How much does baseboard installation cost?
How much does baseboard installation cost?
$6 – $9 cost per linear foot
$400 – $1,500 total cost (100 – 150 linear feet)
Average cost to install baseboard
Baseboard installation costs $6 to $9 per linear foot with installation, or $400 to $1,500 total on average. The cost to install baseboard trim depends on the material, labor costs, style, and finish. Baseboards cover the junction of the floor and wall, which seals gaps and prevents water damage and mold.
| Size (linear feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $200 – $500 |
| 100 | $400 – $1,000 |
| 150 | $600 – $1,500 |
| 200 | $800 – $2,000 |
Baseboard installation cost factors
The following factors influence baseboard installation cost:
Job size: The more baseboards you need installed, the more you’ll pay. However, bigger projects might cost less per linear foot for bulk materials, as opposed to spreading it out in small jobs over time.
Style and finish: Rounded, stepped, or sculpted styles and profiles cost more than flat boards. Pre-painted or stained baseboards cost more than unfinished trim.
Paint: Painting trim or baseboards costs $1 to $4 per linear foot extra if you buy unfinished baseboards.
Replacement: Removing existing baseboards costs about $50 to $100 per hour extra in labor fees.
Repairs: Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 for each hole or crack, or $200 to $750 total on average.
To find the best height for your baseboards, multiply the height of your ceiling by 7% and find the size closest to that.
Labor
Carpenters charge $30 to $100 per hour to install baseboards, depending on the type and their experience level. Any patching or sanding of the area before installing the baseboards may cost extra.
Material
The cost of baseboard materials depends on the type, thickness, and quality. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and softwoods like pine are cheaper than hardwoods but not as durable.
Wood costs $1.00 to $10.00 per linear foot.
MDF costs $1.00 to $3.50 per linear foot.
PVC costs $0.50 to $5.00 per linear foot.
Cost to install baseboard trim vs. other types
Trim installation costs $4 to $10 per linear foot on average, depending on the type. Thick door casing and decorative wall frame molding cost more than shoe or quarter-round molding, which are thin and light. Crown molding and wainscoting are decorative and sometimes ornate.
| Trim type | Cost per linear foot installed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Baseboard molding | $6 – $9 | Covers the gap or joint where the wall and flooring meet |
| Shoe molding | $4 – $6 | Attaches to the bottom of a baseboard; has a 90-degree angle and an outward-facing curve or design |
| Crown molding cost | $7 – $16 | Covers the junction of a wall and ceiling, comes in a range of styles |
| Quarter round | $3 – $7 | Seals gaps between the floor and baseboard, looks like ¼ of a circle |
| Door casing | $5 – $10 | Goes around doors and windows |
| Chair /picture rail | $3 – $5 | Creates a border in the middle of a wall |
| Wall frame molding | $8 – $25 | Consists of large, decorative rectangular shapes on a wall |
| Wainscoting | $10 – $40 per square foot | Paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall, often made with vertical beadboard or a flat panel with wall frame molding |
How to save money in installing baseboards
If you’re hoping to save money on your baseboard project, consider the following tips:
Paint your baseboards instead of replacing them.
Remove old baseboards yourself before your contractor arrives.
Choose less expensive materials like MDF or pine.
Paint or stain the baseboards yourself before the installation.
Baseboard installation FAQs
What is a baseboard?
A baseboard is the trim material that covers the gap or joint where the wall and flooring meet in a home. Baseboards are often made of MDF or wood but also come in PVC.
Should you paint baseboards before installing?
You can paint baseboards before or after the installation. If you paint beforehand to prevent mistakes, you’ll still need to touch up holes afterward. Most homeowners paint their walls before installing trim.
If you're installing carpet, you should paint or stain the baseboards and let them dry before the installation. If you're installing new baseboards and carpet, you may want to do the carpet first since it's slightly easier to install a carpet without baseboards.
How long does it take to install baseboards?
Trim carpenters can install about 20 linear feet per hour, so the average 100- to 150-square-foot project will take about 5 to 7 ½ hours. If your home has multiple angles and corners, the project will take longer than a home with large, flat walls.
Can you install baseboards on a crooked wall?
Carpenters can install trim and baseboards on crooked walls, but it generally takes longer and costs more than average. If you live in an older home, it may have warped or crooked walls.
Getting estimates from baseboard contractors
Follow these steps when searching for baseboard installers near you:
Get 3+ free estimates to compare.
Read company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced company.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Follow a payment plan instead of making a large payment upfront.
What questions should I ask baseboard installers?
Ask the following questions to help you choose a qualified baseboard contractor:
How long have you been installing trim and baseboards?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What material do you recommend for my project?
How many different styles and sizes do you have?
How do you handle any on-the-job damage?
Do you cover removal and disposal, or does that cost extra?
How long will this project take?
Do you offer a warranty for your work? What does it cover?
Will you give me an estimate and contract in writing?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.