How Much Does It Cost to Install Trim?
The cost to install trim ranges between $635 and $2,215 , but the size of your room and type of trim material used will greatly impact price.
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Photo: Ursula Page / Adobe Stock
Written by Kelly Weimert
Updated October 24, 2023
Photo: Ursula Page / Adobe Stock
T rim is a great way to enhance your interior aesthetic, helping to define room spaces while adding visual intrigue. You can also use trim to hide any gaps between the wall and the floor or ceiling, giving your home a more polished appearance.
Trim can work wonders to elevate most interiors, no matter your style sensibilities, and comes in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and materials. It generally costs around $1,359 to install trim, but costs vary based on factors like type, size, and whether you’re replacing existing trim or installing it in a brand new location.
Photo: Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock
Trim costs are often calculated by eight-foot lengths, and they vary quite a bit depending on the trim’s style and material.
Style and Material Costs per Eight-Foot Length
| Material | Cost per Eight-Foot Length |
|---|---|
| Crown molding (PVC, MDF) | $10 |
| Crown molding (wood) | $25 |
| Crown molding (polyurethane) | $32 |
| Baseboard molding (pine, PVC) | $10 |
| Shoe and quarter-round molding (pine, PVC) | $3 – $4 |
| Plain chair rail (wood) | $4 |
| Intricate or embossed chair rail (wood) | $20 |
| Intricate or embossed chair rail (MDF) | $12 |
How Much Does Trim Installation Labor Cost?
If you hire a pro to install your trim, then you’ll need to pay labor costs in addition to the cost of the trim itself. It typically costs around $65 to $105 per hour to install new trim. Trim installation projects take an average of 6.3 hours to complete, so you’re looking at a total labor cost of around $410 to $660.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Trim?
It generally costs more to replace trim rather than install trim in a new location since you’ll need to pay the cost of removing the old trim in addition to installing the new trim. The cost to remove existing trim ranges from $0.55 to $1.17 per linear foot, which amounts to about $70 to $150 for a house with 125 linear feet of trim. When budgeting for a trim replacement, you should add these costs to the standard labor costs for installation.
DIY Trim Installation vs. Hire a Pro
While installing trim yourself will save you money on labor costs, trim installation requires significant carpentry expertise to create tight joints, smooth runs, and exact cuts.
Even experienced DIY carpenters may struggle with trim installation unless it’s on completely flat walls, which is rarely the case. A professional carpenter can ensure that your trim looks polished and precise.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Trim?
From length to material and style, several factors affect the cost to install trim, so it’s helpful to give some consideration to each one to make sure you find the right fit for your home and budget.
Trim Material and Style
Trim prices vary quite a bit by material and style. For instance, wood crown molding usually costs around $32 per eight-foot length, while plain wood chair rails typically only cost about $4 per eight-foot length.
Trim Length
How much trim you install will affect the overall price since trim costs are calculated by linear foot. Depending on the type, material, and size you choose, trim can cost anywhere from $3 to $32 per eight-foot length.
Replacing vs. Installing New Trim
If you’re replacing your trim, then you’ll need to pay the labor costs associated with removing your existing trim in addition to the costs to install it. Removing existing trim typically adds about $70 to $150 to the overall cost to install new trim.
Caulk, epoxy, and water treatments are all ways to fix your home’s trim and crown moldings