How Much Does It Cost to Remove Crown Molding? [2025 Data]
Crown molding removal costs $185 on average, with most homeowners spending between $95 and $285 per room. A professional contractor will assess the type of molding, room size, and complexity to determine your total cost.
Crown molding removal typically costs between $1 and $4 per linear foot, depending on material type and complexity.
The type of molding material and installation method significantly affect the removal price, with plaster and built-up molding requiring more time and specialized techniques.
Simple removal projects can often be completed as DIY tasks, saving on labor costs.
If you’re looking to upgrade your crown molding, you’ll need to remove the old material. Crown molding removal costs $185 on average, per room, or about $1 to $4 per linear foot. However, you could pay as little as $50 or as much as $600 depending on the type of molding, the size of the room, and the complexity of the project as a whole.
Size of Project
The project size is one of the most important factors in crown molding removal costs. Contractors typically charge per linear foot, with larger rooms requiring more time and labor. Most rooms have between 40 and 80 linear feet of crown molding.
| Room Size | Approximate Linear Feet | Estimated Removal Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (10x12) | 44 feet | $44–$176 |
| Medium living room (14x16) | 60 feet | $60–$240 |
| Large family room (16x20) | 72 feet | $72–$288 |
| Great room (20x24) | 88 feet | $88–$352 |
| Whole house average | 200–400 feet | $200–$1,600 |
Materials and Molding Type
The type of crown molding has a significant impact on removal costs. Different materials require different techniques and time investments to remove safely without damaging walls or ceilings.
| Molding Material | Estimated Removal Cost per Linear Foot | Difficulty Level | Typical Removal Time (Minutes per Foot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF/Composite | $1–$2 | Easy | 2–4 |
| Pine/Softwood | $1.25–$2.50 | Easy to moderate | 3–5 |
| Hardwood | $1.50–$3.00 | Moderate | 4–6 |
| Plaster/Built-up | $2.50–$4.50 | Difficult | 8–15 |
| Polyurethane | $0.75–$1.75 | Easy | 2–3 |
Location in Home
The location of crown molding in your home can impact removal costs, as some locations are more difficult to reach and work in than others.
| Location | Cost Impact | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor rooms | Standard rates | Easy access, standard ceiling height |
| Second floor/upstairs | +10%–15% | May require additional equipment |
| Vaulted/cathedral ceilings | +25%–40% | Requires specialized ladders or scaffolding |
| Stairwells | +30%–50% | Complex angles, difficult access |
| Bathrooms/kitchens | +15%–25% | Potential moisture damage, tight spaces |
Additional Cost Factors
Several factors beyond the basic removal can impact your total project cost.
Labor
Professional crown molding removal costs between $40 and $80 per hour in labor fees. The project typically takes one to three hours for an average room, depending on the type of molding and its complexity.
Professional contractors who specialize in trim work may charge premium rates, but often complete the job more efficiently. When hiring a pro, expect to pay for a minimum service call of two to three hours, even for smaller jobs.
Permits
Crown molding removal typically doesn't require permits since it's considered cosmetic work that doesn't affect structural elements. However, if your removal is part of a larger renovation project, you may need permits for related work.
Wall and Ceiling Repair
Removing crown molding often reveals imperfections or damage that needs repair before painting or installing new molding. Common drywall repair costs include:
Minor damage (DIY with compound and paint): $10–$55 per room
Small holes: $20–$120
Crack repair: $60–$400 professionally, depending on severity
Drywall ceiling repair: $220–$1,300, depending on the extent of damage
Water damage repair: $600–$1,550 per affected area
Disposal and Cleanup
Most contractors include basic cleanup in their quotes, but disposal of materials may cost extra depending on the project scope and local regulations. Typical post-project cleaning costs to plan for include:
Small-scale debris disposal: $100–$300
Construction waste removal (by truckload): $100–$800
Hazardous material disposal (if lead paint is present): $150–$300
Add-Ons
Common additional services you might need during crown molding removal include:
Paint touch-up work: $50–$300 per project (based on room size and scope)
Adhesive removal: Professional cleaning rates of $20–$50 per hour
Electrical work (if molding conceals wiring): $50–$100 per hour
Wallpaper removal in affected areas: $3 per square foot
DIY Crown Molding Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Removing crown molding can be a DIY project for handy homeowners, but it requires careful technique to avoid wall damage. DIY removal typically costs $25 to $75 in tools and supplies (such as a utility knife and pry bar), potentially saving $125 to $225 in labor costs. Give yourself anywhere from two to six hours for an average-sized room, and add extra time for larger or more complex spaces.
Keep in mind that when you DIY, you run the risk of wall damage, ceiling cracks, being unable to fully remove tricky sections, and ladder mishaps. For complex molding installations, plaster walls, vaulted ceilings, or when preserving the wall is critical, consider hiring a crown molding professional near you. Professional removal often saves money in the long run by preventing damage that costs more to repair than the original removal fee.
Crown Molding Removal vs. Replacement
Compared to the cost of removal alone, the cost to install crown molding averages $1,200. But beyond cost, consider the condition and style of your existing molding alongside your renovation goals.
| Factor | Remove Only | Remove and Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | $95–$285 | $610–$2,120 |
| Timeline | 1–2 days | 3–5 days |
| Home value impact | Neutral to negative | Potentially positive |
| Style update | Achieves modern look | Allows style customization |
| Complexity | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
Does Crown Molding Removal Add Value to Your Home?
Crown molding removal alone doesn't typically add monetary value to your home, but it can contribute to a fresh, modern aesthetic that appeals to certain buyers. The value depends on your specific situation:
Positive Value Scenarios:
Removing outdated or damaged molding before selling
Creating clean lines for contemporary design
Part of a comprehensive room update
Neutral to Negative Scenarios:
Removing quality hardwood molding in traditional homes
Creating an unfinished appearance without follow-up improvements
Reducing architectural character in period homes
The key is to ensure that removal aligns with your overall design goals and target market preferences.
Ways to Save Money on Crown Molding Removal
With some clever bundling and a little DIY power, you can cut your overall costs.
Bundle with other projects: Combine removal with painting or other trim work for a more efficient process.
Handle your own prep work: Move furniture and protect floors yourself.
Keep salvageable pieces: If you plan to reinstall elsewhere, you’ll have fewer materials to buy and prep.
Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary significantly between contractors.
Consider a partial DIY approach: For example, remove the molding yourself and hire pros only for wall repair.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crown molding removal typically takes one to three hours for an average-sized room, depending on the type of molding and the installation method used. Simple MDF or pine molding can be removed quickly. In contrast, built-up plaster molding may take significantly longer because it’s attached more securely and can more easily damage the wall if not removed correctly.
The best time to remove crown molding is during major renovations when you're already planning to repaint or update the room's appearance. Removing molding before painting eliminates the need for detailed cutting around trim and often results in a cleaner finish, saving both time and labor costs.
Yes, crown molding can be removed without significant wall damage when proper techniques are used. The key is using appropriate tools, such as trim pullers, and working slowly to avoid gouging drywall or plaster. Minor nail holes and adhesive residue are easily repairable with basic patching materials.
Essential tools for crown molding removal include a utility knife, pry bar or trim puller, hammer, and safety equipment. For higher installations, you'll also need a sturdy ladder or scaffolding. Professional contractors often use pneumatic tools that make removal faster and cleaner than manual methods.
Removing crown molding before painting can provide a cleaner finish and eliminate the need for detailed cutting around trim. However, if the molding is staying permanently and in good condition, it's often more cost-effective to simply paint around it using careful masking techniques rather than removing and reinstalling.
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