Millwork typically costs $500-$15,000 or more, depending on whether the job involves simple trim or custom cabinets and built-ins. For installed trim, many homeowners pay $8-$30 per linear foot; wood species, profile complexity, fabrication, finish, and local labor rates drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed baseboard | $5 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | Material and installation; paint may cost extra |
| Door casing | $150 per doorway | $350 per doorway | $800 per doorway | Trim, fitting, and finishing |
| Custom built-in | $1,500 | $5,000 | $15,000+ | One wall unit; size and finish affect price |
| Kitchen cabinets | $4,000 | $12,000 | $30,000+ | Cabinetry only; excludes major remodeling |
What custom millwork costs by project size
Millwork includes interior woodwork made or fitted for a building, such as baseboards, crown molding, window trim, stair parts, cabinets, and built-ins. A small repair or single-room trim installation may cost $300-$1,500, while a whole-home trim package commonly runs $3,000-$12,000. Custom cabinetry and architectural built-ins can exceed $20,000 when they span multiple rooms or use premium materials.
For straightforward installed trim, budget about $8-$30 per linear foot. Basic paint-grade profiles fall near the low end; taller trim, stain-grade hardwood, detailed profiles, and difficult fitting move toward the high end. Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor, standard access, and ordinary project scope; regional quotes vary.
How shop materials and installation appear in a millwork quote
A quote may combine materials, shop fabrication, installation, finishing, and removal of existing trim. Ask whether the stated price includes measuring, delivery, caulking, paint or stain, and touch-ups. These items can be excluded even when the quote describes the work as installed millwork.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2-$15 per linear ft for trim stock | Wood species, grade, and profile |
| Fabrication | $10-$75 per shop hour | Custom cuts, joinery, and detailing |
| Installation labor | $50-$100 per hour | Room layout and fitting time |
| Finishing | $2-$8 per linear ft | Paint, stain, sanding, and coat count |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$5 per linear ft | Existing trim type and cleanup needs |
Compare the same inclusions across bids, not just the headline total. Some contractors price by linear foot or cabinet unit; others quote fabrication and field labor separately.
Which wood species, profiles, and dimensions raise the price
Paint-grade MDF or finger-jointed pine is usually less expensive than clear hardwood. Oak, maple, cherry, and walnut can cost substantially more, especially when the finish must match existing woodwork. A simple square-edged baseboard costs less than a layered profile or custom reproduction that requires special milling.
Size and detail can change the rate even when the room stays the same. A 3-inch baseboard may be a standard stock item, while a 7-inch profile, curved stair trim, or radius opening requires more material and fitting. Built-ins wider than 8 feet, units deeper than 24 inches, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry often need additional fabrication, support, or installation time.
How long do millwork fabrication and installation take?
Stock trim in one room may take one or two days to install, while a whole-home package can require several days of field work. Custom built-ins commonly need two to six weeks for measuring, shop drawings, fabrication, finishing, and installation; complex or heavily backordered projects can take longer. The installer may charge for a return visit if painting, flooring, or other trades are not finished.
Shop time and on-site labor are separate parts of the schedule. A detailed estimate should identify when measurements are final, whether finish work happens at the shop or home, and what site preparation must be completed before installation.
What three millwork quotes look like in real rooms
A 12-by-14-foot bedroom with 60 linear feet of basic paint-grade baseboard might total $600-$1,200, including stock material and straightforward installation. Adding matching door casing or replacing damaged trim can raise the bill.
A 10-foot living-room wall with a painted bookcase and lower cabinets may cost $3,500-$7,500, depending on shelf count, cabinet doors, finish, and wall irregularities. A 20-linear-foot kitchen cabinet run with standard semi-custom units may cost $6,000-$14,000 before countertops, plumbing, or electrical work.
These examples assume ordinary access and no structural changes. Custom hardwood, inset doors, integrated lighting, or exact historic-profile matching can push comparable projects higher.
Why millwork prices shift between U.S. regions
Labor and shop rates tend to be higher in major coastal metros and other high-cost cities than in many rural markets. As a broad planning allowance, urban quotes may run 10%-25% above national mid-market pricing, while lower-cost rural areas can be 5%-15% below it. These are directional differences, not guaranteed discounts; local material availability and contractor demand also matter.
Compare quotes from the same market and with matching specifications. A price difference may reflect a different wood grade, finish, installation scope, or travel charge rather than a regional rate alone.
Which extras add to a millwork invoice
Removal of old cabinets or trim, wall repairs, delivery, stair access, and disposal may be priced separately. Painting or staining often adds $2-$8 per linear foot for trim, while detailed custom finishing can exceed that range. A site visit or design drawing may carry a fee, sometimes credited toward the project if the work proceeds.
Confirm whether tax, delivery, and finish materials are included. Permit costs are uncommon for trim-only work but may apply when cabinetry is part of a permitted renovation or involves changes to electrical, plumbing, or structural elements. Local requirements determine the rules.
Where can homeowners trim a millwork budget?
Choose a standard profile and paint-grade material where a painted finish is planned; reserve premium hardwood for areas where its grain will be visible. Keep dimensions consistent and limit one-off curves, custom paneling, and built-in features that add shop hours. Completing flooring and wall repairs before installation can also prevent return visits and extra fitting.
Get at least three written quotes with identical measurements and finish requirements. Ask whether an existing cabinet or trim can be repaired rather than replaced, and compare stock, semi-custom, and fully custom options. Avoid paying for upgrades that do not solve a specific design or durability need.