How Much Does It Cost to Install Wood Trim?

In this guide

Interior vs Exterior Wood Trim Cost

The main thing that distinguishes interior from exterior trim is that the former is used inside a home, and the latter is placed on the outside of a home. On the interior of a home, it is often used to frame floors, walls, doors, windows, and ceilings. It creates a specific architectural look in a space. It can be a less expensive way of updating a space. On the other hand, when used in the exterior, it adds curb appeal to a home but also serves a second purpose. It protects your home from the elements, such as sunlight or rain. The trim works with the roof and siding to create a cohesive facade for the modern home.

The types of interior and exterior trim are also very different. For instance, while interior trim includes shoe molding, wainscotting, and chair rail, among other types, exterior trim usually includes types such as fascia, knee braces, soffit, and drip caps.

In most cases, the exterior costs more when you factor in the materials and labor required. For instance, the average range for interior trim is $7 to $18 per linear foot, while it stands at $10.50 to $22 per linear foot for exterior.

Interior Wood Trim Prices

The minimum cost for interior trim installation for materials and labor can be as low as $7 per linear foot or reach prices as high as $18 per linear foot, which is less costly than installing the exterior millwork of a house. This price also varies based on the type being installed. Quarter round will often be much less expensive than chair rail, crown molding, or wainscotting.

Exterior Wood Trim Prices

Exterior may be more expensive than interior trim. It ranges from $10.50 up to $22 per linear foot. Like interior, exterior trim comes in many forms. Some versions are less expensive than others. Putting down fascia will have a lower cost than installing soffit, box ends, or knee braces. The type of wood being used affects the final cost.

Cost to Install Wood Trim per Square Foot

When building a new home, one of the final pieces of the puzzle is installing trim. Working with a good carpenter makes the process go smoothly and leaves your home looking great. Costs for trimming the interior of an entire house vary greatly based on the size of the house and the types used. Prices below reflect using basic pine wood that is painted for interior prices and western red cedar for exterior trim.

Wood Trim Prices per Inch

Wood trim comes in a variety of widths. Different widths can be used for different purposes. Some may be decorative or sit on top of wainscotting, while other types needs to be wider to cover gaps between doors or windows and the walls or siding. The prices below reflect basic pine wood. Expect prices to be higher for decorative pieces or trim made from different species of wood.

Interior Wood Trim Prices by Type

There are many types of trim used in a home, and all have slightly different purposes. Some are purely ornamental, while others are used to cover gaps. They add a finished element to a home and can be stained or painted to match any decor.

Wood Quarter Round

The cost of this type is between $0.54 and $3.84 per linear foot. Quarter round is generally less than an inch thick. It is used as a decorative element to build-up a design around a mantel or other architectural features. Quarter round installation is used at the lower edge of the baseboard if there are gaps to hide.

Wood Shoe Molding

Expect shoe molding to cost between $0.65 and $1.57 per linear foot. Wood shoe molding is very similar to wood quarter round. The only difference is that the shape of quarter round is a quarter circle, and the shape of shoe molding is a quarter of an ellipse. This type is used to hide gaps at the bottom of the baseboard or as a decorative element in architectural features.

Wood Chair Rail

Expect to pay between $1.37 and $3.12 for wood chair rail trim. Today, chair rail is usually used as a decorative element. However, this type has historically been used to protect the wall from chairs. For this reason, it is typically installed horizontally three feet above the floor. Since chair rail is used to prevent damage to the wall, it is generally made from hardwoods. There are many profiles available, from basic to intricate.

Wood Baseboard

Costs commonly range from $1.61 to $4.27 per linear foot for wood baseboards. It is installed where the wall meets the flooring. It is installed on the lowermost part of the wall. Wood base molding installation covers the gaps in between the wall and the flooring and hides any imperfections.

Wood Crown Molding

Wood crown molding prices range from $1.69 to $10 per linear foot and beyond for intricate pieces. Wood crown molding is installed in between the wall and the ceiling. It is usually decorative but could hide any gaps or imperfections in the wall and ceiling. Many styles of crown molding are available, from plain to intricately carved.

