Exterior wood trim replacement typically costs $5-$12 per linear foot installed, or about $500-$2,500 for a modest repair or partial replacement. Total price depends on trim dimensions, wood grade, access, paint needs, local labor rates, and how much hidden rot must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed trim | $5 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | Standard profiles and accessible areas |
| Small repair project | $250 | $900 | $2,000 | Limited boards, usually one or two elevations |
| Whole-house replacement | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | Varies with house size and trim complexity |
| Priming and painting | $1 per linear ft | $2 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | May be quoted separately |
Typical installed prices for exterior wood trim
For straightforward replacement with primed pine or a similar common wood, contractors often charge $5-$12 per linear foot for materials and installation. A small window or door trim job may total $250-$800, while replacing several hundred feet around a house can reach $2,000-$5,000 before major structural repairs.
Most standard projects land near $8 per linear foot installed. A 200-linear-foot project at that rate is about $1,600, excluding unusual access, extensive painting, or concealed damage. Assumptions: standard profiles, ordinary access, and typical suburban labor rates.
How boards, labor, and paint shape the quote
A written estimate should separate removal, new trim, installation, and finishing where possible. Labor and disposal can be substantial, particularly when workers must protect siding, work from ladders, or carefully match existing profiles.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood trim material | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7 | Per linear ft; species, grade, and profile |
| Removal and installation labor | $3 | $5 | $9 | Per linear ft; access and detail level |
| Paint and primer | $1 | $2 | $4 | Per linear ft; prep and finish coats |
| Disposal and job setup | $75 | $200 | $500 | Per project; debris volume and hauling |
| Rot repair allowance | $100 | $400 | $1,500 | Per affected area; damage discovered after removal |
Labor commonly accounts for roughly half of a basic installed price. For estimating labor, a crew may spend 10-20 hours on a moderate, accessible replacement project, with hourly rates commonly around $50-$100 per worker.
Why trim width, rot, and access change the price
Board size affects both material and installation time. Replacing narrow 1-by-4-inch boards is generally less costly than installing 1-by-8-inch or custom-milled trim, which uses more material and may require extra fastening and sealing. Decorative profiles, corner boards, and window surrounds also take longer than simple straight runs.
Damage extent is another major variable. A few inches of localized rot may add $100-$300, but decay extending into sheathing or framing can add several hundred dollars or more. Work above 15 feet, on steep terrain, or around complicated rooflines may carry a 15%-40% labor premium. Ask whether the estimate includes a set allowance for hidden rot and a change-order rate.
Labor time and crew size for a trim replacement
A two-person crew can often remove and replace 100-200 linear feet of uncomplicated trim in one to three workdays. Small repairs may take four to eight labor hours, although travel and setup can make the minimum charge $150-$350. Painting may require a separate visit if caulk, primer, or finish coats need drying time.
Detailed trim around multiple windows, porch columns, or eaves can reduce daily output to 40-80 linear feet. Compare estimates by the same measured footage and stated finish scope, not just the quoted total. One quote may include removal and painting while another prices installation only.
Regional labor rates across U.S. markets
Prices in major coastal metros and high-cost cities can run about 15%-35% above national midrange estimates. Smaller Midwestern and Southern markets may be 5%-20% below those estimates, although storm repairs or limited contractor availability can push local quotes higher.
Material delivery distance and weather exposure also affect regional bids. Humid or coastal locations may call for more careful sealing and durable paint systems, while freeze-thaw climates can make water management and proper installation especially important. Use local quotes for budgeting because labor is not priced uniformly nationwide.
Removal, painting, and hidden repairs to budget for
Removing and hauling old boards may add $1-$3 per linear foot if it is not included in the installation rate. Painting often costs $1-$4 per linear foot, depending on scraping, caulking, number of coats, and whether the contractor paints boards before or after installation. A minimum service charge can make a small repair expensive per foot.
Contractors may find rot behind trim only after removal, especially around window sills, roof edges, and joints where water collects. Replacing damaged sheathing or flashing is a separate repair and should be itemized. Request a clear price for extra rot repair before work begins.
Wood trim versus PVC and fiber cement pricing
Common wood remains a practical choice when its appearance, paintability, and repairability are priorities. PVC trim often costs about $8-$18 per linear foot installed, while fiber cement trim commonly runs $6-$14 per linear foot installed. Exact comparisons depend on profile, fastening requirements, and local installer experience.
These alternatives may reduce routine painting or decay concerns, but they do not eliminate installation costs or the need for proper water management. Compare installed prices and expected upkeep, not material prices alone. For a small repair, matching existing wood may be more economical than converting one area to a different material.
Lowering the wood trim bill through careful scope
Group damaged sections into one project when possible, since a single mobilization can cost less than several separate service calls. Measure approximate linear footage and identify affected windows, doors, corners, and eaves before requesting bids. Replacing only soundly connected damaged boards can cost less than changing all trim, but scattered deterioration may make broader replacement more efficient.
Standard profiles and readily available, primed boards usually cost less than custom milling or premium clear wood. Homeowners can ask whether safe, accessible prep work such as moving outdoor items or clearing work areas reduces labor. Keep bids comparable by specifying removal, disposal, caulking, primer, finish coats, and rot-repair allowances.