Non-woven wallpaper has largely replaced classic paper wallpaper in recent years and is now the standard for renovations. Its backing consists of a non-woven material that neither softens nor swells. As a result the wallpaper does not need to be soaked before hanging and does not distort – a major advantage over paper wallpaper, which requires exact soaking times.
During application the paste is rolled directly onto the wall. The dry strip of wallpaper is then positioned piece by piece, smoothed out and butt-jointed (not overlapped) at the edges. Because there is no distortion, the seams turn out more precise. Finally the excess at the top and bottom is trimmed cleanly with a cutter.
Non-woven wallpapers come in many variants: as ready-printed patterned wallpaper, as textured or embossed wallpaper, and as a white, paintable woodchip or smooth non-woven version. The latter is painted with wall paint after hanging and can be repainted several times later. Another plus: non-woven wallpapers can usually be pulled off the wall dry and without residue, which simplifies the next renovation cycle.
Non-woven wallpaper makes sense wherever a textured, durable and easily paintable wall surface is desired – in living and sleeping areas as well as hallways. For rooms with high humidity there are special moisture-resistant versions.
Including material and labour, hanging non-woven wallpaper in Switzerland usually costs around CHF 25 to 55 per m², or more for elaborate patterns or preparation work. Pure material costs for the wallpaper range from roughly CHF 5 to 40 per m² depending on the design (guide values, no guarantee).