Wainscoting Wood

The trim cap for wainscoting cost per linear foot is between $1.75 and $4.12. Also referred to as a wainscot cap, this type is similar to chair rail. It is installed above wainscoting to give it a finished look and is generally painted white to match the wainscoting. Most wainscoting wood trim is either 3 inches or 1¾ inch in width.

Wood Base Cap

Wood base cap costs are between $1.78 and $4.62 per linear foot. Wood base cap can be used to create a more intricate, refined look when combined with baseboard. Many profiles are available for wood base caps. Custom profiles can be made, as well. The base cap is generally installed on top of a basic baseboard and is between 1 and 3 inches in width.

Wall Frame Molding

It usually costs between $2.17 and $4.25 per linear foot for wall frame molding. Wall frame molding is purely decorative and is not very common. It is often used by homeowners hoping to obtain the look of a formal English home. Pieces of molding are used to imitate the look of a picture frame on the wall. It is usually painted the same color as the wall.

Wood Picture Rail

The cost for wood picture rail is generally between $3.49 and $4.89 per linear foot. Picture rail is similar to chair rail, but it is hung much higher on the wall. It is not very common but is often used to hold hooks to hang pictures with wire. This makes it easy to hang and move pictures without the need for damaging the walls. It works well in rooms with high ceilings, as it also breaks up the wall.

Wood Plinth Block

Wood plinth blocks are usually sold individually for about $2.58 to $6.88, which translates to $5.14 to $8.08 per linear foot. A wood plinth block is installed in between the floor and casing around a door. Sometimes it is for decorative purposes, while other times, it serves as a load-bearing unit or fills a gap.

Exterior Wood Trim Cost by Type

Wood has long been the standard for exterior trim, but it’s very important to properly prime and paint or stain the wood so that it can stand up to the elements. There are many types used outdoors. It is usually installed around the roofline and doors and windows. In some instances, extra decorative trim is added. This type of installation is generally more costly, since sealing gaps adequately and waterproofing it takes more effort. Working on ladders or scaffolding adds installation time.

Wood Fascia Board Prices

Wood fascia boards range in price from $0.77 to $1.68 per linear foot, with the cedar fascia board price being right around $1 per linear foot. Fascia boards are installed at the roofline to help cover the soffit, support the gutter system, and protect the roof. These boards keep the water out and provide a place for the sheathing and flashing to adhere. There are many types of wood to choose from, with boards like cedar or redwood holding up better to the elements.

Wood Frieze Board

Expect to pay between $0.77 and $1.68 per linear foot for a basic wood frieze board. Usually, a 1” x 4” frieze board is installed just for looks. It has no functional purpose in the roofing system. It is installed where the soffit ends on the exterior walls and completes the home’s trim pattern. For architectural detail, a homeowner can opt for costlier carved pieces.

Wood Rake Board

As the same types of boards are used, expect to pay between $0.77 and $1.68 per linear foot for a wood rake board. These boards are installed on the sloped roof parts in contrast to fascia boards installed on the straight edges of the roof that have gutters. These boards usually match the fascia boards and give continuity to the home's exterior appearance.

Wood Casing

The cost of exterior wood casing ranges from $1 to $3.61 per linear foot. Both exterior doors and windows receive casing. Homeowners can choose from very basic casing or opt for more intricate designs or exotic wood, which increases the price. When installation occurs, special care must be taken to seal all gaps and protect the wood from the elements.

Wood Drip Cap

Wood drip cap costs are between $1.36 and $2.75 per linear foot. Wood drip cap pieces are installed on the home’s exterior that redirects rainwater. It can be installed over windows or doors to divert the water from dripping on the framing. This helps to protect these areas from water damage.

