Crown molding is a very good avenue to beautify, stylize, and add value to a home. It makes a smooth transition between the walls and the ceiling, thus providing a finished and elegant look to the room. For one, many homeowners would go with crown molding for the simple fact that it hides imperfections and gives a time-honoured grace. But before embarking on any crown-molding task, one must know about the money involved. Factors like the materials used, labor, and size of the room can affect the price.
When you consider the costs involved with crown molding installation, it helps you get a better plan for budgeting. These costs will vary based on the style you choose and whether you are going to contract a professional or do the work yourself. Also, prices will vary depending on your location. This article will cover everything you need to know about crown-molding installation costs, materials, labor, and saving tips.
What Is Crown Molding?
When the wall meets the ceiling, the crown molding is a decorative trim that gives charm, finesse, and a finished appearance to a room. Crown molding has multiple styles, ranging from plain and modern to ornate and traditional. It is available in a variety of substances, such as wood, plaster, polyurethane, and MDF (medium-density fibreboard).
Besides enhancing the beauty of a room, crown molding also hides cracks, gaps, and uneven surfaces. Crown molding is a little detail that goes a long way, whether you are remodeling your house or making a new one.
Average Cost of Crown Molding Installation
Crown molding, as a whole, is an installation service ranging anywhere between $4 to $15 per linear foot, i.e., inclusive of material and labor. The total cost of a project varies from about $500 and up to $2,000 for most homeowners. It really depends on the materials chosen, how big the rooms are, and whether the work has a simple or more detailed design.
| Project Size | Average Cost |
| Small Room (100 linear feet) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Medium Room (200 linear feet) | $800 – $3,000 |
| Entire Home (800 linear feet) | $3,200 – $12,000 |
Types of Crown Molding Materials
The choice of material can mean a lot concerning the appearance and pricing of your project. The following are the most popular options.
1. Wood Crown Molding
The classic and more popular option for crown molding is wood. Softwoods such as pine and poplar are the cheaper options, while the price of the more richly grained hardwoods such as oak, maple, and mahogany keeps them at the more expensive end of the scale. Any color-staining or painting done on wood to match its decor is a relatively painless procedure.
2. Plaster Crown Molding
Plaster is usually reserved for very intricate, custom designs. It is heavier and more brittle than wood, and the installation requires a skilled hand. Plaster is a material for historical restorations or high-end homes, while it is generally priced as one of the most expensive alternatives.Â
3. MDF Crown Molding
MDF is a relatively cheap alternative to wood. It is made from combining wood fibres with resin, which, after painting, could resemble real wood. It is user-friendly but could swell when exposed to moisture.
4. PVC and Polystyrene Crown Molding
These types of materials are lightweight and inexpensive. These types are suitable for DIY projects, and cutting and installing them is easy, but they lack the beauty and authenticity that wood or plaster offers.
Factors Affecting Crown Molding Installation Costs
Labor Cost
Crown molding installation is normally around $4-15 per linear foot, and that includes labor and material costs.
- Labor charges: Labor costs between $50 and $100/hour for finish carpenter work. The price can go up if travel out of the service area is needed.
- Ceiling height: The difference between standard nine-foot ceilings and higher vaulted foyers is the increased costs for installation.
Material Choice
The material chosen is a major determinant of the final cost of a project; these are some of the most commonly used:
- Wood: Wood is the material shared among all, price ranging between $5 and $45 per linear foot for different woods chosen
- Plaster: Inheritance of historical remodeling plaster crown molding costs between $9 and $20 per linear foot.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This is a good and cheap material at $4-10 per linear foot. Thus, paint molding is done with this option most frequently.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A more affordable option, PVC runs from $3.50 to $8 per linear foot.
- Polystyrene (Foam): For very lightweight and easily installed with adhesive, then foam polystyrene is around $3.50-$6 per linear foot.
Type of Wood
This may be under the category of the above-mentioned woods, such as painting-grade woods, including pine, maple, and birch.
- Paint-Grade Woods (e.g., pine, maple, birch): These are the least expensive options, typically costing under $10 per linear foot.
- Hardwoods (e.g., oak, mahogany): These hardwoods are usually much more expensive, priced from about $10 to above $15 per linear foot. Staining is the usual treatment for these types of wood instead of painting.
- Exotic Woods (e.g., zebrawood, myrtle): Cumulatively, these are the highest-end woods, which range upwards of $45 per linear foot.
