How much does it cost to install interior trim?
How much does it cost to install interior trim?
$4 – $10 cost per linear foot installed
$350 – $1,200 average cost per room
Average trim installation cost
Interior trim costs $4 to $10 per linear foot on average with installation, depending on the material and type. Trim prices are $1 to $5 per linear foot for materials and $3 to $5 per linear foot for labor. Simple pine or PVC trim costs less than elaborate hardwood molding.
| Interior trim area | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Window | $50 – $150 |
| Door | $100 – $200 |
| Garage door | $350 – $500 |
| Fireplace hearth | $300 – $1,000 |
| Entire room* | $350 – $1,200 |
*For a 12'x12' room with two windows, an entry door, and a closet door.
Trim cost by type
Trim costs vary by type. Thick door casing costs more than thin, light shoe or baseboard molding. Crown molding and wainscoting are decorative and sometimes ornate. Styles like colonial, Victorian, and scalloped may increase prices.
| Trim type | Cost per linear foot installed |
|---|---|
| Baseboard molding | $6 – $9 |
| Shoe molding | $4 – $6 |
| Crown molding | $7 – $16 |
| Quarter round | $3 – $7 |
| Door casing | $5 – $10 |
| Chair rail | $3 – $5 |
| Wall frame molding | $8 – $25 |
| Picture rail | $3 – $5 |
| Wainscoting | $10 – $40 per square foot |
Shoe molding installation cost
Shoe molding costs $4 to $6 per linear foot installed and is often added to the bottom of a baseboard. This type of molding has a 90-degree angle and a curve, angle, or design on the outward-facing side.
Cost to install baseboard molding
Baseboard trim costs $6 to $9 per linear foot with installation and covers the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor. Baseboard installation seals gaps between the flooring and the wall and come in multiple different sizes and styles.
To find the ideal height for baseboards, multiply your ceiling height by 7% and find the size closest to that.
Cost to install crown molding
Crown molding costs $7 to $16 per linear foot installed, or $460 to $1,100 for a 15'x14' living room. Crown molding is installed where the wall and ceiling meet, and it comes in a range of styles from basic to elaborate.
Cost to install quarter round molding
Quarter round molding costs $3 to $7 per linear foot with installation. As the name suggests, the profile of quarter round boards looks like one-fourth of a circle. This style is mostly put between the floor and baseboards to seal any gaps and to add a curved edge.
Cost to install door trim or casing
Door trim or casing costs $5 to $10 per linear foot installed and is used around doors and windows to conceal the gaps between the frame and the drywall or plaster.
An interior door costs $50 to $500 for the door itself and $100 to $300 for installation labor.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting costs $10 to $40 per square foot installed on average. Wainscoting is a decorative wall covering historically used to insulate rooms and protect walls.
Interior trim cost calculator
Interior trim costs depend mostly on the material chosen, trim type, and job complexity. Materials make up 25% to 50% of the total project cost, while labor makes up the remaining 50% to 75%, with labor costs on the high end for complex projects involving many extra cuts and angles.
| Factor | Average cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $5 |
| Labor & supplies | $3 – $5 |
| Total installed cost | $4 – $10 |
The following factors influence the installation cost:
Job size – Bigger trim jobs may cost less per linear foot because materials may be purchased at a bulk discount. Consider having all the trim in the home replaced at the same time rather than spreading out small jobs over time.
Trim type and finish – Elaborate styles and profiles cost more than simple boards. Pre-painted or stained trim costs more than unfinished trim.
Paint – Painting trim or baseboards costs $1 to $4 per linear foot or $500 to $2,000 total for interior trim.
Old trim removal – Removing existing trim costs $50 to $150 extra in labor fees.
Labor cost to install trim
The labor cost to install trim is $3 to $5 per linear foot.
Carpenter rates – A standard carpenter specializing in trim and molding charges $30 to $70 per hour, while a master carpenter charges $100 to $200 per hour.
Prep work – Any necessary patching or sanding before work begins may cost extra.
Repairs – Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack or $200 to $750 total on average.
Trim material prices
Trim material prices are $1 to $5 per linear foot on average, depending on the type, thickness, and quality. MDF and soft woods like pine are cheaper than hardwoods but not as durable.
Wood trim costs $1.00 to $10.00 per linear foot for materials alone.
MDF trim costs $1.00 to $3.50 per linear foot for materials alone.
PVC trim costs $0.50 to $5.00 per linear foot for materials alone.
Trim installation FAQs
What is trim board?
Trim board is the material that serves as a border for doors, windows, and where a wall meets the floor or ceiling. Molding is a subtype of trim that is mostly decorative.
Should you paint trim before installing it?
You can paint trim before or after installing it. If you choose to paint before installation to prevent spills, you will still need to touch up holes afterward. Most people paint their walls before installing trim.
If you're installing carpet, paint or stain the baseboards and let them dry beforehand. However, it's slightly easier to install carpet without baseboards. If you're installing new baseboards and carpet, it may be simpler to do the carpet first.
How long does it take to install interior trim?
Carpenters install about 20 linear feet per hour, so the average 125 linear foot project will take just over 6 hours. Installing trim in a room with multiple angles and corners takes longer than installations with large, flat surfaces.
Can you install trim on a crooked wall?
Older homes sometimes have warped or crooked walls. Carpenters can install trim on crooked walls, but it may take longer and cost more than average.
Getting estimates from trim contractors
When searching for local trim carpenters near you, follow these steps:
Get three or more free estimates from carpenters to compare.
Read company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and experienced company.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Follow a payment schedule instead of making a large payment up front.
What questions should I ask trim carpenters?
Ask the following questions when looking for local carpenters:
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What material do you recommend for this project?
How do you handle any on-the-job damage?
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?