Quarter round typically costs $2.50-$8.50 per linear foot installed, with many homeowners paying about $5 per linear foot for standard MDF or pine trim. The total depends on trim material, room layout, installation labor, removal of old molding, and local contractor minimums.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed quarter round | $2.50 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | $8.50 per linear ft | Trim and standard installation |
| Material only | $0.50 per linear ft | $1.75 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | MDF at low end; hardwood at high end |
| 200-linear-foot project | $500 | $1,000 | $1,700 | Before unusual repairs or premium finish work |
| Small-job minimum | $150 | $225 | $350 | May apply even when footage is low |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for standard 3/4- to 1-inch trim, ordinary room access, and no major floor or wall repairs.
What quarter round costs around a typical room
For material and installation, budgeting $2.50-$8.50 per linear foot is a practical starting point. A simple 200-linear-foot job often falls near $1,000, while a small room may cost more per foot because contractors set a minimum charge.
Material-only pricing commonly ranges from $0.50-$3 per linear foot for MDF, pine, or PVC. Hardwood profiles can reach $2-$5 per foot before finishing. For an average-size project, labor and trim together usually cost about $700-$1,400.
How trim, labor, and disposal shape the quote
Quotes may bundle supplies and installation or list each charge separately. The ranges below are typical per-foot allowances; actual costs depend on project size and local rates.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trim materials | $0.50/linear ft | $1.75/linear ft | $5/linear ft | MDF, pine, PVC, or hardwood |
| Installation labor | $1.50/linear ft | $3/linear ft | $5/linear ft | Measuring, cutting, fastening, and caulking |
| Paint or finish | $0.50/linear ft | $1.25/linear ft | $2.50/linear ft | Priming, painting, or stain work |
| Removal and disposal | $0.50/linear ft | $1.50/linear ft | $3/linear ft | Taking off existing trim and hauling it away |
| Job minimum or setup | $75 | $150 | $300 | May be a flat fee for small jobs |
Not every quote includes painting, caulking, or old-trim removal. Confirm which tasks are included before comparing per-foot rates.
Material, profile height, and room layout change the price
Basic MDF is usually the least expensive choice for dry interior rooms, while pine costs more and can be painted or stained. PVC is useful around damp areas, but its price and installation requirements vary by product. Hardwood costs more and may need a matching stain or finish.
Standard quarter round is often about 3/4-1 inch tall. Taller or custom profiles generally cost more and can take longer to fit. Straight runs are faster than rooms with many doorways, corners, cabinets, or irregular walls. Each extra inside or outside corner adds measuring and cutting time, even when the added footage is small.
How long installation takes and what labor includes
A trim professional may charge about $40-$85 per hour, with location and finish work affecting the rate. A clear, mostly rectangular room with 100-150 linear feet may take roughly 3-6 hours to measure, cut, fasten, and fill. Larger projects can be quicker per foot when several rooms are completed in one visit.
Labor estimates can also include travel, tool setup, and cleanup. Painting trim on site may add several hours, while prefinished material can reduce finishing time but may require careful handling. Ask whether labor includes caulking, nail-hole filling, and final cleanup.
Regional quarter-round rates from cities to rural areas
Labor-heavy markets in the Northeast, West Coast, and large metro areas may run about 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller cities and rural markets may be 5%-20% below it, although travel charges can erase the difference for a small job.
For a 200-linear-foot installation, a lower-cost market might quote about $500-$1,300, while a high-cost metro quote may reach $700-$2,000, especially with removal or painting. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional price lists. Local labor rates and minimum charges often matter more than a small difference in material price.
Three installed quotes for different room sizes
A 60-linear-foot bedroom with basic MDF, open access, and no removal might cost $250-$500, or roughly $4-$8 per foot after a small-job minimum. A 200-linear-foot living area with pine and several corners could run $700-$1,400, around $3.50-$7 per foot.
A 350-linear-foot, three-room project using hardwood, with old trim removal and paint-ready finishing, may cost $1,800-$3,400, or about $5-$10 per foot. A representative labor allowance for the larger job is 18-28 hours at $45-$80 per hour. These examples assume sound flooring edges and exclude substantial repair work.
Old trim removal and floor-edge repairs add charges
Removing existing quarter round commonly adds $0.50-$3 per linear foot, with disposal sometimes included and sometimes charged separately. A contractor may also charge a $75-$200 trip or setup fee for a short job. Damaged drywall, uneven flooring, or gaps that need extra caulk can add labor beyond the standard installation.
Quarter round is typically used to cover the small gap where flooring meets a baseboard. It does not correct a loose floor or major unevenness. Have the installer identify whether the gap is normal expansion space or a sign of a flooring problem.
Ways to lower the bill without cutting corners
Measure the room perimeter and subtract wide openings to estimate footage, then add about 5%-10% for waste and cuts. Combining rooms in one visit can help avoid multiple minimum charges. Comparing quotes on the same footage, material, removal, and finish scope makes the prices easier to evaluate.
Choosing primed MDF for a dry room instead of hardwood can reduce material expense, while painting trim before installation may lower on-site finishing time if the installer agrees. Keep furniture clear and access open before work begins. Do not choose a quote based on the lowest per-foot figure until its labor, finishing, removal, and disposal terms are clear.