Wallpaper Calculator

Calculate total wall area, subtract openings, divide by roll coverage: Measure room perimeter (add all wall lengths). Multiply perimeter × ceiling height = total wall area. Subtract doors (21 sq ft each) and windows (15 sq ft each). Divide by usable coverage per roll (accounting for pattern repeat). Add 10-15% waste factor. Example: 12'×14' room, 8' ceiling: Perimeter 52' × 8' = 416 sq ft - 36 (door+window) = 380 sq ft. Standard roll covers 25 sq ft usable = 15.2 rolls, round to 16.

Pattern repeat is vertical distance before pattern repeats. Affects waste: Straight match: Pattern matches horizontally across strips (less waste). Drop match/offset: Pattern staggers between strips (more waste). Random match: No pattern to match (minimal waste). Repeat sizes: Small repeat (0-6 inches): 10% waste. Medium repeat (7-18 inches): 15-20% waste. Large repeat (19+ inches): 25-30% waste. Larger repeats need more paper to align patterns at seams. Always order extra - dye lots vary, future repairs need matching roll.

Wallpaper costs vary widely: Budget vinyl: $15-30 per roll (single roll = 27-28 sq ft). Mid-range: $30-80 per roll (textured, patterns). Designer/premium: $80-200+ per roll (grasscloth, fabric-backed, metallic). Pre-pasted vs unpasted: Pre-pasted slightly more expensive but easier DIY. Installation cost: DIY (free), Professional $2-5 per sq ft installed. Average room (400 sq ft walls): 16 rolls × $50 = $800 materials. Professional install adds $800-2,000. Buy all rolls from same dye lot - colors vary between batches.

Wallpaper sold by single roll but packaged differently: Single roll: 27-28 sq ft (standard measurement unit). Actual coverage: Only 20-25 sq ft usable after pattern matching and waste. Double roll: 56 sq ft, but packaged as one continuous roll (not two separate). Triple roll: 84 sq ft continuous. Why double/triple better: Fewer seams (longer strips), less waste from pattern matching, better for tall walls/large rooms. Always buy in double or triple rolls when possible. Calculate in single roll equivalents, then order appropriate packaging.

DIY vs Professional installation: DIY appropriate for: Simple patterns, pre-pasted wallpaper, small rooms, straight walls, experience with home projects. Hire professional for: Expensive wallpaper (prevent waste), large pattern repeats, textured/specialty materials (grasscloth, fabric), complex rooms (high ceilings, angles), commercial spaces. Pro advantages: Proper surface prep, perfect pattern matching, smooth seam alignment, faster completion, warranty on labor. Cost: $2-5/sq ft installed. DIY risks: Bubbles, misaligned patterns, visible seams, wasted expensive materials. Practice on small area first.

Proper wall preparation critical for success: Clean walls: Remove dirt, grease, old wallpaper completely. Repair: Fill holes, cracks, sand smooth, prime repairs. Prime walls: Use wallpaper primer/sealer (improves adhesion, easier future removal). Texture: Light texture okay, heavy texture needs skim coat to smooth. Painted walls: Must be primed (especially latex paint). New drywall: Prime and seal completely. Test: Apply small piece, let dry, check adhesion. Poor prep causes: Bubbles, peeling, adhesion failure, difficulty removing later. Spend time on prep - makes installation much easier.

Wallpaper lifespan depends on quality and location: Vinyl wallpaper: 10-20 years (durable, washable, moisture-resistant). Non-woven: 15-25 years (breathable, tear-resistant, easy removal). Fabric-backed: 20-30+ years (highest quality, professional installation). Grasscloth/natural: 10-15 years (unique texture, more delicate). Lifespan factors: Quality of installation (most critical), room humidity (bathrooms shorter life), sun exposure (fading), traffic/wear. Kitchen/bathroom: Use vinyl or moisture-resistant. High-traffic: Durable, washable types. Wallpaper often removed for style changes before actual failure. Quality installation and materials worth investment for longevity.