How Much Does It Cost to Replace Trim? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $320 - $1,197
The cost to replace trim is $758 on average, or between $320 and $1,197, depending on the type and material.
The cost to replace trim is $758 on average, with costs ranging from $320 to $1,197. While it can seem like a minor detail, trim can have a major impact on a room’s aesthetic. If your home’s trim is in rough shape, dated, or missing, replacing it can provide the perfect finishing touch. This guide will help you plan your budget for trim replacement.
- Average
- $758
- Low end
- $120
- high end
- $2,860
Replacing Trim Cost Factors
These are the main factors that will impact your cost to replace trim. Consult a local trim and crown molding contractor to determine the pricing structure for your project.
Type
The type of trim can have a significant impact on your budget. Basic door and window trim is on the lower end cost-wise, while crown molding and exterior trim can rise in price.
| Trim Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Door or window trim | $0.50–$6 |
| Window casing | $6–$20 |
| Window capping | $1–$2 |
| Crown molding | $4–$23 |
| Shoe molding (quarter round) | $2–$6.25 |
| Exterior trim | $9–$25 |
Size
In general, the cost to replace trim varies anywhere from $0.50 to $10 per linear foot. If you’re only replacing a small section of trim, you may be able to keep costs for this project below $100, while large rooms or whole-home trim replacements can cost $1,000 or more.
Style
The style of trim is another factor that can affect your final cost. Check out the average cost ranges for these popular styles of trim.
| Trim Style | Average Cost Range (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Bullnose | $1–$9 |
| Colonial | $1–$10 |
| Craftsperson | $1–$10 |
| Flat stock | $1–$8 |
| J-channel | $2–$8 |
| Provincial | $2–$10 |
| Ranch | $2–$10 |
| Scalloped | $2–$10 |
| Victorian | $3–$15 |
| Windsor | $2–$10 |
Materials
The price of trim materials ranges from $0.50 to $10 per linear foot, but prices can go as high as $30 per linear foot for high-end materials like steel and vinyl. Consider these average costs for the most common trim materials.
| Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $2–$6 |
| Fiber cement | $0.70–$5.50 |
| Hardwood | $0.75–$10 |
| Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) | $0.60–$6 |
| Polyurethane | $2–$6 |
| Reclaimed wood | $1.25–$12 |
| Softwood | $0.60–$7 |
| Steel | $5–$20 |
| Vinyl | $0.80–$30 |
Removing Old Trim
The cost of trim removal ranges from $0.60 to $1.20 per linear foot. If you currently have trim installed in your home, you or a professional will need to remove the old trim before installing the new version. Most professionals will account for this task in your initial quote.
Labor
Labor costs for trim repair and replacement range from $65 to $105 per hour. While rates can be pretty steep, this project is usually completed within a few hours with professional-grade and long-lasting results.
Tipping
If your contractor went above and beyond, you have the option to tip (a good amount to stick to is around 10% to 15% of the total project cost). If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your contractor, know that tipping isn’t mandatory nor expected, but it can be a kind gesture to show your appreciation.
Trim Replacement Ongoing Expenses
Aside from the initial project costs, here are a few additional ongoing expenses to factor into your budget.
Painting or Staining
Hiring a professional to stain or paint trim costs an average of $1 to $3 per linear foot. Along with the cost of having your trim stained or painted at the time of installation, you may want to budget for restaining or repainting if you decide to change up the color of your walls or flooring.
Trim Repairs or Replacement
Replacing sections of trim costs between $0.50 and $10 per linear foot. Replacing small sections of trim is often relatively inexpensive and DIY-friendly. Note that custom or odd styles of trim may be unavailable by the time you need to have them replaced, so you may want to budget for new trim altogether.
DIY Trim Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY-ing your trim installation can save you around $65 to $105 per hour in labor costs. If your trim only needs a minor touch-up or if you’re taking on a DIY quarter-round trim installation, you can probably handle it on your own without hiring a professional. However, if you require extensive trim replacement, have warped or uneven walls or flooring, or if you’re working with expensive materials, it's generally advisable to seek the assistance of a professional.
A local trim and crown molding contractor will ensure your trim sits flush against the wall, plus they’re more prepared and accustomed to working with uneven surfaces. They can also help you find the perfect trim to fit your color scheme and desired aesthetic. Get in touch with a pro today to learn more about options and pricing.
Cost of Common Trim Replacement Add-Ons
If you have other projects to complete when replacing your trim, it’s a good idea to include these with your plans. Many pros will be happy to bundle services at a discount or refer you to a trusted subcontractor for a competitive rate. Here are a few add-on services to consider and their average costs:
Painting/staining trim costs: $1–$4 per linear foot
Cost to install shoe molding: $2–$6.25 per linear foot
Cost to replace windowsill: $150–$700
Cost to install an interior door: $150–$2,500
Cost to install flooring: $1,530–$4,850
Cost to repair drywall: $300–$930
Baseboard replacement costs: $800–$2,250
Cost to paint a room: $2–$6 per square foot
Tips to Reduce Costs While Replacing Trim
Looking to keep your budget as trim as possible? Here are some of the best ways to be cost-savvy when planning out this project:
Look for sales, discounts, and bulk purchase options to save money on trim materials.
Consider using less expensive materials such as medium-density fiberboard, which is more cost-effective than traditional wood trim.
If you have the necessary skills and tools, consider doing the installation yourself.
When hiring a professional, shop around and get at least three quotes from different contractors to find the best deal.
Opt for standard trim profiles and sizes to avoid custom orders, which tend to be more expensive.
Measure and plan the project carefully to minimize waste and avoid over ordering materials.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms “trim” and “molding” are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle distinctions. Trim is any feature located at the junctions of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, or windows. On the other hand, molding is a decorative type of trim primarily employed for aesthetic purposes. Talk with your trim contractor about the best option for your home aesthetic.
If you’re wondering whether crown molding can increase a home’s value, the answer is it depends. Crown molding can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, but it’s important that the crown molding style is appealing and in line with the home's and the neighborhood's aesthetic. Still, unless the existing trim is dated, damaged, or absent altogether, new trim isn’t likely to affect the home’s value in a significant way.
Repairing or replacing the trim throughout a home typically takes approximately six hours to complete. Or, if you’re only doing a single room or a small section, the project can take as little as one to two hours. This allows contractors time for tasks such as removing the old trim, cutting and measuring, and installing the new trim.