Category: Finishes
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Wallpaper is a covering glued to internal walls, made of paper, vinyl, fabric or fibre in many patterns, colours and textures. Vinyl types resist moisture and cleaning better.
Why it matters on a project
It gives character quickly at a reasonable cost, but needs a perfectly level and dry wall or defects and bubbles show.
Measurement and pricing
Per square metre of wall, or by number of rolls with waste for pattern matching.
Worked example
A wall 4 m wide and 3 m high with 0.53 × 10 m rolls: drops 4 ÷ 0.53 = 7.6, so 8 drops; each roll gives 3 drops of 3 m, so 8 ÷ 3 = 2.7, or 3 rolls, more if the pattern repeat is large.
Common mistake
Hanging on damp putty or plaster, so it lifts or stains form underneath.
Frequently asked questions
Is wallpaper suitable for bathrooms?
Moisture-rated vinyl works away from direct spray; tiles are better in shower zones.
Can I paint over wallpaper?
Not recommended; strip it, prepare the wall, then paint.
Related terms
- Putty (skim coat)A thin smooth layer over plaster preparing the surface for paint.
- Surface preparationCleaning a steel surface to a specified grade (e.g. SSPC-SP 10) before coating to ensure adhesion.
- Plaster (render)A cement or gypsum layer applied to walls to level them before paint or cladding.
- Waste allowanceA percentage added to material quantities to cover cutting, damage and site loss.
Read next
- Decorative Wall Panels: Types and Installation
- Work out quantities with our free calculators: concrete, tiles, paint and plaster. Open the calculators
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