Trim installation costs can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as material type, labor rates, and project size. For 2025, expect costs to range from $650 to $1,200 per opening, depending on these variables. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown to help construction professionals budget accurately for baseboards, crown molding, and specialty profiles.
• Trim is often installed at project close-out, making cost overruns particularly impactful.
• High-quality trim enhances perceived value, crucial for client satisfaction.
• Precise estimates improve financial planning and subcontractor profitability.
1. Material type (MDF, solid wood, PVC)
2. Linear footage required
3. Profile complexity and waste allowance
4. Local labor rates for finish carpentry
5. Paint or stain finishing method
• MDF primed baseboard: $0.75 – $1.50
• Finger-joint pine baseboard: $1.25 – $2.25
• Solid poplar baseboard: $2.00 – $3.50
• Oak or maple premium baseboard: $3.50 – $5.50
• Poly or PVC exterior trim: $2.75 – $4.25
CountBricks Insight: Our live material feed updates every 15 minutes, ensuring your estimates reflect current market conditions.
Finish carpentry rates average $4.00 – $7.00 per linear foot for standard base and casing. Complex installations like coffered ceilings can exceed $12.00 per foot. In Dallas, the median rate is $5.25, with localized adjustments available through CountBricks.
1. Entry-level 1,800 sq ft home: $3,800 – $5,200
2. Mid-range 2,500 sq ft build: $6,500 – $9,000
3. Custom 3,800 sq ft residence: $12,000 – $18,000
These estimates include base, door casing, and one crown detail, excluding paint. Add $1.25 – $2.00 per linear foot for enamel finishes.
1. Upload plans to CountBricks.com
2. Specify measurements: “Measure all baseboard and crown.”
3. AI calculates footage, waste, and material tier.
4. Live supplier pricing is confirmed.
5. Labor is calculated using regional data.
6. Export a branded quote or invoice instantly.
• Order in longer lengths to reduce waste.
• Combine purchases for bulk discounts.
• Use MDF in less critical areas; reserve solid wood for high-humidity zones.
• Pre-prime materials to reduce painter labor.
• Utilize CountBricks for daily supplier updates to capture savings.
A 2,300 sq ft ranch renovation involved upgrading to colonial baseboard and adding crown molding. The project required 740 linear feet of base and 124 feet of crown. Material costs were $1,568, and labor was $4,542, totaling $6,110. The homeowner approved the project quickly due to transparent pricing.
While DIY installation is possible, professional crews complete projects faster and with less waste. For a 2,000 sq ft house, professionals finish in two days compared to a homeowner's three-weekend effort. Consider material waste and labor benchmarks before deciding.
• Wainscoting kits: $11 – $18 per sq ft installed
• Coffered ceiling grids: $25 – $40 per sq ft installed
• Box beams: $38 – $55 per linear foot installed
CountBricks provides templates for specialty projects, ensuring accurate pricing with a simple voice command.
For precise trim cost estimates, visit CountBricks.com and explore our tools for real-time budget updates.
A Dallas-area builder used CountBricks to price a 3,100 sq ft Craftsman-style home with extensive millwork. The project included 6" poplar base, 4" door casing, and three-piece crown. Traditionally, estimating took two days, but with CountBricks, the process was streamlined:
1. Plans were uploaded, and trim was categorized by room.
2. AI detected 1,420 linear feet of base, 980 feet of casing, and 240 feet of crown.
3. Mid-premium material pricing was pulled from local suppliers.
4. Labor rates were adjusted for the Dallas area.
5. A formatted quote and invoice schedule were produced in under 12 minutes.
• Materials subtotal: $8,960
• Labor subtotal: $11,730
• Total Trim Package: $20,690
• AI commands reduced manual errors, saving 8% over traditional methods.
• Live pricing captured a poplar discount, saving $640.
• Integrated scheduling aligned cash flow with project stages.
• Bundle orders to save on freight.
• Use CountBricks for nightly price updates.
• Verify installed footage on-site with the CountBricks app to prevent disputes.
For more accurate trim cost estimates, visit CountBricks.com to request a demo and enhance your project efficiency.
