How Much Does It Cost to Install Crown Molding?

Installing crown molding typically costs between $611 and $2,120, with a national average of $1,300. The price varies mainly based on your room size and material choice, ranging from $4 to $23 per linear foot installed.

Simple projects using basic materials like MDF or PVC start at the lower end, while premium materials like hardwood or metal, along with custom designs, push costs higher. Labor makes up about 50% of the total cost, whether you’re adding crown molding to a single room or throughout your entire home.

Average Crown Molding Installation Costs Breakdown

Understanding crown molding installation costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about their interior design projects. The actual cost varies based on multiple factors, including room dimensions, material choices, and local labor rates. Crown molding adds aesthetic appeal to any space, from dining rooms to kitchen cabinets, while potentially increasing home value.

National Average Costs

Crown molding installation costs typically range from $611 to $2,120, with a national average of $1,300. These figures account for both material costs and labor required for professional installation. Labor statistics show that installation costs make up approximately 50% of the total project budget. Finish carpenters and professional carpenters typically complete most installations within 2-3 days, depending on the project scope.

Project Cost Overview:

• Basic Installation: $611-$1,000
• Standard Project: $1,000-$1,500
• Premium Installation: $1,500-$2,120
• Custom Design: $2,120+

Cost Range by Room Size

Room dimensions significantly impact the overall crown molding cost. A standard 12×12 room requires approximately 48 linear feet of molding. Rooms with several corners or curved walls require additional materials and labor, increasing the total cost. Installation in spaces with multiple outside corners and inside corners requires more precise cutting and fitting.

Average Room Size Pricing:

• Small Room (10×10): $400-$800
• Medium Room (12×12): $600-$1,200
• Large Room (15×15): $800-$1,600
• Open Concept: $1,200-$2,000

Cost Per Linear Foot Overview

The cost per linear foot depending on material type ranges from $4 to $23 installed. This price includes both materials and professional installation. One wall might cost less, but homeowners opt for complete room installation to maintain a polished look throughout the space.

Crown Molding Material Costs Compared

Material selection significantly influences your project’s bottom line. Each material type offers distinct advantages, from budget-friendly options that hold paint well to premium choices that create lasting design elements.

Budget-Friendly Materials (Under $5 per foot)

These materials provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) crown molding leads this category, though MDF warps in humid conditions. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and foam crown molding are other popular choices that resists warping.

Budget Material Comparison:

• MDF: $1-$4/linear foot
• PVC: $1-$4/linear foot
• Foam: $1-$4/linear foot
• Basic Polyurethane: $2-$5/linear foot

Mid-Range Materials ($5-$15 per foot)

Mid-range options balance cost with durability. Standard wood molding and polyurethane crown molding dominate this category. These materials require proper installation techniques, including the use of a compound miter or coping saw for precise cuts at corner blocks.

Mid-Range Material Comparison:

• Standard Wood: $5-$12/linear foot
• Quality Polyurethane: $5-$10/linear foot
• Basic Plaster: $6-$15/linear foot
• Standard Metal: $10-$15/linear foot

Premium Materials ($15+ per foot)

Premium materials like exotic wood and custom metal crown molding offer unique aesthetic appeal. Solid wood options in this category include rare hardwoods that require professional installation using specialized tools like steel cutting saws. These materials often need expert handling to prevent issues with nail holes and ensure proper fitting where the wall meets the ceiling.

Premium Material Comparison:

• Exotic Wood: $15-$30/linear foot
• Custom Metal: $15-$30/linear foot
• High-end Plaster: $15-$20/linear foot
• Custom Design: $20+/linear foot

Labor Costs for Crown Molding Installation

Professional installation of crown molding requires skilled labor and expertise. Professional carpenters use specialized tools like compound miter saws and coping saws to ensure precise fits, particularly where the wall meets the ceiling. Understanding labor costs helps homeowners budget accurately for their projects.

Hourly Rate vs Linear Foot Pricing

Professional carpenters typically charge either by the hour or per linear foot. Hourly rates range from $50 to $100, while linear foot pricing averages $3 to $12 for standard installations. Labor statistics show that installing wood crown molding or metal crown molding demands higher rates due to the complexity of the installation process.

Labor Cost Comparison:

• Basic Installation: $50-$75/hour
• Expert Installation: $75-$100/hour
• Linear Foot Rate: $3-$12/foot
• Custom Work: $12-$20/foot

Additional Labor Charges

Installing crown molding in areas with curved walls or several corners requires additional labor. Finish carpenters may charge extra for working with expensive crown molding materials or handling complex design elements. The installation costs increase when working with solid wood or plaster molding due to the specialized skills required.

Regional Cost Differences

Labor costs vary significantly by region, affecting the overall crown molding installation cost. Urban areas typically command higher rates than rural locations. Professional installation in coastal regions may cost more due to considerations for materials that resist warping in humid conditions.

Extra Costs That Impact Your Final Price

Beyond basic material and labor costs, several factors can influence your crown molding project’s final price. These additional expenses often arise during the installation process and should be considered when planning your budget.

