In this article…
- What is The Average Cost of Crown Molding Installation?
- What Factors Affect The Cost to Install Crown Molding?
- DIY vs. Professional Crown Molding Installation: Should You Do It Yourself?
- Finding The Best Crown Molding Installation For You
When it comes to home upgrades that pack a big punch for a relatively small investment, crown molding is at the top of the list.
This elegant trim, installed where the wall meets the ceiling, can instantly elevate a room’s appearance, adding character, charm, and value to your home’s interior.
Whether you want to elevate your home with intricate crown molding designs or just want to update your old crown molding, one of the first things you want to know is how much this project is going to cost.
Here at TexFix, we’ve been helping San Antonio homeowners with all their home projects since 1983. From installing attic ladders to building fences to protect your home, we’re here to elevate your home, no matter the handyman service you need.
Crown molding installation is one of our specialties and is an excellent way to spruce up your interior, even with the simplest designs.
No matter if you’re doing a single-room refresh or a full-home renovation, we want you to have all the information you need before deciding what company to work with, and cost is one of the first things you want to understand.
This article will detail how much crown molding installation costs, what factors most affect that cost, if you should do it yourself, and the next steps to finding the best solution for you.
What is The Average Cost of Crown Molding Installation?
Installing or replacing crown molding in your home can range in cost, and it all depends on a variety of factors, like material and square footage.
On average, professionally installed crown molding typically costs $4 to $15 per linear foot for professionally installed crown molding.
For particular rooms or your whole home, the cost translates as follows:
- Small room (12×12 ft): $500 – $1,000
- Medium room (15×20 ft): $800 – $1,500
- Whole home (1,500+ sq ft): $2,000 – $5,000+
These are general estimates, and actual pricing can vary depending on the materials you choose, the layout of your home, and whether prep work or finishing (like caulking and painting) is included.
What Factors Affect The Cost to Install Crown Molding?
The cost range of any home improvement project can be wide because the cost of your specific project depends on various factors.
To understand what drives the cost of your crown molding project, here are the most common factors that influence the cost.
1. Type of Material
Crown molding comes in a range of materials, each with its own price point, pros, and cons. Some common crown molding materials include:
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Budget-friendly and smooth, ideal for painted finishes. Priced around $1–$3 per foot.
- Pine or Other Softwoods: Classic and slightly more durable than MDF. Usually $2–$5 per foot.
- Polyurethane or Polystyrene: Lightweight and easy to install, resistant to moisture—great for bathrooms or humid environments.
- Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Mahogany): Premium look and long-lasting quality, often $5–$10+ per foot.
- Plaster or Custom Millwork: Perfect for historic homes or dramatic looks—can exceed $15 per foot due to the craftsmanship involved.
The material you choose is the largest factor that affects the overall price.
2. Room Shape and Ceiling Height
A simple square room with 8-foot ceilings is the easiest (and least expensive) to trim. If your space has:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Irregular wall shapes
- Multiple corners or curved edges
…installation becomes more complex and labor-intensive, increasing the total cost. Higher ceilings also require more material and specialized equipment.
In short, complicated or irregular rooms require custom crown molding, not cookie-cutter designs. The more custom your project, the more it will cost.
3. Labor and Installation
Crown molding is a project you can DIY (if you are handy enough). Aside from purchasing all the materials, labor and installation would be one cost you don’t need to factor in.
However, professional labor is typically $3 to $7 per linear foot to the overall cost, depending on the complexity.
The cost for installation may also factor in labor warranty to protect your crown molding installation and ensure if it wasn’t installed properly or fails in some way, the company will back their work.
4. Finishing and Prep Work
Additional services that may influence your quote include:
- Removing old crown molding (if replacing)
- Painting or staining the new molding
- Patching walls or prepping surfaces
- Caulking and sanding for smooth transitions
These steps are crucial for a polished, professional finish, but these costs will depend on the company you choose.
DIY vs. Professional Crown Molding Installation: Should You Do It Yourself?
Depending on the complexity of your home and the space you want to install crown molding, you may be tempted to go the DIY route.
While this can save you money on installation costs, there are several things to consider before deciding to do it yourself.
Some things to keep in mind when it comes to a DIY crown molding installation are:
- It requires specialized tools (miter saw, coping tools, ladders)
- Precision cuts are essential, especially for corners and uneven walls
- Mistakes can be costly (and frustrating)
While DIY can save on labor costs, it often leads to headaches, rework, or unfinished projects. Crown molding is one of those jobs that looks best when done by pros.
Why Hire a Professional?
Hiring experienced installers comes with numerous benefits, like:
- Faster turnaround times
- Flawless finish and seamless joints
- Less stress and mess to clean up
Finding the right company to work with can be difficult, and it’s important to do diligent research before making a decision.
Looking at real customer reviews, photos of the company, social media, and company websites are just a few places to get a better idea of the type of company you may potentially work with.
Remember, even if you purchase the highest quality crown molding, if it isn’t installed properly, it won’t perform as it is meant to.
Looking for expert crown molding installation in San Antonio? Schedule your appointment with TexFix today!
Finding The Best Crown Molding Installation For You
Now that you understand the general cost of crown molding installation, what factors most affect the cost, and how DIY-ing this project compares to hiring a professional, you can continue your research and find the best crown molding solution for you.
Crown molding is one of those finishing touches that can completely transform a space. It adds depth, character, and architectural interest to a room, whether you’re going for timeless elegance or a more modern flair.
But to get the look you want, it’s important to make informed choices about materials, layout, and whether to take the DIY route or bring in a professional.
Every home is different, and so is every project. From ceiling height to wall shape to the type of molding you choose, there are many factors that influence the total cost.
Taking the time to research, plan, ask questions, and compare your options can help ensure you stay on budget while still getting the results you envision.
And while tackling a project like this on your own may sound appealing, professional installation can offer peace of mind, quality workmanship, and long-term durability, especially in more complex spaces.
If you’re in the San Antonio area and ready to take the next step, TexFix offers crown molding installation and a full range of handyman services backed by over 40 years of experience.
Whether you’re refreshing one room or remodeling your entire home, we’re here to help you get it done right with professional installation by our expert crews.
