How much does it cost to install crown molding?Avg. range: $456-$1,590
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Jul 8, 2026
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
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Search for prosThe national average cost of installing crown molding ranges from around $456-$1,590, and most people pay around $867, according to Thumbtack data.
Originally carved out of plaster, crown molding now comes in a variety of materials including plaster, wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The type of materials you select will have a direct impact on cost. For example, installing plaster or wood requires more craftsmanship and experience than PVC.
Crown molding installation cost
| National average cost range | $456-$1,590 |
|---|---|
| Low-end cost | $189 |
| High-end cost | $3,758 |
Put the finishing touches on your new construction or remodel with the addition of crown molding. Crown molding is the trim that runs horizontally along the top of an interior wall, concealing the right angle where the wall meets the ceiling with a graceful curve or design. Crown molding can be added to cabinets or door frames to create a distinguishing element as well.
From ornate to classic or subdued, crown molding is typically added for aesthetic reasons, but can also be used to mask construction imperfections.
Price per linear foot
Crown molding also varies in size; stock sizing can range from 1.5 inches to 7.5 inches or more. The size refers to the width of the crown molding (how far it sticks out from the wall), but be sure to account for depth (how tall it is on the wall), too, as more ornate designs may increase size and therefore cost.
Most trim installation specialists charge per linear foot. The cost may include the crown molding, materials, labor, business overhead, and sometimes painting the molding. Always ask your contractor exactly what the price includes before work begins. Other factors that impact the price per linear foot are the accessibility of the installation site (20-foot cathedral ceilings, for example, require more labor than a standard ceiling height) and the complexity of the job.
In general, the more linear feet you have installed at one time, the greater cost savings the contractor can provide. Regional costs of living and of labor also affect the price per linear foot. Materials will also impact price; solid wood will cost more than polystyrene, for example, and the master craftsmen who work with plaster and hardwood may charge higher hourly rates than other trim installers. Company reputation may also impact cost. Here are some examples of cost per linear foot:
Trim installation
Crown molding is a type of trim and is often installed in tandem with baseboards, chair rails and other decorative finishes that give your new home, office or remodel a polished look. You may be able to save money by bundling your crown molding installation with the rest of your home’s trim work. As with crown molding, other types of trim are priced per linear foot.
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