Corner and Joint Costs

Installing crown molding around inside corners and outside corners requires additional materials and labor. Corner blocks and joint connections for wood molding or mdf crown molding need precise cutting with steel cutting saws. Working with polyurethane crown molding or foam crown molding may require special adhesives for corners.

Additional Cost Factors:

• Basic Corners: $5-$15 each
• Custom Joints: $15-$30 each
• Special Transitions: $20-$40 each
• Complex Angles: $25-$50 each

Painting and Finishing Costs

Painted crown molding requires proper preparation and multiple coats to hold paint effectively. The cost varies based on whether you choose pre-finished materials or on-site finishing. Materials like medium density fiberboard take paint well, while polyvinyl chloride may need special primers.

Repair and Preparation Costs

Wall and ceiling preparation often reveals necessary repairs. Fixing nail holes, addressing areas where mdf warps, or repairing damaged drywall adds to the actual cost. This preparation work is greatly appreciated during the final installation as it ensures a polished look.

Design and Style Upgrade Costs

Crown molding options range from standard crown molding to custom designs that enhance interior design appeal. Upgrading from basic to more elaborate styles impacts both material cost and labor required. Homeowners opt for these upgrades in formal spaces like the dining room or to crown molding add value to their property.

Professional vs DIY Installation Costs

When deciding between professional installation and the DIY route for crown molding, homeowners must weigh various cost factors. While DIY can save money on labor costs, it requires proper tools and expertise to achieve a polished look, especially when installing wood crown molding or other complex materials.

Tools and Equipment Costs for DIY

Taking the DIY route requires investing in specific tools for proper crown molding installation. Essential equipment includes a compound miter saw, coping saw, and steel cutting saw for precise cuts. The initial investment in tools can offset potential savings from avoiding professional installation costs.

DIY Equipment Investment:

• Basic Tool Set: $200-$400
• Professional-Grade Tools: $400-$800
• Specialty Tools: $100-$300
• Safety Equipment: $50-$100

Hidden Costs of Professional Installation

Professional crown molding installation includes costs beyond basic labor rates. Finish carpenters may charge additional fees for material handling, waste removal, and ensuring proper installation where the wall meets ceiling. These costs are often not immediately apparent in initial estimates but affect the actual cost of the project.

When to Choose Professional Installation

Professional installation is recommended for certain materials and situations. Installing wood molding, especially exotic wood or expensive crown molding options, requires expertise to prevent costly mistakes. Professional carpenters bring experience with different material types and can handle challenging aspects like inside corners and outside corners effectively.

How Room Features Affect Installation Costs

Room characteristics significantly influence crown molding installation costs and complexity. The physical features of your space determine both material requirements and labor needed, impacting the overall crown molding cost for your project.

Wall Height and Crown Size Impact

Ceiling height affects both material selection and installation difficulty. Taller walls often require larger crown molding to maintain proper proportions and aesthetic appeal. Installing crown molding in rooms with high ceilings may require additional equipment and labor, increasing installation costs.

Room Feature Cost Factors:

• Standard Height (8-9ft): Base Rate
• Medium Height (10-12ft): +25%
• High Ceilings (13ft+): +50%
• Specialty Installations: +75%

Room Shape and Corner Count

The complexity of your room’s layout directly affects labor required and material costs. Rooms with several corners, curved walls, or irregular shapes need more sophisticated cutting techniques and additional material to account for waste. Working with corner blocks and managing multiple inside corners requires careful planning and execution.

Special Installation Areas

Certain areas present unique challenges for crown molding installation. Kitchen cabinets, dining room features, and other architectural elements may require special consideration. Materials like medium density fiberboard or polyvinyl chloride might be preferred in areas prone to moisture, while solid wood or plaster molding might be chosen for formal spaces where design elements are crucial to interior design goals.

Common Special Areas:

• Kitchen Cabinet Tops
• Bathroom Transitions
• Curved Wall Sections
• Architectural Features

Ways to Reduce Crown Molding Installation Costs

While crown molding adds significant aesthetic appeal to any room, there are several strategies to minimize costs without compromising quality. Understanding cost-saving approaches helps homeowners achieve their desired look while staying within budget.

Material Selection Tips

Choosing the right material can substantially reduce your crown molding cost. MDF crown molding and foam crown molding offer affordable alternatives to expensive wood or plaster options. These materials hold paint well and create a similar visual impact when properly installed. Consider polyurethane crown molding for areas where moisture resistance is important but solid wood costs are prohibitive.

Cost-Saving Strategies:

• Standard Materials: 40-60% savings
• Bulk Purchasing: 10-20% savings
• Alternative Materials: 30-50% savings
• Pre-finished Options: 15-25% savings

Timing Your Project

Scheduling your crown molding installation during off-peak seasons can result in better pricing. Professional carpenters often offer competitive rates during slower periods, typically during winter months. Planning ahead allows time to compare quotes and secure better deals on materials and labor costs.

Cost-Saving Installation Methods

Consider a phased approach to installation, completing one room at a time to spread costs over a longer period. For DIY projects, renting tools instead of buying can reduce initial expenses. Using corner blocks can simplify installation and reduce the skill level needed for complex corners, potentially saving on professional installation costs if taking the DIY route. Simple profiles require less labor and are more forgiving during installation, making them ideal for cost-conscious projects.