Crown Molding Installation Cost by State
The costs of crown molding would also vary from place to place. Labour charges, availability of materials, or the demand for the service in the area can affect the costs.Â
Here’s a table that shows the average costs for crown molding installation from state to state:
| State | Average Installation Cost |
| California | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Texas | $800 – $2,200 |
| Florida | $850 – $2,300 |
| New York | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Illinois | $900 – $2,400 |
| Georgia | $750 – $2,000 |
| North Carolina | $800 – $2,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $850 – $2,200 |
| Ohio | $800 – $2,000 |
| Arizona | $850 – $2,300 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Crown molding has other costs associated with it. These include customization, setup, painting and removal of waste from your site.
Customization
The custom-designed crown molding can be expensive since it requires specialized craftsmanship. Custom work may add another dollar to five dollars per linear foot, depending on the complexity of the design.
Setup
In addition, preparation for installation incurs extra costs, for example, measuring, cutting, and setting up the room for installation. This will generally fall in the labor cost.
Painting and Staining
A lot of homeowners like to paint or stain their crown molding after installation. This would cost an extra $1-$3 per lineal foot for painting or staining.
Waste Removal and Cleanup
After installing, you would need to put aside leftover materials and clean up the whole area. Some contractors include cleanup in the total cost while some will charge you an extra $50 to $100 for that.
Benefits of Installing Crown Molding
Hiding Imperfections
The primary advantage of crown molding is its ability to conceal any flaws in the walls and ceilings, such as slight gaps in the junctions or uneven surfaces. It gives the interior a neat and polished finish.Â
Aesthetic Appeal
Crown molding improves the aesthetics of a room. It adds glamor to the room and can uplift it to a higher standard.Â
Increased Home Value
Crown molding installation tends to raise a home’s value. It is a small improvement with a rather big difference when considering resale value. Usually, prospective buyers acknowledge the added elegance.
Cost to Install Crown Molding: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY Installation
Installing crown molding yourself can greatly save you a lot of money. Basic MDF or foam crown molding is easier to work with and lighter to handle. All you required is a miter saw, a nail gun, and a bit of patience. The cost of planning is mostly on tools and materials.Â
Pros:
- Saves labor cost
- Full control over the project
Cons:
- Difficult cuts, especially in corners
- Time-consuming
- Risk of mistakes
Professional Installation
Hiring a pro guarantees smooth installation and a terrific finish. The pros have the tools and experience needed for much trickier angles and joints.Â
Pros:
- Professional results
- Faster project completion
- Less stress and hassle
Cons:
- Higher cost due to labor
How to Save Money on the Cost to Install Crown Molding
- Choose Simple Designs: Choosing a simpler style will save you plenty of money. Basic designs are easy to install and less costly for materials.
- Select Budget Materials: Industrial-grade MDF or polyurethane won’t hurt your pocket, while solid wood or plaster will make it hurt even more.
- Install in Key Areas Only: Rather than crown molding for the entire home, consider installing it in the main areas: living room, dining room, or entryway.
- Do Some Work on Your Own: Save labor costs when you do some prep work such as removing old trim, painting, or sanding.
- Get More Quotes: Always try to get at least 2-three quotes from professionals for comparison. You may find someone else who can do the job at the same quality for a cheaper price.Â
Final Thoughts
Crown molding is a traditional detail that can enhance the look of any room with a magnitude of change. Based on material, labor, and location, a tricky variable crown molding installation price can make or break a budget; however, with careful planning, it can be made to fit within the project’s financial chief. Whether it be a simple style or intricate profile, crown molding lends charm, refinement, and worth to any home.
With this knowledge, you can make decisions concerning costs, materials, and alternatives that may work best for your space. For better results, hiring a professional might, most times, be the best option. However, if you have all the required tools and are skilled in the process, a DIY crown molding installation can be fulfilling as well. Regardless of which direction you take, crown molding will always present a good return on investment, and you will appreciate it for years!
FAQS
Q1. How Much Does It Cost to Install Crown Molding?
It costs somewhere between $4 and $15 per linear foot for the installation of crown moldings. Total project costs for most houses are between $500 and $2000.
Q2. How Long Does Crown Molding Installation Take?
From 1 to 3 days is what it takes for crown molding installation in a standard room. It may take a longer time for bigger or complicated projects.
Q3. Does Crown Molding Add Value to a Home?
Yes! In itself, crown molding is a minor upgrade but can add lots to the aesthetic appeal of your house. Most buyers feel that it is a luxury feature and would even increase your home value.
Q4. What’s the Best Material for Crown Molding?
MDF is an excellent option for cheap moldings while the more traditional option is wood. Polyurethane is a good choice because it is lightweight and easy to install, whereas plaster is perfect for making ornate designs in elegant homes.
