Interior design and decorating costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional crown molding installation costs $609 to $2,124 on average, with your material choice and ceiling height shaping the total.
Your ceiling height, room corners, and molding width determine the layout complexity, and oversized profiles overwhelm smaller rooms.
Budget for painting or staining services at $1 to $3.50 per linear foot, and set aside funds for door or window trim.
Hiring a local crown molding installation professional ensures clean seams and precise angles, saving you time and wall repairs.
In 2026, the national average cost to install crown molding is $1,301, based on 1,425 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $609 and $2,124, with the spread driven by molding material, ceiling height, and total linear footage installed. Costs can run as low as $200 or as high as $4,500.
Crown molding installation costs $4 to $23 per linear foot on average, with material type and installation difficulty being the primary cost drivers. High-end or custom molding can push costs well beyond that range. Labor alone typically accounts for 50% or more of your total project cost, so the complexity of your installation matters as much as the material you choose.
The table below breaks down the average crown molding installation cost by linear footage:
| Crown Molding Size (Linear Feet) | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 25 | $100–$575 |
| 50 | $200–$1,150 |
| 75 | $300–$1,725 |
| 100 | $400–$2,300 |
Crown molding width is measured from its lower edge to its upper edge, and wider profiles are best suited to rooms with taller ceilings. As the material's width increases, so does the per-linear-foot cost. The table below shows how ceiling height affects the ideal crown molding width, as well as the cost per linear foot:
| Ceiling Height (Feet) | Crown Molding Width (Inches) | Average Cost per Linear Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2.5–6 | $3–$25 |
| 9 | 3–7.5 | $4–$30 |
| 10 | 4–9 | $6–$35 |
| 12+ | 6–12+ | $7–$50 |
Crown molding costs vary by material type, with easier-to-install options lowering the price. For example, budget-friendly materials like MDF are light, easy to cut, and simple to put up. Premium solid wood requires advanced carpentry, while high-end plaster demands special handling, significantly driving up material and labor costs. The table below breaks down how crown molding costs vary based on material:
| Crown Molding Material | Cost Per Linear Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | $3–$30 |
| Polyurethane | $2–$10 |
| Plaster | $6–$20 |
| MDF | $1–$7 |
| PVC | $1–$4 |
| Foam | $1–$4 |
| Metal | $10–$30 |
Solid wood crown molding costs $3 to $30 per linear foot depending on scarcity and hardness, making it one of the widest-ranging material categories. There is a large selection of wood types for crown molding, but the most common fall between $3 and $12 per linear foot, excluding installation. Here’s what you can expect to spend on solid wood crown molding based on wood type:
| Type of Wood | Example | Cost per Linear Foot in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Common softwood and young growth | New growth pine, maple, and aspen | $3–$10 |
| Old-growth softwood | Seasoned, mature pine | $10–$12 |
| Common hardwood | Oak and mahogany | $10–$12 |
| Exotic hardwood | Brazilian cherry, paduk, and ipe | $15–$30 |
Hardwoods are popular because they are moderately priced and, once stained, add classic charm and warmth to a room. Common softwoods are a better option for those on a tight budget and anyone who plans to paint their crown molding or attempt DIY.
Polyurethane crown molding costs $2 to $10 per linear foot, not including installation, making it one of the more budget-friendly material options. It resists warping and rotting, which adds to its appeal for cost-conscious homeowners. However, it dents fairly easily and does not hold stain or paint particularly well, so it may not be the best fit for every finish preference.
Premade plaster crown molding costs $6 to $20 per linear foot, excluding installation, and because it requires a complex installation and a skilled installer, expect labor costs to land on the higher end. It is made off-site, which keeps it far more affordable than traditional plaster molding created in situ using wet plaster and a mold. If your home already has traditional plaster molding that needs repair, expect to pay $4,000 to $6,000 even for just a couple of linear feet, given the time and skill required to rebuild or restore it.
MDF crown molding costs $1 to $7 per linear foot, excluding installation, making it one of the most cost-effective options available. It is lightweight and relatively easy to install, which helps keep labor costs lower, though it does not perform well in very humid conditions. Wood veneer can mimic the look of real hardwood without the higher cost, and MDF takes and holds paint well, making it an excellent choice for painted crown molding installations.
