cost for your project will be. Naturally, costs rise when there are more rooms as it will take additional time to strip each extra room. Then, of course, if you only need to strip wallpaper in one or two rooms, you can expect a lower project cost.
The size of your room has a huge impact on how much it costs to remove wallpaper. If you can calculate how large the area is in square feet, you can figure out a few of the job specifics. These are namely, how long it will take and how much you can expect it to cost. The higher the square footage, the higher the anticipated cost.
Layers of Wallpaper
Until you start removing it, you might not know how many layers of wallpaper are on your walls. The fewer layers you have the easier it will be to remove.
Type of Wallpaper
There are many patterns, textures, and types of wallpaper. Vinyl with a backing like paper or cloth is a popular choice that is very durable. You may prefer this kind in your home as it is easily washable. Then flock or foil wallpapers offer a more luxurious custom look but are more expensive. These kinds of coverings will increase the total cost.
Keep in mind that the type of wallpaper can also affect the length of the job and the cost. Some types are thicker and use stronger glues that in turn are harder to remove. If you have multiple layers of thick wallpaper this could add extra time to your project.
Additional Projects
Are you considering a few home improvement projects along with wallpaper removal? Check out these guides to find inspiration and tips for all of your wallpapering and decorating projects.
- How to Remove Wallpaper (Top Tips and Tricks). Looking for more information on how to remove wallpaper? Take an in-depth look in this guide.
- Painting Over Wallpaper (Best Techniques for Every Room). Find out if painting over wallpaper instead of wallpaper removal is an alternative option for your project. Click here to read more.
- Is Paint or Wallpaper (or Both) Better for Your Home? Can't decide between hanging new wallpaper or adding a splash of paint to your interiors? Read this guide for a top comparison.
- 8 of The Best Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas to Inspire Your Home. Get inspiring tips ideas on how you can transform your bedroom with wallpaper in this article.
Then easily compare costs and find local professionals for all of your projects on Near Me, whether you're getting ready to install new wallpaper, hire a painter for your interiors, or you have another home renovation project in mind!
Summary
Get started with your stripping wallpaper project today! Just answer a few questions about your project and fill out a free request for bids.
“I did work for one client, where I was wallpapering his whole house. When I finished the job, although he didn’t have more work for me he was really happy with the quality of the work I had done, so he recommended me.” – Sulaimon Lasisi, a Painter & Decorator on Near Me
Let Near Me help you find local wallpaper removal pros who are experienced with the best wallpaper removal techniques!