Wood Soffit Cost

The cost for wood soffit varies widely, with homeowners generally paying between $1.80 and $10 per linear foot. Many material options are available for a wood soffit. Something simple like ¼ in. plywood, planks of exotic hardwood 4, or anything in between can be used. A soffit can be flat, beadboard, or other designs and usually include some type of venting.

Wood Outside Corner

The cost for wood outside corner trim ranges from $1.92 to $12 per linear foot. This type is sometimes installed on the outside corners of the exterior of a house. It can neaten up the corners where the siding comes together and enhances its appearance. It can also add extra protection to the corners.

Wood Box Ends

The price for wood box ends ranges from $3 to $8 per linear foot for materials. These pieces are custom made to fit at the end of the soffit. This gives the soffit a finished edge, or cap, and is located where the gable end meets the non-gable end. This piece has to be custom made because it needs to fit perfectly in a uniquely shaped space and account for all angles.

Wood Knee Braces

The cost for wood knee braces ranges between $15.60 and $98 each, or $14.44 to $63 per linear foot, depending on the wood and decorative qualities. Wood knee braces are an architectural element that dresses up your home’s exterior. They are a curved piece of wood and are generally installed on porches. The curved portion reaches from a column up to the roofline to add character to the project.

Wood Trim Cost by Type of Wood

Many options are available when it comes to wood trim. Costs vary based on the type. Each wood type has its own set of features, such as durability, paintability, and sustainability. In most cases, you get what you pay for. In general, the more expensive it is, the more durable it should be. The prices listed are for a basic style. Intricate carving or specialized features will significantly raise the price.

Pressure Treated

In most cases, pressure treated wood trim ranges from $0.90 to $3 per linear foot. This type of wood is treated with water and preservatives to last longer than other types. The introduced compounds react to the wood fibers to slow decay. This material also resists moisture, fungus, termites, and other items that lead to rot. It is designed for outdoor use and is not used in the interior of the house.

Composite

Composite wood has interior and exterior applications and costs between $0.60 and $4 per linear foot on the interior and $3 to $6 on the exterior. Also known as engineered wood, this product is made by combining several wood products. These are chosen to create wood that is stronger and more durable. Sometimes composite wood trim will also include plastic or straw. The most common type of composite is MDF. This material will typically range from $0.60 to $1 per linear foot on interior spaces and $0.75 to $2 on the exterior. This type of material is made using resin, wood chips, wood shavings, and sawdust.

Softwood

Depending on the type of softwood, the price per linear foot ranges from $0.60 to $6 for interior and $1 to $7 for exterior trim. Similar to hardwood, there are many types of softwood, such as cypress, Douglas fir, redwood pine, cedar, and bamboo. Softwood is simple to bend, cut, mold, and chop. It’s often used for trim on doors, windows, and ceilings in an interior space.

Pine Trim Prices

Prices for basic pine wood trim range from $0.60 to $1.50 per linear foot on the interior and $1 to $2.50 on the exterior. Pine is one of the most widely used sources of lumber in the world. It’s a fast-growing softwood that grows densely and is light in color. It is one of the more inexpensive wood species and is often used for paint-grade trim, but stain-grade is also available.

Redwood

The basic redwood trim costs range from $0.90 to $2 on the interior and $1.50 to $2.50 on the exterior. Redwood is most commonly used in outdoor applications. It can be used for decks, benches, and fences. Redwood will naturally darken over time and is resistant to moisture, but needs some extra protection such as paint, stain, or redwood oil.

Fir

Costs for basic fir trim range from $1 to $2 per linear foot on both interior and exterior trim. Most often used for framing lumber, fir is one of the harder softwoods. The grain pattern is not very interesting, and the wood doesn’t stain well, so it’s best when painted. It’s not a very common wood used for trim, but it can be used for this, as well as furniture making.

Cedar Trim Prices

Cedar trim pieces cost between $1.25 and $2 per linear foot on the interior and $1.50 to $2 for exterior. Cedar is another type of wood commonly used for exterior applications. This type is popular for houses, as well as for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. This is a softwood that has a pleasant smell and can deal well with moist environments without rotting.

