Project guide
Wallpapering a Stairwell or Two-Story Foyer: What It Takes
Stairwells and two-story foyers are among the hardest walls to wallpaper because of their height, the angled walls along the stairs and the long strips that must stay plumb from top to bottom. Installers usually set up a stair platform or scaffolding, plan the pattern so it lines up at eye level, and allow extra paper for the long drops.
In short
- Two-story foyers and open stairwells are common in Gwinnett County homes.
- Safe access, usually scaffolding or a stair platform, is part of the job.
- Long drops need extra paper and a perfectly plumb first strip.
- Expect higher cost per square foot than a bedroom.
Why these walls are harder
- Height. Strips can be well over 10 feet long; one off-plumb strip shows across the whole wall.
- Angles. The wall along the stair stringer is cut on a slope, and every strip has a different length.
- Access. A ladder alone on stairs is unsafe; installers use a stair platform or scaffolding.
- Viewing distance. People see these walls from below, above and the side, so pattern matching has to be perfect.
How we plan it
- Set safe access before any paper is cut.
- Find the main viewing point, usually the front door or the landing.
- Set a plumb line for the first strip there and work outward.
- Calculate extra rolls for long drops and the repeat.
- Protect railings, treads and nearby floors.
Choosing paper for a foyer
Hallways and stairwells take bumps from bags, strollers and furniture moves. Washable or scrubbable vinyl, or a durable non-woven, holds up best. A medium-scale pattern reads well from a distance; very small prints can look like texture from the floor below.
Timing in new homes
Tall walls in new construction are where nail pops and settling cracks show most. Many homeowners wait for the builder's first-year touch-ups before papering them. See wallpaper in a new-construction home.
Where we work: neighborhoods and ZIP codes
Two-story foyers and stairwells are common jobs for us in Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Cumming.
Gwinnett County
- 30017 Grayson
- 30096 Duluth
- 30092 Peachtree Corners
- 30071 Norcross
- 30093 Norcross
- 30043 Lawrenceville
- 30045 Lawrenceville
- 30046 Lawrenceville
- 30019 Dacula
- 30052 Loganville
- 30078 Snellville
- 30039 Snellville
- 30518 Buford / Sugar Hill
- 30519 Buford
Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek
- 30004 Alpharetta / Milton
- 30005 Alpharetta
- 30009 Alpharetta
- 30022 Alpharetta / Johns Creek
- 30024 Suwanee / Johns Creek
- 30097 Johns Creek / Duluth
Cumming and Forsyth County
- 30040 Cumming
- 30041 Cumming
- 30028 Cumming
Also serving: Buckhead and North Atlanta; Roswell and East Cobb; Woodstock, Canton and Hall County. Not sure we cover your street? Send your ZIP code with a quote request.
About WallPros. WallPros LLC is a wallpaper installation company based in Grayson, Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Cumming and the rest of Metro Atlanta for 10 years. We install, remove and prepare walls for homeowners, interior designers and builders.
FAQ
Common questions
How much more does a stairwell cost to wallpaper?
It depends on height and access, but expect a higher price per square foot than a standard room because of setup time and long drops.
Can I do a two-story foyer myself?
It is possible but risky. Height, angled cuts and safe access are why most homeowners hire a pro for this one.
How long does a foyer take?
Often two days or more, including setup and prep.