PVC crown molding costs $1 to $4 per linear foot and is a practical budget-friendly option for moisture-prone rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. It holds up well in humid conditions, but its slick surface does not hold paint well, so it is typically only available in white. If color variety or a custom finish matters to you, another material may be a better fit.
Foam crown molding costs $1 to $4 per linear foot, including installation, making it one of the most affordable all-in options on the market. Its synthetic, non-porous composition makes it a solid choice for humid locations like bathrooms, though design detail is limited since it cannot be molded and shaped like conventional materials. Its light weight and flexibility make it a popular choice for budget DIY installations, as it can be cut with scissors and secured with double-sided tape or glue.
Metal crown molding costs $10 to $30 per linear foot, including installation, placing it among the higher-cost material options. Aluminum, copper, and steel are the most popular choices and work well for both indoor and outdoor applications. Aluminum is particularly lightweight and resistant to rust, making it a practical pick for exterior or high-moisture environments.
Several factors influence crown molding installation costs, and understanding them helps you plan a realistic budget. Complex installations and high-end materials drive prices up, while straightforward projects using affordable materials like MDF or PVC keep costs manageable. Here is a closer look at what might affect your total.
Professional crown molding installation adds $3 to $12 per linear foot in labor costs, with custom crown molding pushing that figure to $15 to $20 per linear foot. Some contractors charge by the hour rather than by the linear foot. In that case, expect to spend $50 to $100 per hour, with most contractors averaging two to three hours per room.
Crown molding comes in many shapes and styles, with colonial, craftsman, and mid-century modern among the most popular. Custom crown molding is significantly more expensive than standard options, but it is sometimes the only way to achieve a historically accurate replica. For custom work, expect to spend $10 to $30 per linear foot for materials and $15 to $20 per linear foot on labor.
Installation complexity covers several variables that can meaningfully raise your project cost. Rooms with many corners or obstructions require more measuring and cutting, which increases time on the job, and molding profiles made up of multiple pieces add further labor. If these conditions apply, expect labor costs to increase by 30% to 60% and material costs to rise by 10% to 20%.
Adding crown molding around doors and windows costs $150 to $200 per door or window, making it a relatively affordable way to extend the look throughout a room. Crown molding is just one of many types of molding styles, and framing doors and windows with it is a popular choice for homeowners who appreciate its historical charm. If you are already having crown molding installed in a room, bundling this work with the same contractor can help keep costs down.
Having your contractor paint or stain your crown molding adds $1 to $3.50 per linear foot to your project cost, with the final price depending on the intricacy of the molding and the type of paint used. Higher-quality paints cost more upfront but last longer, making them a worthwhile investment for detailed or high-visibility profiles. If your molding has a lot of ornate detail, expect to land toward the higher end of that range.
There are a few ways to save money on your crown molding installation. Consider these tips to stay on or under budget.
Install crown molding yourself as a DIY project.
Choose less expensive materials, like MDF or PVC.
Compare quotes from a few contractors to get the best deal.
Choose simpler designs, which tend to cost less.
Opt for pre-cut corners.
Install less molding, but place it where it will have the most visual impact.
If you know what you're doing and choose the right materials, you can install crown molding yourself. Generally, around 25% of the total project cost goes toward labor, so you can save around a quarter of the project price by going the DIY route.
That being said, you'll probably want to hire a crown molding company near you to get the best results. A local carpenter can create high-quality custom molding and install intricate hardwood and exotic hardwood moldings.
Installing crown molding is always best left to a pro. Here's why:
DIY installation can lead to gaps, uneven lines, and costly wall damage.
Crown molding pros know how to handle cutting, nailing, and caulking.
Reputable installers have the specialized tools and expertise needed to achieve clean, precise seams and angles.
Experts complete the job safely and efficiently, saving you time and money.
To assist with the process, consider helping your pro with the following tasks:
Clear furniture, decor, and obstacles away from the work area
Assist with measuring and marking under your pro's guidance
Organize tools, nails, and caulk to make them easily accessible for your pro
Clean up dust, excess materials, and packaging after installation
Be ready to discuss with a pro which crown molding material, such as solid wood, polyurethane, or MDF, will fit your budget.
Explain the measurements, angles, and placement of crown molding you want to install.
If there is room left in your budget, consider add-ons like decorative corners, custom profiles, and stain finishes.
Discuss your ceiling height, wall condition, and any trim work that could affect the installation complexity.
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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
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