Why Estimating Door Trim Installation Costs Matters
Understanding the cost to install door trim is a critical first step for any homeowner planning interior upgrades, renovations, or even a simple refresh. Door trim, also known as door casing, is far more than just a decorative border; it’s the essential finishing touch that frames your doorways, conceals the unappealing gap between the door jamb and the wall, and contributes significantly to your home’s architectural character.
Quick Cost Overview:
- National Average: $150-$250 per door
- Cost Range: $5-$10 per linear foot installed
- Material Costs: $1-$5 per linear foot
- Labor Costs: $3-$5 per linear foot
Door trim serves a dual purpose, blending function with aesthetics. Functionally, it protects the plaster or drywall edges from the bumps, scrapes, and general wear and tear of daily life. Aesthetically, it creates a polished, cohesive look that can lift your home’s entire interior design. The final cost of your project will hinge on several key factors, including your choice of material, the complexity of the trim style, current labor rates in your area, and whether you are installing trim on interior or exterior doors.
With homeowners spending an average of $1,381 on trim installation projects, and a typical range falling between $635 and $2,248, understand the components that drive these costs. Opting for professional installation ensures a flawless fit, clean and tight mitered corners, and a durable, finished appearance that not only looks great but also adds tangible value to your property. A well-trimmed home is a well-finished home.
I’m Piotr Wilk from Rooster Windows and Doors. Over my two decades of installing windows and doors throughout the Chicagoland area, I’ve helped countless homeowners steer the cost to install door trim to achieve beautiful, lasting results. My experience across the diverse communities of Lake, Cook, and McHenry County has given me deep insight into local pricing, architectural styles, and the best installation practices for everything from historic homes in Lake Forest to new constructions in Naperville. I understand that every detail matters in making your house feel like a home.
Breaking Down the Average Cost to Install Door Trim
When planning your door trim project, understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions and budget effectively. The cost to install door trim breaks down into three main components: labor, materials, and additional project expenses that can arise during the job.
Labor Rates: The Professional Touch
Carpenter hourly rates generally range from $65 to $105 per hour, with master craftsmen commanding $100 to $200 per hour for highly specialized or custom work. However, to simplify budgeting for homeowners, most contractors quote door trim installation on a per linear foot basis, typically $3 to $5 for interior work, or as a per door flat rate, usually $100 to $150 for interior doors and $125 to $175 for more robust exterior doors.
This professional touch is about more than just speed; it’s about overcoming the real-world challenges found in most homes. Walls are rarely perfectly plumb and square. A skilled carpenter knows how to scribe trim to fit an uneven wall or adjust angles for corners that aren’t exactly 90 degrees, ensuring there are no unsightly gaps. This expertise prevents costly material waste and guarantees a seamless look that is difficult for a novice to replicate.
The beauty of professional installation lies in these details. Expert carpenters masterfully execute miter cuts, where trim pieces meet at perfect 45-degree angles, creating the crisp, clean corners that signify quality craftsmanship. They employ finish nailing techniques with pneumatic nail guns that secure the trim firmly while keeping fasteners nearly invisible. The job is completed with precise caulking, which seals any remaining gaps between the trim and the walls, resulting in a smooth, paint-ready finish that looks fully integrated with your home.
A skilled carpenter can typically install about 20 linear feet of standard trim per hour. For a standard door requiring approximately 17 linear feet of casing, the installation for a single door can be quite fast. However, the overall project timeline will depend on the complexity, the number of doors, and any necessary prep work.
More info about our professional door services
Material Costs by Type
Your choice of trim material is one of the most significant factors influencing both the final appearance and the cost to install door trim. Each material offers a unique combination of durability, workability, aesthetic appeal, and price.
Material Type | Cost per Linear Foot (Material Only) | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
MDF | $0.60 – $2.00 | Engineered wood product with a very smooth finish. Easy to paint, budget-friendly, but susceptible to moisture damage and not ideal for bathrooms or exteriors. |
Softwood (Pine) | $1.00 – $3.00 | Features a natural wood grain, is easy to cut and work with, and accepts stain or paint well. An affordable and popular all-around choice. |
Hardwood (Oak) | $3.00 – $10.00 | Extremely durable with beautiful, prominent grain patterns. Can be stained to a rich finish or painted. A premium option that adds significant value. |
Beyond these common choices, other materials are available. Poplar is another popular hardwood ($2-$5 per linear foot) prized for its fine, straight grain that takes paint exceptionally well, serving as a durable upgrade from MDF. Composite wood materials blend wood fibers with resins and binding agents, offering excellent stability and moisture resistance at a moderate price of $2 to $4 per linear foot. For a unique, rustic look, reclaimed wood provides best character and environmental benefits, though costs can vary widely from $3 to $12 per linear foot based on its history and condition.
For exterior applications that must withstand harsh weather, polyurethane trim is a superior choice, costing $2 to $6 per linear foot. This advanced synthetic material will not rot, warp, crack, or attract insects, making it a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution for Chicagoland’s demanding climate.
The choice between primed vs. unfinished materials also affects cost and labor. Factory-primed trim costs about $0.25 to $0.50 more per linear foot but saves significant time during the finishing stage. Unfinished trim is slightly cheaper upfront but requires sanding, priming, and more painting labor.
Find out more about our trim material options
Additional Project Expenses
Beyond the core costs of materials and installation labor, several other expenses can influence the total cost to install door trim.
Removal of old trim typically adds $50 to $150 per room, or about $0.60 to $1.20 per linear foot. This process requires careful prying and cutting to avoid damaging the surrounding walls, especially in older homes where trim may be secured with large nails or adhered with old paint. In homes built before 1978, there is a risk of encountering lead-based paint; professionals are trained in safe removal, and DIYers should consult the EPA’s guide for lead-safe renovations. You can read more about official requirements at the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program page.
Painting or staining costs will range from $1 to $4 per linear foot. This includes the paint or stain itself plus the labor to apply it. For a truly professional finish, this process involves filling all nail holes, sanding them smooth, caulking the seams for an integrated look, and then applying one or two final coats.
Drywall repair may be necessary when removing old trim reveals damage. Minor repairs might cost $50 to $100 per room, while more extensive patching of large holes or cracks could add $200 to $400 to your project. This is common when old trim was glued on, as removal can tear the drywall’s paper facing.
Job supplies like nails, caulk, wood putty, sandpaper, and masking supplies typically add $25 to $75 to the project total. Professional quotes almost always bundle these costs into the overall price, but it’s always a good idea to confirm.
Waste disposal fees for the old trim and any project debris can range from $25 to $100. This covers the cost of hauling the materials to a proper disposal or recycling facility and is often included in a contractor’s bid.
Permit fees and local codes may come into play, particularly in historic districts such as Chicago’s Old Town Triangle or when exterior work alters the building envelope. While many interior casing updates are exempt, some municipalities charge $50 to several hundred dollars for permits, and processing can add a week or more to your timeline. Verifying requirements in advance helps avoid costly delays.
Finally, keep in mind the cost of hardware and fasteners required for a professional-grade finish. Stainless or galvanized finish nails, high-quality construction adhesive, and premium paintable caulk can collectively add $15 to $30 per door, but they prevent rust bleed-through and ensure long-term durability.