Preparing Cottenham's older walls
We strip old paper, wash off paste and check for loose plaster. Cracks are cut back and filled, and then lining paper goes up across the wall so its joints never sit under the joints of the finish paper. On pre-1919 walls this step makes a visible difference to how a patterned paper lies.
If you own one of the listed houses, such as 191 and 193 High Street or 56 Denmark Road, or any home in the Cottenham conservation area, Graham will ask about consent before original plaster is touched. South Cambridgeshire District Council is the place to check.
Wallpaper hanging in Cottenham's newer homes
More than a quarter of the village has been built since 2000. Plasterboard walls in those houses are flatter, but they need sizing first so the paper can be slid into place and stripped later without tearing the board. A single feature wall or mural, a papered bedroom or a bold print in the hall all suit them.
Cottenham at a glance
- 3 milesby road from our Landbeach base, about 6 minutesOSRM routing
- 15%of properties were built before 1919VOA Council Tax stock
- 6%date from 1919 to 1939VOA Council Tax stock
- 2,725householdsCensus 2021
- 66listed buildingsHistoric England
- 73%of homes are owner-occupiedCensus 2021
How we approach wallpapering
Our wallpaper specialist Simon plans the pattern from the centre of the main wall so any part-width drop lands in a corner. On older Cottenham walls we cross-line first and let the lining dry fully; on newer board we size. Each length goes up against a plumb line, is pattern-matched and is trimmed tight at ceilings, skirtings and sockets. The full method, products and FAQs are on our wallpapering page.