Western Red Cedar

Expect costs to range from $1.50 to $2.75 per linear foot for basic western red cedar trim on the interior and $2.50 to $4 on the exterior. The most common type of cedar, western red cedar, has a reddish color to it. It does well in moist environments and is easily found at local home improvement stores. Western red cedar is soft and one of the most aromatic woods.

Douglas Fir Wood

Prices for basic Douglas fir trim range from $1.75 to $3 in interior spaces and $2.50 to $4 on the exterior. Despite the fir name, Douglas fir is not a true fir tree. It is a cousin of the fir tree. The grain is not necessarily prominent, but it can look nice stained or painted. Douglas fir is also used in framing and shelving, making furniture, and other finish work.

Cypress

The cost for cypress wood trim ranges from $4.50 to $6 per linear foot on interior and exterior projects. Used in interior and exterior applications, cypress wood has a straight grain and medium to coarse texture. Old-growth cypress is very durable when it comes to decay resistance and is good to use outdoors. Younger trees are not as durable and more widely used indoors.

Hardwood

Hardwood trim prices vary from $0.75 to $6 per linear foot in interior spaces and $4 to $10 for exterior trim. This category encompasses several types of wood, such as mahogany, oak, poplar, maple, birch, walnut, and cherry. Most hardwoods are a product of deciduous trees that shed their leaves each year, unlike softwood which comes from evergreen trees. Hardwood trees take longer to grow than softwoods.

White Oak

Expect white oak to cost between $0.75 and $2 per linear foot for basic interior trim and $1.50 to $3 for exterior trim. White oak is more moisture resistant and lighter in color than red oak. It is a hardwood used in many woodworking applications, including cabinets, furniture, flooring, and trim. The wood grain shows through nicely when stained.

Red Oak

Red oak generally costs $0.90 to $2 per linear foot on the interior and $1.25 to $3.25 on the exterior. Widely available, red oak is a popular choice for wood projects. The grain is straight with an uneven and coarse texture. The grain is popular, even being printed on imitation laminate and vinyl products. Red oak costs about the same as white oak.

Beech

The price for beech trim should be between $2 and $3.25 per linear foot on the interior and $2.50 to $4 for the exterior. Beech trees grow in every hemisphere and have a notable silver-gray bark that is smooth. Beech wood is harder to find in hardware stores but is available from large retailers or specialty wood stores. The wood is hard and heavy and has a straight grain with even texture.

Poplar Wood

Prices for basic interior poplar trim are $2.50 to $3.25 per linear foot, while exterior trim is about $3 to $4 per linear foot. Poplar trees grow fast and are an eco-friendly choice. Poplar is usually a wood that lives behind the scenes. It’s more likely to be used in drawer boxes than drawer fronts and is also more likely to serve as a higher quality paint-grade wood. However, stain grade is available.

Ash

Prices for basic ash trim range from $3 to $5.50 per linear foot on interior projects, while exterior projects are about $4 to $7.50 per linear foot. Ash wood is strong for having a relatively light weight. It is used to make many things, such as furniture, flooring, kitchen cabinets, trim, and even baseball bats. There is no smell to the wood, and the grain creates a nice, stained finish.

Bamboo

Bamboo trim ranges from $3.80 to $5 per linear foot on the interior and $4.50 to $7 on the exterior. Bamboo offers a finished, polished look for homes. It comes in several styles that range from an appearance like walnut or maple to more exotic varieties like cumaru and tigerwood. This type of wood has the durability and appearance of Brazilian hardwoods for a less expensive price. Bamboo isn’t technically wood but grass. However, it is very often labeled as hardwood.

Mahogany

Prices for mahogany interior trim range from $4 to $18 per linear foot, while exterior trim is from $5 to $10 for each linear foot. Mahogany is best known for its beautiful reddish hue. It is a strong wood and has a consistent color and grain throughout with few knots. It is one of the more valuable wood species in the world. It’s listed as vulnerable by the Union of Conservation of Nature.

