How Much Does Crown Molding Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $611 - $2,119
The cost to install crown molding is $1,300 on average, you’ll pay more for longer stretches of crown molding.
Put your own twist on old-world interiors with some contemporary crown molding that's equal to any of the fancy pics you see in your Insta feed. To have a professional install crown molding, expect to pay between $611 to $2,119.
- Average
- $1,300
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $4,500
Average Cost to Install Crown Molding per Linear Foot
On average, the price to install crown molding is $4 to $23 per linear foot. Though not as common, high-end or custom molding could cost much more for supplies and labor. It all depends on the material and how difficult it is to install. Expect labor to make up 50% or more of your total project cost.
| Project Type | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Average | $4–$23 |
| Custom | $25–$50 |
Cost to Install Crown Molding by Material
Crown molding ranges in price based on material type. The base cost of crown molding materials differs, as does the time and labor required to complete the installation, as some materials are easier to work with than others.
| Material | Cost to Install (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | $3–$30 |
| Polyurethane | $2–$10 |
| Plaster | $6–$20 |
| MDF | $1–$7 |
| PVC | $1–$4 |
| Foam | $1–$4 |
| Metal | $10–$30 |
Solid Wood
Solid wood crown molding costs $3 to $30 per linear foot, depending on scarcity and hardness. There's a huge selection of wood types for crown molding, but the most common types cost between $3 and $12 per linear foot, excluding installation. Expect to spend:
| Type of Wood | Example | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Common softwood and young growth | New growth pine, maple, and aspen | $3–$10 |
| Old-growth softwood | Seasoned, mature pine | $10–$12 |
| Common hardwood | Oak and mahogany | $10–$12 |
| Exotic hardwood | Brazilian cherry, paduk, and ipe | $15–$30 |
Hardwoods are popular because they are moderately priced and, once stained, add classic charm and warmth to a room. Common softwoods are a better option for those on a tight budget and anyone who plans to paint their crown molding or attempt DIY, as the wood is easier to cut and, if finished well, looks great painted.
Polyurethane
Per linear foot, polyurethane crown molding costs $2 to $10 per linear foot, not including installation. It's a popular choice as it's budget-friendly and resists warping and rotting. However, it dents fairly easily and doesn't hold stain or paint particularly well.
Plaster
Premade plaster crown molding costs $6 to $20 per linear foot, excluding installation. Since this type of molding requires a complex installation and a skilled installer, expect labor costs to be on the higher end of normal. However, because it’s made off-site, it costs far less than traditional plaster.
In contrast, traditional plaster molding is created in situ, right on the wall, inside the home using wet plaster and a mold. This is even more costly and rarely done today. However, if your home already has traditional plaster molding and you find it needs repair and want to preserve rather than replace it, expect to pay $4,000 to $6,000 even for just a couple of linear feet. That’s because it takes a great deal of time and skill to rebuild or repair.
MDF
Good old MDF isn't fancy, but it's cost-effective at just $1 to $7 per linear foot, excluding installation. While it doesn't perform well in very humid conditions, it's lightweight and relatively easy to install (hello, lower labor costs). It does need a finish of some kind, but wood veneer mimics the look of real hardwood without the higher cost. Plus, MDF takes and holds paint well, so it's an excellent low-cost option for installing painted crown molding.
PVC
PVC crown molding costs $1 to $4 per linear foot and is a good budget-friendly option for rooms that tend to hold moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. However, PVC molding is slick and doesn't hold paint well, so it tends to only be available in white.
Polystyrene Foam
Foam molding costs $1 to $4 per linear foot, including installation. Because it's synthetic and isn't porous, it's another good choice for humid locations like bathrooms. However, detail is very limited because it can't be molded and shaped like other conventional materials. On the other hand, it's super lightweight, and you can even cut it with a pair of scissors. Its lightness and flexibility make it a popular choice for budget DIY installations, as you can install it with double-sided tape or glue.
Metal
Metal crown molding costs $10 to $30 per linear foot, including installation. Aluminum, copper, and steel are popular choices for indoor and outdoor use. Aluminum is particularly lightweight and resistant to rust.
Additional Cost Factors of Installing Crown Molding
There are a few different factors that impact crown molding installation costs. Prices will rise with complex installations and high-end materials, while straightforward installations with affordable materials like MDF or PVC won’t break the bank. Here’s a closer look at what might impact your total costs.
Labor
If you’re having your crown molding installed professionally, expect to spend an additional $3 to $12 per linear foot on labor. Custom crown molding could increase these costs to $15 to $20 per linear foot. Keep in mind that some contractors charge by the hour. In this case, expect to spend $50 to $100 per hour with your contractor spending an average of two to three hours per room.
Style or Custom Finish
Crown molding can come in many shapes and styles. Some of the most popular are colonial, craftsman, and mid-century modern. Expect to pay more for more stylized versions with a lot of detail.
Custom crown molding is significantly more expensive than standard crown molding—but sometimes it’s the only way to get a historically accurate replica. Expect to spend $10 to $30 per linear foot for the materials and $15 to $20 per linear foot on labor.
Door and Window Crown Molding
Crown molding is just one of many types of molding styles. Some homeowners like the historical charm of crown molding around doors and windows. For this type of job, expect to spend $150 to $200 per door or window.
Painting or Staining Crown Molding
If you want your contractor to paint or stain your crown molding, expect to spend $1 to $3.50 per linear foot. The overall price depends on the intricacy of the molding and the type of paint. Higher quality paints will cost more but last longer.
DIY Crown Molding Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you know what you're doing and pick the right materials, it is possible to install crown molding yourself. Generally, around 25% of the price a pro quotes you is for labor, so you can save around a quarter of the project price if you go the DIY route. Be aware that you'll need a miter saw, a coping saw, and a protractor as a bare minimum. Depending on what type of molding you're installing, you may need a nail gun, too.
That being said, you’ll probably want to hire a crown molding company near you to get the best results. A local carpenter can create high-quality custom molding, as well as install tricky hardwood and exotic hardwood moldings. Hiring a pro is especially important if you’re trying to repair or recreate plaster molding in a historical home. Make sure your contractor has proven experience in historical restoration.
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
To find out how much crown molding you need, measure all the walls in the rooms where you want to install crown molding, and add the total to find the number of linear feet. Remember to measure and include alcoves, chimneys, and other features that add linear feet.
How long it takes to install crown molding depends on the material you choose and the size of the room. However, it typically takes 1 to 3 hours per room for a professional to install crown molding. You, on the other hand, may need more time.
Yes, crown molding adds value to your home because it increases the aesthetic appeal. It also covers up blemishes and imperfections along the ceiling and wall meeting points. Installed in every room, crown molding adds an attractive cohesiveness to the overall feel of your home that can improve perceived value.