New trim typically costs $4-$12 per linear foot installed, with many interior projects totaling $500-$2,500. The final price depends on trim type, material, linear footage, finish work, removal, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed interior trim | $4 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | Standard profiles and access |
| Installed exterior trim | $6 per linear ft | $14 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | Weather-resistant materials and prep |
| Typical room project | $300 | $900 | $2,000 | Baseboards, casing, or a combination |
New trim prices by type and project size
For standard interior work, expect roughly $4-$12 per linear foot for materials and installation. A room with 100-160 linear feet of baseboard may cost $400-$1,900, while a whole-home project with 500-800 linear feet can reach $2,000-$9,600. The upper end commonly involves taller profiles, painted finishes, difficult corners, or premium wood.
For a straightforward room using primed MDF or finger-jointed pine, a practical planning average is about $8 per linear foot installed. Crown molding often costs more, around $8-$20 per linear foot installed, because ceiling angles and detailed cuts take additional time. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard profiles, normal access, and no major wall repairs.
What baseboard, casing, and labor add to the quote
Contractors may quote trim by the linear foot, by room, or as a combined labor-and-material price. The breakdown below illustrates common interior costs; actual bids vary with material grade, finish, and site conditions.
| Quote item | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Delivery or disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseboard | $1-$5 per linear ft | $3-$7 per linear ft | $0-$1 per linear ft | $25-$150 per job |
| Door or window casing | $1.50-$8 per linear ft | $4-$10 per linear ft | $0-$1 per linear ft | $25-$150 per job |
| Crown molding | $3-$12 per linear ft | $5-$12 per linear ft | $0-$2 per linear ft | $25-$200 per job |
| Caulk, filler, and paint | $0.50-$3 per linear ft | $1-$4 per linear ft | Usually included | Usually included |
Labor commonly accounts for $3-$12 per linear foot, depending on profile and cutting complexity. For hourly work, finish carpenters may charge about $50-$100 per hour, often with a minimum service fee.
How profile height and linear footage shift trim costs
Simple 3- to 5-inch baseboard is generally less expensive to cut and install than 7- to 9-inch profiles or multi-piece assemblies. A change from a basic profile to a detailed hardwood design can add $3-$10 or more per linear foot in materials and labor.
Measure each wall in linear feet and add about 10% for waste, especially where rooms have many corners or short returns. A project under 100 linear feet may carry a higher effective rate because setup and travel are spread across less work. Ceiling heights above 9 feet, uneven walls, and numerous door openings can also increase cutting and fitting time.
Interior MDF versus exterior wood trim pricing
MDF is a common budget choice for dry interior rooms, typically costing $1-$5 per linear foot before installation. Finger-jointed pine often runs $1.50-$6 per foot, while clear hardwood can cost $4-$15 or more. Exterior trim usually needs rot- and weather-resistant materials, such as PVC or treated wood, and installation generally costs more than basic indoor trim.
Installed exterior trim often falls around $6-$25 per linear foot. Replacing damaged boards may also require removing caulk, addressing water intrusion, or matching existing profiles. PVC material can cost about $3-$10 per linear foot before labor, but it resists moisture better than untreated wood.
How many hours does trim installation take?
A carpenter working alone may install 100-200 linear feet of simple baseboard in roughly 6-12 hours, excluding extensive painting or repairs. A two-person crew can often complete a typical room in one day, but crown molding, stair trim, and intricate casing take longer because each piece requires careful measuring and fitting.
Ask whether the estimate includes caulking, nail-hole filling, painting, and furniture protection. Installation quotes may exclude these finishing tasks, adding roughly $1-$5 per linear foot when performed separately. Removing and disposing of old trim can add $1-$4 per linear foot, particularly if it is glued, damaged, or difficult to detach without wall repairs.
Can keeping the old trim lower the replacement bill?
Keeping sound trim and repainting it is often cheaper than full replacement. Prep and repainting may cost about $1-$4 per linear foot, while patching small areas can run $50-$300 per room. Replacement makes more sense when boards are warped, swollen, badly split, or incompatible with new flooring or door work.
For a replacement project, selecting a stock profile, using primed MDF in dry interior spaces, and grouping rooms into one visit can reduce labor and delivery charges. Compare at least two written quotes with the same footage, material, removal scope, and finish work; a low per-foot rate may omit painting or disposal.
Why trim labor rates differ across U.S. regions
Local labor and contractor demand can move an otherwise similar quote by 15%-30%. Large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may land above the national midpoint, while rural markets can be 10%-20% lower, though travel fees or limited contractor availability can offset the difference.
Season and scheduling also matter. Interior trim work is less weather-sensitive than exterior replacement, but urgent scheduling and busy remodeling periods may raise labor charges. For exterior work, ask whether the bid includes weatherproof sealant and any replacement of soft or water-damaged substrate.