Teak

Teak is one of the more expensive woods, with trim costing from $7 to $10 per linear foot on the interior and $8 to $10 on the exterior. Teak is a species of tropical hardwood. It’s a large deciduous tree and is one of the finest building products. It can withstand weather and is used both indoors and outdoors, as well as in marine woodwork. Real teakwood is native to Southeast Asia.

Walnut

Costs for walnut wood trim range from $7 to $9 per linear foot on the interior and $8 to $10 for exterior spaces. Walnut trees grow in North America and produce wood that is light to dark brown or even chocolate brown. The bold color is accented by the open grain with unique patterns. Walnut is easy to work with and used to create gun stocks, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments, trim, and fine furniture.

Ipe

The cost for ipe trim is $8 to $10 per linear foot on both interior and exterior projects. Ipe has recently become a very popular wood for outdoor applications. It’s very hard and strong and grows in the Brazilian rainforests. It can last more than 25 years outdoors and is resistant to pests, weather, fire, and mold. Ipe can be stained or left natural and has a warm, rich color.

Reclaimed Wood

The cost of reclaimed wood trim runs from $1.25 to $10 per linear foot on interior spaces and $3 to $12 on exterior areas. It’s an inexpensive and attractive material that can be used with both the interior and exterior of the home. Instead of a perfect finish, reclaimed wood has a rustic beauty that showcases aged wood. The older wood tends to be durable and strong. The color of the wood has developed over time.

Laminate

Laminate wood trim is more commonly used on the interior and is priced between $2.50 and $6 per linear foot for interior use and $3.50 to $7 on exterior spaces. This type is often used as an accent for laminate flooring in the form of end moldings, reducer moldings, baseboard moldings, quarter round moldings, and more. It comes in various colors and designs to match any style. It can complement the space or add visual contrast to a room.

Wood Trim Prices by Grade

When installing wood trim, there are two choices, to paint it or stain it. Prices for each type of wood in each grade will be different. Paint-grade wood trim is usually made of pine or poplar, with pine being the most inexpensive. Nicer hardwoods are used to manufacture stain-grade trim, which is why it comes with a higher price tag. For comparison purposes, the prices below reflect a basic baseboard.

Paint-Grade

Basic paint-grade baseboard that has been primed is $1.75 to $2.25 per linear foot. Paint-grade trim runs about $2 to $2.50 per linear foot and it is less expensive because paint makes it easier to hide imperfections in the wood. It’s easier to maintain when it is painted because any holes or dings can simply be filled, and the it can be easily repainted. Some people don’t think that painted trim looks as high-end as stained, and it is a sure sign that the former is of lesser quality wood. This type is more common in exterior rather than interior spaces, although it is used for both.

Stain-Grade

Basic stain-grade baseboard is $1.90 to $3 per linear foot for interior, and $3 to $4.30 per linear foot for exterior trim. This option costs more because it is a higher quality of wood. This is important so that the wood grain comes through nicely when stained. It is more difficult to maintain because it isn’t easy to fill holes and restain the wood. To restain it, you need to clean it with mineral spirits, apply a chemical stripper, sand it, and then apply the stain. However, many would argue that stained wood gives a more sophisticated look. It is most commonly used in interior spaces.

Wood Trim Cost by Style

Many different styles are available. There are simple, modern, historical, and intricate styles to accentuate any home’s style and architecture. These types come in paint-grade or stain-grade in various sizes and materials. Choose from dark wood, light wood, or trim to be painted the color of your choice.

Flat Stock

Flat stock wood trim is inexpensive. It costs between $1 and $5 for interior and $3 and $8 for exterior per linear foot, depending on the wood type. As the name suggests, flat stock wood is flat and smooth. It is the most basic type and has a square profile with a flat face. It is popular because it works in modern and contemporary homes. The joints can be mitered or butted.

