Are you planning to decorate your bathroom and are wondering if it is cheaper to use wallpaper than tile? The bathroom us one of the most used areas in the house and it is a homeowners dream to make it functional and relaxing. Changing the look of the wall will change the look of the room and its ambiance. You have the option to choose between tile and wallpaper. Which is the best option when it comes to being cost-effective? Let us find out the answer below.
Is bathroom wallpaper cheaper than tile? Using wallpaper in the bathroom is considered as a cheaper option as compared to using tiles. Aside from that, working with wallpaper is easier as compared to working with tiles. It is easy to install wallpaper and a lot of homeowners do it by themselves. On the other hand, you might need to hire the services of a professional for the tile installation. Hence, wallpaper is a cheaper and more convenient material to use for your bathroom.
Nowadays, more and more people are appreciating the benefits of using wallpaper in their home. There is now moisture-resistant wallpaper that can be used in areas with high-moisture level like the bathroom. If you are thinking about using wallpaper or tiles, we have shared tips and information below to help you compare the two when it comes to their benefits and disadvantages.
Is it Cheaper to Tile or Wallpaper?
It is cheaper to use wallpaper on bathroom walls that to use tiles. The overall cost of installing wallpaper is more affordable as compared to the overall cost of installing tile. The reason for this is that tiles are difficult to install and you may need to hire the services of a professional to do the installation. The labor cost will add to the overall price of the material. On the other hand, wallpaper is easier to install.
Difference between Wall Tile and Wallpaper
There are many differences between wallpaper and tile when it comes to cost, durability, resistance and replacement. You need to take note of these differences so that you can decide on the best choice that you can install for your bathroom. Below is a comparison between wall tile and wallpaper.
Cost
When it comes to cost, tile is more expensive as compared to wallpaper. Aside from the cost of tiling material, you also need to consider the decoration and labor cost. These things will affect the overall price. On the other hand, wallpaper is more affordable and is easily installed so you do not have to worry about labor cost. Tile can last for a long time and is easy to maintain. Wallpaper, on the other hand, can last for about 15 years or more with proper maintenance.
Durability
Another thing that you need to compare is the durability of both materials. Wall tiles can last for about 50 years or more depending on the quality of the tile. With proper maintenance, it can still maintain a new look. On the other hand, high-quality wallpaper can last for about 15 years or more. Over time, the surface of the wallpaper can fade and stain.
Resistance
The resistance of the material should also be compared. Tiles are resistant to a lot of things which includes stains and dirt. You can easily clean them with the use of a sponge and soap. However, wallpaper is not resistant to stains and can also get damaged when not properly maintained.
Replacement
Tiles are hard to replace and you will need to invest in a lot of money to take down the tiles from the wall and to replace them with newer ones. On the other hand, wallpaper is easily replaced and is also easy to install.
What Kind of Wallpaper is best in Bathrooms?
The best kinds of wallpaper for bathrooms are those that are waterproof and water-resistant. Nowadays, there is a wide array of wallpaper that can be used in bathrooms without worrying about moisture and humidity. Waterproof wallpaper can be installed anywhere in the bathroom. They can even be installed in the shower area. Waterproof wallpapers are made with adhesive compounds that create a waterproof membrane which effectively protects the wallpaper from water.
Some waterproof wallpaper is made up of a thick vinyl coating which repels moisture. Choose high-quality moisture-resistant wallpaper so that you can rest assured that it will withstand the humidity and moisture of the bathroom. Avoid using ordinary wallpaper in the bathroom because they can easily get wet, stained, and can peel off when they get in contact with moisture and water. You can also check out this article that talks about how to choose wallpaper. We have shared tips on how to choose the best wallpaper for your room.
Tips on How Use Bathroom Wallpaper
The placement, material, ventilation, wall preparations are some of the things that you need to consider when using bathroom wallpaper. Choosing the right wallpaper and installing it properly will make sure that it stays longer. Below are some tips on how to use bathroom wallpaper.
Tip 1: Consider the Placement
Make sure that you place the wallpaper in the right area of the bathroom. Do not install the wallpaper in areas that are frequently splashed by water unless you are using water resistant wallpaper. If you want to use regular wallpaper, use it in areas that are as far to water fixtures as possible.
Tip 2: Wall Preparation
When applying wallpaper, you need to prepare the wall. It is important that you add prime to the wall so that they wallpaper will properly attach and that the wall will not get damaged. Clean the wall to make sure that it is free from dirt and moisture that will prevent the wallpaper from sticking securely. We have also shared this article titled, do I need to prime my walls before wallpapering? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Tip 3: Choose High-Quality Wallpaper
For the bathroom, make sure that you use high-quality wallpaper that is water resistant. As much as possible, avoid using regular wallpaper in the bathroom. Moreover, do not use grasscloth wallpaper because it is hard to clean and easily absorbs stains easily.
Tip 4: Proper Ventilation is Needed
The bathroom should be properly ventilated. If you do not have a large window, you can install an extractor fan to circulate the air. This will also remove humidity and moisture to avoid damaging the wallpaper.
Tip 5: Use Varnish
Wallpaper can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. To make sure that it is durable, you can add a clear coat of decorators varnish over the wallpaper. This will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture into the wallpaper.
Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas
Wallpaper is a popular choice when it comes to bathroom decoration but there are a lot of things that you need to consider to make sure that you get the look that you want to achieve for your bathroom. To help you choose the right wallpaper for your bathroom, we have shared a few ideas to consider below.
Choose Colored Wallpaper
Using vibrant colored wallpaper to the bathroom can change its overall look and feel. The wallpaper provides a texture and will add character into the wall. As compared to the generic square shape of the tiles, wallpaper comes in different designs and styles that will make your bathroom aesthetically pleasing. Using the right wallpaper can make the room appear to be larger than it actually is. You can also find tropical or nature designed wallpaper to achieve a spa-like feel into your bathroom.
Have a Feature Wall
If you do not want to wallpaper every wall in your bathroom, you can choose to have a feature wall. This will provide an interesting look into your bathroom and also creates a point of focus. If your bathroom has a beautiful vanity mirror, you can cover a wall with stylish wallpaper and use it as a backdrop to place your vanity mirror.
Consider Using Wallpaper with Reflective Sheen
You make your bathroom more interesting by using wallpaper with reflective sheen. These wallpapers have a foil print that provides a level of sheen. Wallpapers with reflective sheen will make your bathroom appear larger, lighter, and more relaxing.
✅ Video – 55 Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas
RunmanReCords Design shared the video below on YouTube. It shows 55 bathroom wallpaper ideas for every bathroom. Check out the video for more ideas that you can follow for your bathroom.
Can Wallpaper Be Plastered on Tiles?
Wallpaper can adhere to non-porous surfaces like tiles. If you want to cover the tiles in your bathroom, you can install wallpaper over it. Moreover, wallpaper can also adhere to concrete, drywall, plaster, paneling, and masonry. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can use fabric instead of wallpaper. We have shared information and ideas about the topic.
Is Tiles Good for Walls?
Wall tiles are a good material for walls because they are meant to be load-bearing. These kinds of tiles are also easy to clean, maintain, and can last for a long time. Tiles are durable materials and can be able to withstand the moisture and humidity level of the bathroom.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if bathroom wallpaper is cheaper than tile. We have found out that the overall cost of installing wallpaper is more affordable as compared to tile installation. Wallpaper is affordable and is easy to install so there is no need to hire labor services because you can do the installation yourself. We have also shared tips and ideas on how to use wallpaper in bathrooms. Thank you for reading!