Planning wallpapering, from preparation to the finished wall
A photo mural, new woodchip paper and stripping an old covering are different jobs. Wallpaper, wall and installation method need to work together. A clear description helps you compare the scope and price.
Install, remove or repair?
Define the result first. Should old wallpaper simply be removed, replaced or followed by painting? A stripped wall is not automatically ready for a smooth painted finish. Adhesive residue, damage and unevenness may require further work.
For partial repairs, mention whether matching spare paper is available. A new strip may differ from an aged covering. Ask the contractor whether a local repair is suitable or whether a continuous surface should be renewed.
Choose a covering that suits the project
The design is only one consideration. Backing, finish and product instructions determine installation and later care. Choose for the room and appearance you want; the contractor selects adhesive and technique to suit the actual product.
| Type | Planning consideration |
|---|---|
| Plain or lightly textured | Consistent substrate and neat seams |
| Patterned paper | Pattern matching and additional cutting |
| Photo wallpaper or mural | Wall dimensions, image crop and positions of doors or furniture |
| Woodchip or paintable lining | Explicitly include the finishing paint |
| Textile or natural material | Product-specific installation and care |
Do not overlook preparation
The substrate needs to suit the chosen wallpaper. Loose areas, rough textures and strong differences in background colour can affect the result. Fine, smooth coverings make preparation defects particularly visible.
Do not paper over old coverings without assessment: existing layers may loosen during installation. Specify stripping, filling and priming separately. Damp needs its cause investigated first. Old plaster that may contain hazardous materials needs professional assessment before it is disturbed.
Wall area, pattern repeat and roll quantities
The initial estimate concerns the affected wall or ceiling area, not the floor. A wall 4 metres wide and 2.5 metres high measures 10 m², for example. Windows, recesses and slopes change the cutting and work involved.
The area printed on a roll is not necessarily all usable in a particular room. Full drops, trimming allowances and pattern matching affect consumption. A repeat describes how the design recurs; a drop match requires adjacent strips to be offset correctly.
Have quantities calculated for the chosen product before purchasing. For a mural, agree image placement too: a door should not accidentally interrupt its main subject. A generic waste percentage is not a substitute for this check.
Supply the paper yourself or ask the contractor?
Either can work, but agree it before ordering. For customer-supplied paper, the contractor needs the exact product reference and confirmation that the quantity is sufficient. Delivery, missing rolls and replacement supply need clear arrangements.
Check manufacturing or batch numbers and keep labels and useful offcuts. The same product reference does not rule out colour differences between batches. Check the material and appearance of the first strips before the entire installation proceeds.
How much does wallpapering cost?
One Swiss rate lists around CHF 20–35/m² for straightforward hanging, excluding wallpaper and necessary preparation. VAT is not explicitly clarified there. This is neither a complete price nor a Swiss average.
Compare stripping and disposal, smoothing, primer, paper, hanging and any painting separately. Protection, travel and equipment for high areas may also apply. A complex pattern match is not equivalent to a simple covering.
For a small feature wall, setup and travel can represent a substantial share. Ask for a total for your actual wall, rather than just an indicative square-metre rate.
Arrange the work and handover
Agree who moves furniture and clears the work area. A tall stairwell requires different access from an unobstructed bedroom wall. Mention if rooms need to remain in use during the work.
Timing depends on delivery, stripping, repairs and drying. Do not force drying with intense heating or draughts; follow product instructions. At handover, inspect pattern alignment, seams, edges and visible marks together.
Consider care and future changes
Washable, scrubbable and water-resistant only during installation do not mean the same thing. Ask what the wallpaper symbols allow for cleaning. A wipeable finish does not make the wall assembly waterproof for a shower.
Not every decorative paper is designed to be painted. If future colour changes matter, consider that when choosing. The product reference, any finishing paint colour and spare material help with later repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have just one wall wallpapered?
Yes. A feature wall is a standalone job. Give its area, height and desired paper; preparation and travel should be included in the total or clearly listed separately.
Do I need to have chosen the wallpaper already?
No. You can request advice. The product must eventually be selected to confirm its material price and installation requirements.
Must I calculate the rolls myself?
No. Wall dimensions and the product reference provide the basis. The installer should check quantities, including trimming and pattern matching, before ordering.
Is painting after hanging included?
Only if agreed. For woodchip and other paintable coverings, include the finishing paint and colour in the scope.
Can a damaged strip be replaced?
A partial repair is often possible. It depends on the substrate, damage and available matching material. An invisible result cannot be promised in every case.