Colonial

Costs range between $1 and $5 for interior and $4 to $8 for exterior per linear foot for colonial wood trim, depending on the material. This is another popular choice found in a variety of architectural styles. There are subtle, rounded details in the middle of the trim. There are basic types, as well as those that have more detail, including fluting.

Craftsman

The craftsman style wood trim cost has a wide range, between $1 and $6 per linear foot on the interior and $5 and $10 on the exterior, depending on the style and material. This type is not mitered and is slightly wider on the top than on the sides. The side trim dies into the top piece. It is normally flat, but decorative versions can be found.

Barnwood

New barnwood starts as low as $1.50 per linear foot, while reclaimed barnwood can cost as much as $50 per linear foot for both interior and exterior use. Barnwood style gives a rustic look to any room. It can be used for door casing, window casing, baseboard, and many other applications. Choose from new or reclaimed barnwood.

Windsor

This popular style is used in traditional homes and costs from $2 to $15 in interior spaces and $4 to $10 in exterior areas per linear foot. It allows for plenty of details, with some portions of the trim being flat and others rounded. Curved areas and interesting angles are used throughout.

Bullnose

The cost for a bullnose corner is $2.50 to $4 for each corner piece on an interior and $3 to $5 on the exterior. Consider using bullnose wood trim if you would like it to have a rounded edge. Some types of trim can be found with a bullnose edge. A bullnose corner can also be used to create a rounded corner at the edges of drywall when installing baseboard.

Victorian

The price ranges from $3 to $10 in the interior and $5 to $15 on the exterior per linear foot for Victorian wood trim. Elegant and intricate, Victorian style tends to have ripples along the casing. At the corners and tops, expect to find carved pieces of varying intricacies. The top of Victorian is often the focal point, with beautiful carvings. This style is most often found in older, Victorian homes and will usually be stained, not painted.

Scalloped

For scalloped wood trim, costs are between $4 and $8 on the interior and $6 to $10 on the exterior per linear foot. This type has a circular, scalloped edge and is usually not used throughout an entire home but serves as a decorative element above sinks, between cabinets, or on credenzas or china cabinets. Scalloped style is usually used in historic homes and is also used in exterior applications.

Trim Carpenter Prices

A professional handyman, carpenter, or trim carpenter has the knowledge, experience, and tools to quickly complete your interior trim job and make it look great. Exterior projects are most commonly handled by a siding installer. It’s a specialized skill to miter the pieces together so that they fit perfectly. Cutting angles and making a run look smooth takes practice. The average homeowner doesn’t possess the best tools for the job. The typical trim carpenter hourly rate ranges from $65 to $105 for interior and $70 to $120 for exterior.

Cost to Replace Wood Trim

Trim only needs to be replaced if a homeowner is changing their home’s style. However, it may rot or get dinged up. The best time to replace it is when siding, doors, windows, or flooring are replaced. If you hire someone for replacing it around windows, doors, siding, or flooring, sometimes the interior or exterior wood trim replacement cost includes removal.

If it isn’t included in the price, expect to pay between $0.55 and $1.20 per linear foot for removal. The cost to remove old trim and retrim the interior of a house varies widely. You can expect to pay between $2,375 and $2,600 for a 1,500 sq.ft. home to remove old trim and replacement. Exterior wood trim replacement cost and retrimming the exterior of a 1,500 sq.ft. home ranges between $1,800 and $2,500.

Cost to Trim a House by Location

Many different places inside a house and outside a house need trim. In new construction, all trim needs to be installed. With replacement, only small areas are completed at a time. Costs vary depending on the location and difficulty of installation and type of trim.

Around Windows

Installing wood trim around windows costs between $80 and $120 per window. Large, hard-to-reach windows such as skylights or bay windows cost more. Exterior window wood trim costs from $120 to $170 per window. Wood trim around windows is important to seal gaps and make the window look nice. This type generally needs to be replaced more often due to exposure to the elements.

