How Much Does It Cost to Install Trim? [2025 Data]
The average homeowner spends between $634 and $2,251 to install trim, with most paying around $1,381, depending on the trim length, type, and material.
Trim installation costs an average of $1,381, although you can pay anywhere between $200 and $7,100, depending on the type of trim, how much you need, and prep and finish work costs. Our guide explores all of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for trim installation.
Linear Foot
Trim costs between $0.50 and $10 per linear foot on average, although you may pay more for ornate or custom trim. To determine how much trim you need, use a tape measure to measure the length of the wall being trimmed, and allow for 10% to 15% extra for cuts and errors. Here are some common room sizes and the average cost for trim materials (not including installation or other costs):
| Room Size (Ft.) | Trim Length Needed (Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x12 | 44 | $22–$440 |
| 12x12 | 48 | $24–$480 |
| 12x16 | 56 | $28–$560 |
| 14x16 | 60 | $30–$600 |
| 12x18 | 60 | $30–$600 |
| 15x20 | 70 | $35–$700 |
Trim Type
The type of trim you choose will affect how much you pay. Simpler types of molding, like shoe molding and quarter round trim, will cost less to install than more ornate styles, such as crown molding or wainscoting.
| Type of Trim | Typical Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Quarter Round | $0.50–$4 |
| Shoe Molding | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Base Molding | $1–$10 |
| Casing | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Crown Molding | $4–$50 |
| Chair Rail | $1–$3 |
| Picture Rail | $1–$3 |
| Wall Frame | $8–$25 |
| Wainscotting | $7–$40 |
Trim Material
Trim is made in a variety of materials, from budget-friendly PVC, MDF, and polystyrene to luxury exotic wood and plaster. Your trim material will affect how much you’ll pay. If your material costs are too high, look for an alternative material that is more affordable. Keep in mind that less expensive materials may not last as long.
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1–$10 |
| Exotic Wood | $10–$45 |
| MDF | $1–$3.50 |
| PVC | $0.50–$5 |
| Polyurethane | $2–$6 |
| Polystyrene/Foam | $1–$2 |
| Plaster | $6–$15 |
Carpenter Costs
Hiring a local crown molding installer or carpenter to install trim costs an average of $75 to $125 per hour. Expect to pay more if you live in an area with a high cost of living, and more experienced pros will charge a higher hourly rate than those just starting out.
Additional Cost Factors
Depending on the scope of your project, you may encounter additional costs. Prep and finish work will add to your final bill, although some pros may build the cost into their price quote. Be sure to check what your quote does and doesn’t include so you won’t be surprised when you receive the invoice.
Painting or Staining
Finishing your trim with paint or stain costs an average of $1 to $4 per linear foot. In most cases, baseboard painting costs less than painting or staining crown molding but more than quarter round molding—the bigger or more intricate the trim, the more it will cost to finish.
Removal of Old Trim
If you’re replacing your trim, you’ll need to remove the old material first. Trim removal costs an average of $50 to $150 per room or $0.60 to $1.20 per linear foot.
Prep and Repairs
Before installing your new trim, your contractor may need to repair damaged molding or drywall and properly prep the area so the trim is installed correctly. Some common repairs and prep services include:
Moving furniture: $65–$105 per hour
Drywall hole repair: $20–$200
Drywall crack repair: $20–$400
Water damage repair: $600–$1,550
Nail pop repair: $10–$60
Drywall tear repair: $20–$120
DIY Trim Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing baseboards yourself can save you on labor costs, and if you’re installing prefabricated trim and the area doesn’t need substantial repair or prep work, trim installation can be a straightforward DIY. If you’re installing custom trim, installing trim in places that need significant prep work or repairs, or need to fit trim in areas that have tricky angles or uneven walls, you’re better off calling a pro. A carpenter or trim installer will ensure the job is done correctly, everything is measured and cut to fit, and the results are picture-perfect.
Trim Installation vs. Replacement
Material and installation costs for replacing trim are similar to those for installing new trim, but you’ll run into additional costs for removing the old trim and repairing any damage before installation. Depending on what condition your trim is in and how much work it would take to get it looking new again, replacing trim may be a cost-effective option.
Ways to Save Money on Trim Installation
When it comes to cutting costs on trim installation, you have options. Tackling this project as a DIY will save you the most, shaving hundreds or even thousands in labor costs. Even if you aren’t confident in your trim installation skills and choose to hire a pro, you can still save. Opting for simpler trim like quarter round or plain base molding instead of more expensive trim like crown molding can keep costs down. Choosing less expensive materials like MDF or PVC can keep your bill more wallet-friendly.
Does Trim Installation Increase Home Value?
Adding trim to your home can give it a more finished, upscale look that can make your home more appealing when it comes time to sell. Well-installed trim also indicates an attention to detail, which makes your home more competitive to prospective buyers.
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’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 costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can paint trim either before or after installation. Painting it before will reduce paint splatters or overpainting onto walls or floors, but you’ll need to fill in nail holes and touch up the paint after installation. Painting after installation means fewer touch-ups, but you’ll need to tape off your walls and protect your floors to prevent paint transfer.
Gluing trim boards instead of nailing can be faster and easier, but glued boards are more likely to warp and more difficult to repair or replace. Gluing trim boards means you won’t have to fill and touch up nail holes after painting or staining, but glued boards can cause significant drywall damage when removed and may shift or warp over time. Use nails to install your trim for a more professional-looking finish that’s less likely to cause damage.
Molding is a type of trim, often installed where the wall meets the ceiling, and is typically more decorative or ornate than other kinds of trim. In addition to molding, “trim” also includes baseboards, floor transitions, and the material used around doors and windows. All molding is trim, but not all trim is molding.
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