Wrapping wood trim with aluminum costs about $6-$15 per linear foot installed, with many standard projects landing near $9 per foot. Total price depends on trim length and condition, access, aluminum coil quality, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed trim wrap | $6 per linear ft | $9 per linear ft | $15 per linear ft | Standard formed aluminum over sound wood |
| One window | $150 | $250 | $400 | Typical exterior casing; shape and access affect price |
| Small home project | $600 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Roughly 100-250 linear ft of trim |
| Aluminum coil material | $1.50 per linear ft | $2.50 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | Material-only estimate, before waste and labor |
Typical aluminum trim-wrap prices by project size
For a straightforward job, contractors commonly charge $6-$15 per linear foot, including coil stock, bending, fastening, and labor. A single window often costs $150-$400; wrapping several windows and door casings may total $800-$2,500. A broader project covering windows, doors, and selected exterior trim can reach $1,500-$5,000 when it involves substantial footage or difficult access.
Budget around $9 per linear foot for standard work on accessible, structurally sound wood. The estimate assumes common painted aluminum, ordinary trim profiles, and no extensive carpentry. Assumptions: typical U.S. labor rates, standard aluminum coil, normal access, and no major wood repairs. Some contractors set a minimum service charge of $300-$600, so a small job may cost more per foot.
What aluminum coil, bending, and labor add to the quote
Trim wrapping is usually priced as an installed package, but separating the quote helps show whether materials, labor, and preparation are included. Material prices vary by color, thickness, finish, and how much coil is wasted while forming corners and returns.
| Quote component | Typical charge | What it covers | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum coil | $1.50-$4 per linear ft | Painted stock, commonly 0.019-0.024 inch thick | Premium finishes and heavier stock cost more |
| Forming and installation labor | $4-$10 per linear ft | Measuring, brake work, fitting, and fastening | Complex profiles take longer |
| Wood preparation | $2-$8 per linear ft | Scraping, sealing, or minor patching | Rot replacement is usually extra |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$4 per linear ft | Removing existing wrap or failed trim | May be omitted when no removal is needed |
Ask whether the per-foot price includes bends, caulking, cleanup, and waste. Those details can otherwise appear as separate charges. For example, 12-20 labor hours at $50-$85 per hour equals $600-$1,700 in labor before materials and other job costs.
How trim width, wood condition, and access change pricing
Wide trim uses more coil and may require extra forming. A simple 3- to 4-inch casing typically costs less than 6- to 8-inch boards, deep returns, or decorative profiles. Large expanses of fascia and corner boards can also raise the total because of added footage and setup time.
Wood condition can change a wrap job into a carpentry job. Aluminum covers the surface; it does not stop decay or strengthen loose boards. Replacing a small damaged area may add $100-$400, while extensive rot repairs can add $500-$2,000 or more. Second-story work, steep ground, or scaffolding may add 10%-30%; short ladder-accessible runs generally cost less.
Coil thickness and finish are additional choices. Standard painted aluminum is generally the least expensive option, while specialty colors, wood-look finishes, or thicker stock can add roughly 10%-30% to material costs. Confirm that the quote specifies the finish and thickness rather than simply saying “aluminum wrap.”
When aluminum wrapping beats repainting or replacement
Repainting sound wood trim can cost about $2-$6 per linear foot, but it requires surface preparation and periodic repainting. Wrapping costs more upfront and reduces routine painting, yet it is not a substitute for repairing moisture damage. Full trim replacement may run $8-$25 per linear foot installed, depending on wood or composite material and the amount of finish work.
Wrapping is most economical when the existing boards are dry, firmly attached, and worth keeping. If wood is soft, split, or repeatedly exposed to leaks, repair or replacement before covering it. Otherwise, hidden damage can continue and make future repairs more expensive.
Regional labor rates and second-story access
Prices in dense, high-cost markets such as parts of the Northeast and West Coast may run 10%-25% above a national middle estimate. Lower-cost rural and Midwestern markets may come in 5%-15% below it, although contractor availability and travel charges can offset the difference. These are broad comparisons, not fixed regional rates.
Access and minimum charges can matter more than the region on a small job. A contractor may charge a minimum of $300-$600 for mobilization and brake setup regardless of footage. For two-story trim, ask whether the estimate includes a lift or scaffold, since equipment and setup can add $150-$600 or more.
Three sample quotes for windows, doors, and fascia
These examples use standard painted aluminum and ordinary wood preparation; actual bids depend on local rates and profile complexity.
| Project scope | Measured work | Labor allowance | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four ground-floor windows | 80 linear ft at $8-$12 | 8-12 hours | $640-$960 |
| Windows and two doors | 180 linear ft at $8-$13 | 18-26 hours | $1,440-$2,340 |
| Windows, doors, and upper fascia | 300 linear ft at $10-$16 | 30-45 hours | $3,000-$4,800 |
Compare bids using measured footage and the same included work. A low quote may exclude wood repairs, removal, or elevated access, while a higher quote may include those items and a thicker coil.
How to lower a trim-wrap estimate without cutting corners
Combine windows and door casings into one visit to spread setup costs over more footage. Ask the contractor to price only sound, paint-worn trim for wrapping and list rotted sections separately for repair or replacement. Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may help, though availability varies by market and weather.
Get at least two itemized quotes based on the same trim measurements and finish. Confirm whether caulking, disposal, wood preparation, scaffolding, and cleanup are included. Avoid paying for specialty colors or thicker stock unless appearance, durability requirements, or manufacturer specifications justify the added material expense.