One of the common questions asked when it comes to painting and wallpapering is which option is cheaper. If you want to redecorate your walls and are following a strict budget, you need to consider the best option that is not only affordable but will also provide your walls with a gorgeous look. To help you get started, we will compare paint and wallpaper when it comes to cost as well as the pros and cons. Read the rest of the article below for more information.
Is wallpaper cheaper than paint? In general, wallpaper is more expensive than paint. This is because wallpaper comes in rolls which can be expensive and needs additional tools to install. Aside from that, the installation can be tricky and you need to hire the services of professionals to have them installed on your walls properly. On the other hand, paint is cheaper and needs fewer tools. The good thing is that wallpaper comes in different price ranges so you can choose the one that fits your budget.
Wallpaper and paint can dramatically change the look and ambiance of a home. There are a few factors that you need to consider when it comes to choosing between the two. Aside from the cost, you also need to consider the durability and lasting factor of the material. Below, we will discuss the difference between paint and wallpaper.
Is it Cheaper to Wallpaper or Paint a Room?
It is cheaper to paint a room as compared to wallpapering it, but wallpaper lasts longer as compared to paint so the money that you have spent is worth it. On the other hand, if you are not looking for a long-term wall covering, then the durability of the wallpaper is not a concern. If you are looking for long-term use, wallpaper is your best option because it is durable and can last for up to 15 years with proper maintenance. While the initial cost can be expensive, you will get your money’s worth in the long run.
Why is it Cheaper to Paint a Room?
Painting a room is cheaper because it uses few tools and painting is easy so there is no need to hire the services of a professional. A gallon of paint usually costs around 30 dollars depending on the product that you choose. Painting a 10 by 10 foot room will cost only about 150 dollars. On the other hand, a room of the same size will cost about 275 dollars when you use wallpaper. Depending on the size of the room, you will need many rolls of wallpaper to cover it. Meaning, the larger the room, the more expensive it will be to use wallpaper. We have also shared this article titled, can I wallpaper 2 walls? Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Choosing Between Paint and Wallpaper for Your Home
The variety, application, durability, cost, usage, maintenance, and removal are some of the things that you need to consider when choosing between paint and wallpaper. Both are the most common methods of covering walls, but they provide different looks into the room. Let us talk more about the difference between the two below.
Cost
One of the things that you need to consider is the cost of the material. Paint is cheaper and needs less time, effort, and skills to apply. Meaning, the overall cost for a painting job is lower as compared to wallpaper. On the other hand, wallpaper is considered a one-time investment because it lasts longer. If you are looking for a durable material, you can choose wallpaper. The initial cost may be expensive, but it is a good investment because it can last for a long time.
Durability
Another thing that you need to consider is the durability of the material. Using high-quality paint on the wall and using the paint properly can make it last for about five years. There is also the possibility that paint can fade and chop over time and you will need to do some retouching after three years or so. On the other hand, wallpaper is a long-term investment and can last for up to 15 years depending on the maintenance that it receives. But you also need to take note that wallpaper is also vulnerable to wear and tear and redoing wallpaper can be time-consuming as compared to painting.
Usage
You also need to consider how you will use the paint or wallpaper. Paint is suitable for all areas of the house, but bear in mind that excess heat can affect the look of painted walls. Wallpaper, on the other hand, is not suitable for humid and moisture areas like the bathroom unless the material is waterproof or moisture resistant. Aside from that, wallpaper can be easily torn so it is best to avoid using it in high traffic areas and be careful when using it if you have pets at home. You can also check out this article that discusses which wallpaper is best for the bedroom. We have shared tips and information on how to choose the best wallpaper for your bedroom walls.
Application
Another thing that you need to consider is the application. Paint is easier to apply and you can do the painting by yourself. A standard size room can be painted in a day or two depending on how fast you are. On the other hand, wallpaper can be complicated to apply and you will need the help of one or two persons to hang it on your walls. The process of applying wallpaper can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. Wallpaper should be properly applied or they can easily get damaged. Most of the time, you will need to hire the services of an expert which will add to your expenses. Check out this article that we have shared titled, should you wallpaper a whole room? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Maintenance
Maintaining paint can be a tough job. It might need some touch-up yearly. Aside from that, you also need to consider the type of paint that you use because each type of paint needs its maintenance instructions. However, wallpapers are easy to maintain. You can remove dirt and dust from its surface by wiping it with a damp cloth or sponge.
Removal
You also need to consider how hard it is to remove the material. Removing paint can be challenging because you need to scrape the wall to remove the existing paint from it. You also need to sand it down so that it becomes smooth for painting again. Removing wallpaper can be a challenging task as well because the glue or paste can stick into the surface of the wall and is hard to remove. There are instances wherein it damages the wall. However, there are removable and peel-and-stick wallpaper options that are easy to remove.
✅ Video – Wallpaper vs. Paint: What to Consider
ProGroup shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the difference between paint and wallpaper. The many differences between wallpaper and paint are discussed. You can check out the video below to learn more about the pros and cons of wallpaper and paint and how they differ from each other based on various factors.
Should I Choose Paint or Wallpaper?
Choosing between paint and wallpaper depends on your preferences, budget, and how you want the room to look. Both have their pros and cons. When used properly, paint and wallpaper can dramatically change the look of the room. Aside from that, they can also be used in almost all rooms and even the ceiling. Weigh out your options so you can have the best choice for the room that you are decorating. You can also read this article that discusses if wallpaper is worth it. We have shared the pros and cons of using wallpaper for your home.
How Much Does Painting Cost?
How much painting a room will cost depends on various factors like the materials used, the size of the room that needs to be painted, and labor. In general, a gallon of paint can cost between 15 to 50 dollars. The price varies depending on the quality and brand of the paint. Aside from that, you need additional tools to do the painting. Another 50 dollars is needed for tapes, brushes, and other painting tools. If you do not want to do the painting, you might need to hire the services of professional painters to do the job for you. All of these things contribute to the overall cost of painting.
How Much Does Wallpapering Cost?
Like painting, the wallpapering cost depends on various factors like the cost of material, supplies, size of the room, and labor. You can purchase wallpaper for about 5 to 10 dollars per roll. Designer wallpapers can cost about 75 to 100 dollars per roll while the majority of wallpapers are priced between 15 to 30 dollars. Hiring the services of professionals can increase your total expenses. However, it is necessary if you want to ensure a proper job. Also, the number and size of rooms that need to be wallpapered add to the overall cost.
How Long Does Wallpaper Last?
High-quality wallpaper that is properly installed and maintained can last for about 15 years or more. This makes it a cost-effective, durable, and worth it investment for your home. Wallpaper can last longer as compared to paint and is also easier to maintain.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if the wallpaper is cheaper than paint. We have learned that the initial cost of painting your walls is cheaper as compared to wallpaper. The cost of materials, supplies, labor and the size of the room contributes to the overall cost. On the other hand, if you want a long-term investment that is worth the money that you have initially spent, you can use wallpaper. They last longer and are more durable as compared to paint. Thank you for reading!