Around Doors

Expect to pay between $100 and $180 per door for interior and between $180 and $250 for exterior door wood trim installation. Wood trim around wood doors is necessary to seal gaps between the door jam and the wall. Interior and exterior door wood trim give the project a completed look.

Around Shower or Bathtub

Installing wood trim around a shower surround or tiled shower costs between $5.50 and $8.50 per linear foot, or $135 to $255. Installing it gives a complete and finished look to your bathroom. However, wood is not usually recommended in moist environments. Bullnose tile or PVC can handle moisture much better.

Around Garage Door

Since several pieces are involved, garage door wood trim is more complicated and comes with a price tag of $350 to $500. It comprises several different pieces, including a wrap and the exterior trim. These materials need to coordinate and be sturdy, as the wrap is exposed to wear and tear since it comes in contact with the garage door.

Around Fireplace Hearth

The costs to add trim to a fireplace hearth range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the materials and intricacies of the installation. It covers uneven hearth or wall edges and gives you free rein to add wood design elements to your finished hearth. Most fireplace surrounds are made from solid hardwoods, such as poplar, oak, maple, or cherry. These woods make a durable and beautiful focal point for the home. Installation costs vary widely.

Around Ceiling

The average costs to install 60 linear feet of crown molding around the ceiling are between $450 and $900. Crown molding is the trim around the ceiling. It hides imperfections and gives a room a highly sophisticated look. Most often seen in older historic homes or high-end new construction, crown molding comes in various designs and materials. It can be plain or quite elaborate. This tends to soften the corners to eliminate the boxy look of a room.

PVC vs Wood Trim

PVC trim installation starts at about $5 per linear foot, whereas flat wood trim starts at $5 per linear foot. PVC comes in a white color that does not need to be painted. It will not decay or rot when exposed to moisture and is resistant to insect invasion. Many people choose PVC because it is flexible and does not encourage deforestation. However, PVC is more expensive. Also, many people would rather have the look of natural wood in their homes.

Baseboard vs Trim

Baseboard is one of the many types of trim. Trim is generally described as a material used where the walls meet the floor, around openings such as doors and windows, where the walls meet the ceiling, or at corners between walls. It also describes all the molding used in a home. Baseboard is the type used where the walls meet the floor. This type of trim is typically installed for aesthetic reasons and prevents walls from being blemished by boots, shoes, and vacuum attachments. It tends to be less ornate than crown molding and has a simpler look.

Trim vs Molding

Trim is the very general term that refers to all the molding in a home. Molding is a millwork classification, which is woodwork that is created in a mill. It adds non-structural details to a room. Molding adds beauty and is not essential to the structural integrity of the home. It is often more elaborate and decorative than general trim. An example would be crown molding installed between the ceiling and walls for visual interest. All that said, the terms are fairly interchangeable. Molding, trim, and millwork are all terms used to describe the same thing.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Paint Wood Trim Cost

The cost to paint trim will be between $1 and $6 per linear foot. Sometimes it comes pre-painted, while other times, it needs to be painted before or after installation. When working in new construction, professionals tend to paint it after installation since holes need to be filled and painted anyway. However, in small projects, it makes more sense to paint it before installation and touch up the paint later. At least some painting will need to take place after installation because nail holes will need to be filled.

Cost to Refinish Wood Trim

On average, the cost to refinish wood trim ranges from $2.29 to $5.15 per linear foot. The total cost runs from $286 to $644 for 125 feet of trim refinishing. This is typically done if the piece is scuffed or scratched. First, it is sanded by hand or using a sander. The sanding continues until the original paint or stain has been removed. Next, the wood is cleaned of any dust or debris. The final step is to apply new paint or a stain. A trim carpenter is the most common professional to offer this service, but other carpenters may also do refinishing from time to time.

Wood Ceiling Medallion

A 20” to 14” ceiling medallion is often intricately carved and ranges from $75 to $500. A wood ceiling medallion can be a beautiful addition to a ceiling, especially one that includes crown molding. A ceiling medallion is round and goes around the base of a light fixture on a ceiling to make it more decorative.