What are the advantages and disadvantages of wallpapering as compared to paint?

Michael and Shari Myers: It's often personal preference; it comes down to what the consumer is looking for.

Donna Helm: Wallpaper usually holds up better. However, if it isn't put on correctly, it can be difficult to take off. Wallpaper can also date your house if you choose trendy patterns or colors.

Jim Stevens: Wallpaper gives you more texture and design options. It will hold up longer than paint, but once it starts to wear down, it deteriorates faster. It's also more difficult to redo.

What are some common misconceptions homeowners have about wallpaper?

Myers: How hard it is to take off. It takes a lot of patience and the walls aren't always prepared correctly.

Helm: The square foot per roll. The way that it is packaged is confusing; it comes in double rolls and consumers often think that it is a single roll.

Stevens: That wallpaper will always cover up imperfections. Heavy vinyl and more textured styles work better, but ones that are thin or have a glossy surface will show them.

How do you charge?

Myers: Based on the material and space. A specialty wall covering or an area that requires a lot of cutting around corners will cost more.

Helm: By the materials and how much space needs to be covered. The larger the room, the more it will cost.

Stevens: The cost depends on the difficulty of the project and the size of the room.

Do you discourage homeowners from painting over wallpaper?

Myers: Yes. When the paint dries, it contracts and pulls the wallpaper away from the wall. People often want to go right to painting because they don't want the hassle of removing the wallpaper.

Helm: Yes, unless you're going to do more damage by removing it. If you do, make sure you hire a professional painter.

Stevens: Yes, unless the wallpaper just won't come off. If it is so tight that the wall would have to come down, then painting over it is OK.

What natural or eco-friendly products exist for wallpapering?

Myers: We use Sherwin Williams products and a lot of those are eco-friendly.

Helm: There are a lot of water soluble products you can use for both installation and removal.

Stevens: There are many water-based products and most adhesives are natural.