Updated 27 September 2026
Strip wallpaper cost UK 2026
The going rate for strip wallpaper in 2026 is £8–£15/m² (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£8–£15/m²
Worked example, 30 m²£392
Time on site1.5 days
Strip wallpaper calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market band source: MyJobQuote.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Move furniture, sheet and mask | 0.5 h |
| prep | Score, steam and strip old paper | 0.25 h per m² |
| prep | Wash down and fill after stripping | 0.06 h per m² |
| paint | Clean up, touch in, rehang | 0.25 h |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamer, scorer and sugar soap job | £12 Scorer, scrapers, sugar soap — MyJobQuote: removal £80–£150 a wall | £20 Steamer (own kit wear), scrapers, sugar soap — Faster on stubborn papers | £30 Steamer, gel stripper, dust sheets — Painted-over papers |
| Filler, caulk, abrasives and tape job | £10 Filler, caulk, sandpaper — T2B: £60–£120 room materials incl. paint | £15 Toupret filler, decorator caulk, abrasives, tape — Crisp edges, no cracks | £22 Premium fillers, low-tack tape, dust-free sanding — Lived-in homes |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-27. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Old paper? one layer · several layers or painted over big effect
- Wall behind? plaster · plasterboard (dry-lined)
- Room empty? empty · furnished
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Water or damp stains | brown rings, tide marks or mould on walls or ceiling | Seal stains with stain block; paint won't hide them. Fix any live damp first |
Questions
How much does strip wallpaper cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £8–£15/m² (total, ex VAT), from MyJobQuote. A worked example of 30 m² comes to about £375–£415 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does strip wallpaper take?
The worked example of 30 m² takes about 1.5 working days.
What changes the price of strip wallpaper?
Mainly old paper, plus any prep found on site: water or damp stains.
More decorating prices
Paint a roomPaint walls or ceilings (per m²)Hall, stairs and landingDecorate a whole house (interior)Paint internal doorsPaint skirting and architraveHang wallpaperPaint house exterior (masonry)Paint fascias and soffitsPaint or stain a fenceKitchen cabinet resprayPaint radiatorsPaint an exterior doorPaint timber windows (exterior)Stain or oil deckingPaint a garage door