How to Save Money by Hanging Wallpaper Yourself: 8 Helpful Tips

Last updated on October 4th, 2024 at 01:14 pm

Are you ready to revamp your home, but don’t want to break the bank? Updating your space doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation or hiring expensive professionals. One of the easiest ways to give any room a fresh new look is by adding wallpaper. And the best part? You can save a ton of money by hanging it yourself!

If you’ve never considered do-it-yourself wallpaper installation, don’t worry. With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll be amazed at how simple (and even fun!) it can be to transform your walls. In this guide, we’ll share eight smart tips for hanging wallpaper, from choosing the right design to mastering the application process, so you can achieve a stunning makeover while keeping your budget intact.

Skip the Professional Fees

Depending on the size and intricacy of your job, hiring a professional wallpaper installer can be a major expense, frequently costing several hundred dollars or more.

By hanging wallpaper yourself, you eliminate the cost of labor, which is often significant. Going the DIY route not only saves you money, it also allows you to use that money for other home upgrades, new décor, or better quality wallpaper. If your budget’s tight, this is a great alternative to hiring a pro.

Purchase Wallpaper and Supplies Wisely

Buying your wallpaper and installation supplies strategically is another smart way to cut costs.

Watch for home improvement store sales and discounts. Taking advantage of seasonal sales or checking out clearance items can provide substantial savings. If you have a larger wallpaper project, consider buying in bulk–some suppliers offer discounts for larger quantities.

You can also look for coupons or rebate opportunities. Consider following your favorite stores and brands on social media and sign up for their newsletters, so you don’t miss these offers.

And, when it comes to installation supplies like adhesive, tools, and accessories, compare prices across different retailers to find the best deals.

Prepare Your Walls Properly

Proper wall preparation is essential for a successful wallpaper installation and can help you avoid costly mistakes or issues down the line.

Before you start hanging your new wallpaper, it’s crucial to prepare the walls to ensure a smooth and lasting result. If you’re using traditional wallpaper, wall preparation becomes even more important, as the adhesive used with traditional wallpaper requires a perfectly smooth and well-prepared surface.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease, and then inspect for cracks, holes, or rough patches. Fill any gaps with spackle, and sand the surface to ensure it’s completely even. It’s also a good idea to apply a wallpaper primer or sealant, especially if you’re dealing with porous surfaces, to create an ideal base for the adhesive to bond properly. This extra step will help your traditional wallpaper go up smoothly and stay in place for years to come.

For peel and stick wallpaper, preparation and installation are simpler. These wallpapers adhere best to clean, smooth surfaces, so after cleaning, a light sanding and a fresh coat of paint over the sanded areas should do the trick.

Use Free Online Resources and Tutorials

There are loads of how-to videos online, and that includes a wealth of free resources that can assist you with wallpaper installation. You can find websites, video tutorials, and DIY blogs offering step-by-step guides and tips from experienced decorators.

These resources can walk you through the entire process, including measuring and cutting wallpaper, applying adhesive, and smoothing out bubbles. By using these free tools, you can gain valuable know-how and avoid common pitfalls, leading to a smoother installation process and reducing the risk of mistakes that could require professional intervention.

Invest in Basic Tools

Even though hanging wallpaper yourself will save you money, there are a few basic pieces of equipment you should purchase. A straightedge, a measuring tape, a level, a utility knife, and a wallpaper smoother or brush are examples of the equipment you’ll need.

These are all affordable tools that will make a big difference in the quality of your wallpaper project. Using a utility knife ensures that the cuts are clean and accurate, and a wallpaper smoother helps get rid of bubbles and wrinkles. These tools not only improve the look of your finished wallpaper project, but will help you work faster and more efficiently.

Practice on a Small Area

Before you wallpaper more noticeable areas of your walls, it’s a good idea to practice on a smaller, inconspicuous areas, especially if you’re new to the process. This can help you get a feel for handling the wallpaper, applying adhesive, and smoothing out seams.

It allows you to make mistakes and learn from them without impacting the overall appearance of your room. By practicing first, you can gain confidence and improve your technique, leading to a more polished and professional finish.

Choose Easy-to-Install Wallpaper

Choosing wallpaper that’s designed for easy installation can save you time and effort. Any peel off wallpaper, for example, is a user-friendly option that requires no paste and can be easily repositioned during application.

This type of wallpaper simplifies the entire process and reduces the likelihood of mistakes. It’s especially good for DIYers, as it allows you to achieve a professional look without needing specialized skills or tools. If you’re a beginner when it comes to wallpapering, this may be the perfect option.

Measure Carefully, and Order Correctly

Accurate measurements are a must if you want to avoid waste and additional costs. Measure your walls carefully to determine the amount of wallpaper you need, taking into account the height and width of each wall and any doors or windows that might affect the calculation.

Luckily, many wallpaper retailers provide online calculators to help you estimate the quantity you’ll need based on your measurements. Ordering the right amount of wallpaper ensures that you have enough material to complete the project without paying for more more than you need. It also helps prevent the delays and extra costs that come with having to order more wallpaper if you run short.

Wrapping Up

With these smart DIY tips, you can transform any room with wallpaper while keeping your budget in check. With a little planning, proper wall preparation, and a bit of practice, hanging wallpaper yourself can be a rewarding and affordable way to refresh your home.

Have you ever hung your own wallpaper? Let us know if you have any tips to add. We’d love to read your comments.

Also read:
Transform Your Kitchen with Chic Wallpaper Designs: An Expert Guide
The Best Calming Colors to Create a Cozy Home
6 Tips to Make Your Home Feel More Luxurious

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