How Much Does It Cost To Install A Baseboard?

Baseboard installation cost

The average cost to install new baseboards typically ranges between $350 to $575 on average. When it comes to trim and baseboards, the average price per linear foot is usually between $4 and $6 for the most basic designs.

The following table shows the average cost per linear foot:

A baseboard is a type of trim that goes around the bottom edge of your walls. Other trim examples include crown molding, chair rails, wainscoting, and casing. It’s recommended that you hire a professional carpenter or handyman since they have experience with measuring and cutting wood to exact specifications. Contractors also know how to put baseboards on correctly and attach them to stay securely in place. Choose a local contractor or a skilled handyperson with experience installing baseboards to ensure the finished product looks neat and seamless.

Labor cost to install baseboard trim

A standard baseboard trim installation costs approximately $3.50 per linear foot painted and $3.25 per linear foot unpainted. Expect to pay around $500 to install baseboards and additional trim for one window and one door for an average 10 x 10-foot size room. The labor cost to install baseboards per linear foot varies depending on the type of company you hire and how they charge. Carpenters tend to charge per linear foot, while handypersons usually charge a flat rate. Get at least three estimates from various companies and/or individuals to determine who you want to hire based on their expertise level and cost.

Cost to replace baseboards

If you want to know how much to install baseboard replacements, the cost varies based on the size and quantity you need, the material, the number of corner cuts, and other factors. Installing baseboards on uneven floors will cost more since the carpenter will require more work to ensure the new ones are level. The charge to replace baseboards varies from $50 to $100 per labor hour or per linear foot price. You’ll pay more to have your old baseboards removed and disposed of since a demo is required before the replacements are installed. Have a contractor come to your home to get an accurate estimate.

Typical baseboard materials

Most baseboards are constructed of solid oak or pine wood. Some are made of MDF - medium-density fiberboard - an engineered composite using wood remnants. MDF is cheaper than solid wood, but it’s not as durable.

• Wood baseboards: Basic wood baseboards cost between $0.80 and $1.20 per linear foot, but those with unique shapes or details will cost more.
• MDF baseboards: These baseboards cost between $0.60 and $1 per linear foot and are lightweight and easy to cut.

Remember that your price doesn’t include the labor or painting if requested. Although MDF baseboards are cheaper, they’re also more vulnerable to moisture damage. Avoid installing MDF baseboards in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Natural wood is more durable than MDF, and you can also stain it if you prefer a more natural or rustic look. Ornate baseboards with intricate details or unusual shapes will cost more for wood and MDF per linear foot.

Cost to install baseboards by trim type

Baseboards are just one form of trim that can be installed in your home. Practically every opening in your home like doors and windows require some kind of trim to make the home complete. You can also opt for additional decorative trim in certain rooms to give your home a sophisticated touch. Here are some examples of other types of trim along with the averages costs for each:

Chair rails

This trim adds a nice touch to dining rooms, and it also evokes historic detailing found in older homes. The cost of chair rail installation is typically around $4.50 per linear foot which includes the price of paint and materials.

Crown molding

The trim covering the seam between the walls and ceilings is called crown molding. This trim is a bit more complicated and labor-intensive to install, and it usually costs around $6 per linear foot which includes paint and materials.

Wainscoting

Another beautiful trim option is wainscoting, which is often installed in foyers and dining areas. This trim is much more expensive than some other options and the average cost is approximately $20 per linear foot with materials and paint included in the price.

Shiplap

To add visual impact in any room, consider installing shiplap. This material is a form of interior siding that's either stained or whitewashed to create a beautiful feature wall. Prepare to pay between $30 to $40 per linear foot installed in a room with a 9-foot ceiling.

Baseboards

The cost of baseboards can vary depending on the amount required, the design, and the material but on average, it costs around $4.75 per linear foot with materials and paint.

Wall frame molding

This trim adds an elegant touch to your home and features a vintage-inspired design. The cost of wall frame molding is approximately $5 to $8 per linear foot installed.

Casing

This type of trim is usually installed around windows and doors, and prices vary depending on the size and material, but typically range from $1 to $3 per linear foot.

Baseboard cost per linear foot

The cost per linear foot of baseboards varies based on the difficulty of installation, the size, and the amount you need. Some baseboards are paint-ready, so you can easily apply a few coats of paint yourself or pay your contractor to paint them. If you decide to have your contractor paint them, plan to spend more per linear foot installed since it requires additional time and attention. Door trim casing can be as high as $80 per linear foot, which includes painting.

Professionals know how to install a baseboard correctly. Labor costs include measuring and cutting each section and attaching it with finishing nails. Your contractor will patch and smooth any holes and caulk all gaps between the seams and at the corners. After the caulk dries, they’ll sand the areas to a smooth finish before painting. Existing baseboards will be removed, and the site will be prepped for the new ones. Remember to add cleanup to your total cost per linear foot.

It should cost $3 to $6 per linear foot for basic baseboards, but demo and removal, the use of tools and equipment, and painting/finishing add to the total price. Ask your contractor for a breakdown showing exactly what you’re paying for to get a better idea of your total cost. Most companies add 10 to 15% for any overages to ensure enough wiggle room in case more baseboards are needed or if any get damaged during the installation.

Cost to paint baseboards

Painting baseboards DIY can help you save money, but it can be challenging to get it right due to their proximity to the walls and floors. Consider hiring a professional painter or ask your contractor to charge you to paint your new baseboards for a beautiful look. Some companies will do the painting or finishing themselves, while others may subcontract a separate painting company.

Prepare to pay approximately $175 to $450 to have around 125 linear feet of baseboards painted. Contractors who already provide this service tend to charge less than if you were to hire a painter separately. Wood stain costs between $282 and $660 for approximately 125 linear feet of wood baseboards, which equals around $2.26 to $5.30 per linear foot.

Refinishing wood baseboards will refresh your existing ones. The contractor will clean the baseboards, fill in holes with wood putty, then sand them to a smooth texture before applying a new coat of stain. Refinishing wood baseboards is more expensive than painting and costs between $850 and $1,940 for 125 linear feet.

Trim, baseboard, and molding prices

The cost of trim, baseboards, and molding varies based on what type of material you choose and the intricacy of the design. Baseboards and molding with more ornate or intricate details always cost more than standard, basic designs. Prepare to pay between $676 and $1,750 on average for most baseboard installations, with labor being the biggest factor. Make sure you get several estimates before you decide who to hire. The labor should include removing old trim if needed, cleaning up and removing debris, and the basic installation, which costs $1,150 on average.

Prices for new crown molding will vary greatly based on your preferred design and the type of material you choose. Eight-foot lengths of MDF cost around $10, and solid wood molding costs closer to $25 for a similar design. Most baseboards aren’t as detailed as crown molding, so they typically cost less. Solid pine wood baseboards cost around $10 for an eight-foot-long piece. Small, thinner baseboards cost closer to $3 to $4 for an eight-foot length, but ornate styles are closer to $10 and up. MDF costs approximately $6 for a four-foot length with any special details.