ArcaMax

If you like the traditional look and feel of Old World walls, consider using these embossed wallcovering panels that add textural interest to the walls and lasting character to the room. In many historic homes the rich and distinct look doesn’t cover the entire walls. Instead, the panels were commonly used as a dado covering the lower third of the walls, with a chair rail separating the wallcovering from the upper part of the painted wall. A good choice for this wall treatment is a Lincrusta-type wallcovering, which is a linoleum-like material bonded to a paper backing, sold in individual 24-inch-by-40-inch panels. After the wallcovering is installed using a Lincrusta adhesive, it requires painting to complete the project.

A paperhanger will charge $789, including labor and material, to install embossed wallcovering on the lower third of a 15-foot-long wall. You can do the job for $670, the cost of the material and a wallpaper primer-sealer to prepare the wall. For the installation you’ll need a tape measure, sharp knife, sponge, spirit level, smoothing roller, broad trim knife, bristle brush, straight edge, and cutting board.

The material for this project is expensive, so unless you have experience hanging heavy wallcoverings, hire a pro. The mere 15% saving can quickly evaporate if you make a cutting mistake. To complete the project, budget more time and money for paint and molding, if needed.

To learn more about installing Lincrusta embossed wallcovering, here’s a link to instructions https://lincrusta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Lincrusta-Installation-Instructions.pdf.

Pro Cost: $789 — DIY Cost: $670 — Pro time: 9.7
DIY Time: 12.5 — DIY Savings: $119 — Percent Saved: 15%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.