How Much Does It Cost To Install Crown Molding?

Cost to install crown molding

As a style choice, applying crown molding to living rooms, entryways, dining rooms, and kitchens adds an architectural touch to a room. It can be simple, neatly tying together a modern minimalist room, or it can be embellished with decorative designs that add a Victorian flair to a heritage home. Applying crown molding to a room is a simple way of transforming the overall look of the room, in addition to hiding the often-awkward space where the ceiling meets the walls.

Installing crown molding is a small, yet profound, way of changing the overall look of your rooms, so you may be wondering about the cost of crown molding per foot. Typically, crown molding costs between $1 and $8 per linear foot. If you consider the average project to be about 500 linear feet, the cost of the crown molding comes in at an average of $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the style and the method of installation.

You can expect the crown molding installation cost - without materials - to range between $7 and $16 per linear foot, depending on the type of material and the contractor’s cost of labor. If you already have the molding, you only need to pay the additional crown molding installation price.

Crown molding installation

To determine your crown molding installation price, you will need to consider a few different things:

• How big is your space?
• What style of crown molding are you using?
• How will it be installed?

An average project costs between $569 and $1,708 to complete, considering the size of the space, whether there are any non-standard angles involved, and who is installing it.

Some types of crown molding need to be installed and finished with nails, but some have an adhesive backing that will allow you - or your contractor - to simply cut them to the desired length and angle and stick them to the walls. The self-adhesive option is great for its simpler installation, but the backing may lose adhesion over time and require replacement.

Enter your details into Porch’s crown molding installation cost calculator to figure out how much it will cost for you to install crown molding.

Installing crown molding labor costs

On top of the cost of materials, you’ll need to consider how much it will cost to hire a contractor if you choose to have the job done professionally. The average crown molding installation cost is between $7 and $16 per linear foot, depending on the type of material chosen and the contractor’s labor costs and level of expertise. Typically, the lower end of the cost range applies to a contractor who has a functional skill in installing crown molding, whereas the higher end of the range would apply to a contractor with a greater level of expertise.

Crown molding cost per square foot

Naturally, the cost of materials depends on the type and quality of the material involved.  While an average cost of crown molding per foot can be projected at $1 to $8, regardless of the material, a more accurate range is $1 to $45.

Here is a quick list of what you can expect to pay for some of the more popular materials:

• Foam: $1 to $2 per foot.
• Vinyl or PVC: $1 to $3 per foot.
• MDF: $1 to $3 per foot.
• Wood: $1 to $6 per foot.
• Plaster: $5 to $12 per foot.
• Metal: $20 to $25 per foot.
• Exotic wood: $10 to $45 per foot.

Crown molding styles

Crown molding can be found in a range of sizes, from thin 2.5” bands to thicker 24” molding. You should choose a width of crown molding that works with the size and purpose of your room, but the general rule is that rooms with eight-foot ceilings should have crown molding from 2.5” to 4” wide. Rooms with nine-foot ceilings should have 3” to 7.5” molding, while 10-foot ceilings should have molding from 4” to 24” wide. 

Further, rooms with higher ceilings can support a more elaborate structure created by pairing two shapes and widths of molding, or by pairing a simple crown molding with a picture mold to create an entablature. Naturally, these more elaborate constructions will change the cost of the crown molding per foot.

Classical style

Classical crown molding has a regency flavor and is based on the Victorian tastes featuring baroque and rococo styling. These are the most elaborate of the crown molding styles, but are more toned-down than the Victorians would have liked. Classical crown molding keeps the details suited for modern decorating and living spaces.

Colonial style

Colonial crown molding features smooth lines and flat surfaces without all the intricate decorations. Colonial and colonial revival crown molding helps create a more modern look with its minimal details.

Greek style

Greek revival crown molding blends the smooth modern lines with patterns that date back to the ancient Greeks. Look for Greek key styles or other patterns reflecting those found on the ruins of Greek temples and architecture. Choose crown molding with decorative touches and style.

• Egg and dart: Featuring an alternating pattern of round eggs and pointed darts, the timeless egg and dart pattern can be found in architecture dating back to the Greeks and on many structures in between.
• Dentil: Dentil patterned molding features alternating squares, with the overall impression looking like a long row of little teeth, hence the name "dentil".
• Pearl and bead: Pearl and bead crown molding has rows or small round bumps that look like pearls or beads along one or both sides of the strip.
• Key: The Greek Key pattern features a geometric line twisting at right angles and forming a continuous path from one end of the molding to the other.

Crown molding material cost per square foot

While the ancient Greeks and Romans carved crown moldings out of stone, today’s versions are made with more workable materials. Some of the more traditional materials include oak, maple, walnut, ash, and pine, while some non-traditional materials include plaster, metal, PVC, foam, and a variety of exotic woods. Naturally, the cost of the crown molding per foot will change according to the material and width you choose.

Oak and other woods

Natural unfinished molding made from oak, maple, or other woods can cost from $1 to $3 per linear foot.

Polyurethane

Smooth polyurethane crown molding is priced from $1-$6 per linear foot and can be painted any color to match.

Plaster

Cove crown molding made from gypsum or plaster typically costs between $6 and $18 per linear foot, depending on styling.

MDF

MDF stands for medium density fiberboard, which is a mix of wood fibers and a wax or resin binder which has been pressed into shape. It is denser and stronger than plywood, but can still be easily bent. MDF crown molding typically costs $1 - $3 per foot.

Foam

Crown molding made from foam is light and easy to install. It comes in a wide variety of styles and can be found for $1 - $2 per linear foot.

PVC

Polyvinylchloride is a durable and strong plastic material. Crown molding made from PVC costs between $1 and $3 per foot and is perfect for areas where humidity or moisture are concerns. Its hollow construction makes it a good choice to hide wiring and give your room a polished and finished look.

Metal

Crown molding made from metal or tin is a classic look and can be found for $20 - $30 per linear foot. Metal crown molding creates a distinctive look and will make your design stand out from the crowd. It is extremely durable and will last a long time.

Exotic Hardwood

Finished hardwood molding costs $10 - $40 per linear foot and is available in a variety of styles and patterns. Hardwoods can have a unique finish and are very durable.

Should you install crown molding yourself or hire a pro?

Installing crown molding might seem like a simple project, but it does require a certain level of skill to do it right. Before you decide whether to hire a contractor or do the project yourself, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:

• Crown molding installation prices can range from $200 to $600 for an average size room.
• Different types of crown moldings require different types of installation.
• Angles need to be cut into the molding to fit it into corners.

Beyond these considerations, you should take a few moments to come up with a ballpark figure for the average crown molding installation cost for your particular project. Have a look at the breakdown of costs in the chart above to see if you can come up with an accurate estimate for your project. If you choose to do the project yourself, there are plenty of online tutorials that show how to miter an angle and even how to install crown molding from start to finish.