What to Expect During a Professional Wallpaper Installation
Thinking about hiring a professional installer? Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of our process — from wall prep and measuring to the final inspection.
The Site Assessment
Before any installation begins, our team conducts a thorough site assessment. We inspect wall conditions — checking for moisture, uneven surfaces, existing wallcovering that needs removal, cracks, or previous repairs. This step is critical because problems hidden beneath new wallcovering will eventually show through or cause failure. We measure all walls precisely, calculate material quantities, and identify any special conditions (outlets, windows, doors, corners) that will affect the installation plan.
Wall Preparation
This is the most important — and most underappreciated — part of any installation. We repair cracks and holes with joint compound, sand smooth any ridges or bumps, skim coat walls that need it, and apply the correct primer. For walls with existing wallcovering, we carefully steam and chemically remove it without damaging the substrate. A properly prepared wall is the difference between a wallcovering that lasts 15+ years and one that starts peeling within months.
Measuring & Cutting
We measure each drop precisely, accounting for the pattern repeat to ensure seamless alignment across all strips. Cuts are made cleanly and accurately — wasting as little material as possible while maintaining perfect pattern continuity. We always start from a plumb line to ensure every strip hangs perfectly vertical, even in rooms where the floors and ceilings are not perfectly level (which is more common than you'd think).
Hanging & Seaming
Adhesive is applied to either the wall, the paper, or both depending on the material type. Each strip is carefully positioned, smoothed from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles, and butted precisely against the previous strip for invisible seams. Corners, outlets, and architectural details require additional skill and patience. We never rush this phase — proper hanging technique determines whether your wallcovering looks professional or amateurish.
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
Once all panels are hung, we trim edges at ceilings, baseboards, and around all fixtures, remove excess adhesive, and clean the work area completely. We then walk you through the finished installation, pointing out any natural characteristics of the material (seams in grasscloth, for example, are expected), and addressing any concerns before we leave. Your satisfaction is our sign-off.
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