For construction professionals, understanding the cost of wallpaper per square foot is crucial for accurate project budgeting. As of 2025, the average cost ranges from $3 to $16 per square foot, depending on material and labor choices. This guide provides insights into the factors influencing these costs and how to manage them effectively.
• Material grade: Options like vinyl, grasscloth, and silk vary in cost.
• Pattern complexity: Murals and large repeats increase waste.
• Wall condition: Surface type affects preparation time.
• Labor market: Regional wage rates impact installation costs.
• Project size: Larger projects benefit from economies of scale.
• Specialty finishes: Moisture-resistant or sound-absorbing papers add premiums.
In most U.S. metros, expect:
• Entry-level peel-and-stick: $1.25 – $2.50 per sq ft for material, $1.50 – $2.50 per sq ft for labor.
• Mid-grade designer vinyl: $2.75 – $4.50 material, $2.75 – $4.25 labor.
• Premium grasscloth or silk: $6.00 – $10.00 material, $4.00 – $6.50 labor.
Rule of thumb: Total installed cost commonly lands between $3 and $16 per square foot.
Square foot pricing offers clarity and precision, reflecting the actual surface area covered and simplifying client discussions.
Our platform uses voice notes to capture site details, converting them into structured scope items with live pricing. This results in detailed takeoffs, separate cost lines, and regional labor rates.
• Surface prep: Skim coating can add $0.75 – $1.25 per sq ft.
• Removal of existing paper: $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft.
• Furniture moves: Often billed hourly.
• Specialty ladders or scaffolds: A separate line item.
A Seattle project used mid-grade vinyl with a 21-inch repeat:
• Room size: 400 sq ft.
• Waste factor: 10% (40 sq ft).
• Material cost: $4.10 x 440 sq ft = $1,804.
• Labor cost: $3.20 x 400 sq ft = $1,280.
• Prep and adhesive: $0.65 x 400 sq ft = $260.
Total install: $3,344, or $8.36 per finished square foot.
• Opt for a feature wall.
• Choose washable vinyl.
• Schedule during slower seasons.
• Use bulk purchasing for rebates.
1. Record your voice scope.
2. AI extracts details.
3. Choose material and pattern.
4. Instant estimate appears.
5. Send branded quote.
6. Auto-generate invoice and order.
How accurate are CountBricks estimates?
Our engine maintains variance below 2% on average.
Can I import blueprint takeoffs?
Yes, upload your PDF plan for measurement and pricing.
Does CountBricks handle change orders?
Yes, update the takeoff for a new quote instantly.
Automate every step from takeoff to invoice at CountBricks.com and keep your projects on time and on budget.
Successful wallpaper projects rely on more than just cost per square foot. CountBricks enhances workflow efficiency, ensuring contractors meet and exceed client expectations.
• Real-time pricing updates: Stay current with market changes.
• Collaborative dashboards: Unified access for clients and teams.
• Seamless invoicing: Auto-generate invoices and track payments.
A remodeling firm used CountBricks for a 1,120 sq ft hallway, achieving a cost of $5.97 per square foot, under budget by 6%. The project was completed efficiently with digital work orders.
• Batch projects to reduce travel time.
• Store templates for quick application.
• Upsell accents for additional revenue.
Ready to see how CountBricks can sharpen your next wallpaper bid? Book a live demo at CountBricks.com.
