The average Cost To Install Baseboard ranges between $4 and $16 per linear foot, depending on some key factors like the type of baseboard material, finish, room layout complexity, and your project scope. However, you can use our free baseboard installation cost calculator to get a proper estimate regarding your upcoming baseboard installation project. Simply enter your total linear feet and some other required data to install baseboard.
Baseboard Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to install baseboards in your home. The average cost in the U.S. ranges from $4 to $16 per linear foot, including materials and labor. But may reach upto $60+ per linear foot depending on customized designs and complexity.
Standard Baseboards
Installation Details
Average Cost To Install Baseboard
Baseboards are the trim pieces where the wall meets the floor. They not only enhance the beauty of the space but also seal gaps between the wall and floor, which prevents water damage and mold growth. Baseboard installation highly impact on your area and the chosen baseboard material.
It may cost around $500 to $1,550 to install baseboard. Its material cost ranges between $1.50 and $12 per linear foot, and labor costs $2.50 to $8 per linear foot. Installation of high-end materials, such as maple, premium hardwood, and PVC, starts at nearly $9 per linear foot.
1. Cost To Install Baseboard By Area
A higher area to install baseboard will cost more compared to a smaller area. For example, a small bathroom measuring 5’x8′ with 40 linear feet may cost $104 to $312 for baseboard installation, while a hallway measuring 3’x20′ with 60 linear feet may cost $184 to $552.
| Room/Area | Avg. Size | Linear Feet | Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bathroom | 5'x8' | 26 | $104 - $312 |
| Standard Bedroom | 12'x12' | 48 | $192 - $576 |
| Master Bedroom | 16'x20' | 72 | $288 - $864 |
| Living Room | 16'x20' | 72 | $288 - $864 |
| Kitchen | 12'x15' | 54 | $216 - $648 |
| Dining Room | 12'x16' | 56 | $224 - $672 |
| Hallway | 3'x20' | 46 | $184 - $552 |
| Entire House (1500 sq ft) | Varies | 200 | $800 - $2,400 |
| Entire House (2500 sq ft) | Varies | 300 | $1,200 - $3,600 |
2. Cost To Install Baseboard By Material
Material type and quality greatly affect the baseboard installation cost. You may choose materials like oak, maple, pine, MDF, and PVC, as per your budget and requirements. However, premium quality materials like PVC, poplar, and maple cost more compared to the lower ones like MDF, pine, and finger-jointed pine.
| Material Type | Material Cost/LF | Installation Cost/LF | Total Cost/LF | Typical Room (50LF)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) | $1.50 - $3.00 | $2.50 - $4.00 | $4.00 - $7.00 | $200 - $350 |
| Pine (Primed) | $2.50 - $4.50 | $3.00 - $4.50 | $5.50 - $9.00 | $275 - $450 |
| Finger-Jointed Pine | $1.80 - $3.50 | $3.00 - $4.50 | $4.80 - $8.00 | $240 - $400 |
| Oak (Solid) | $4.00 - $7.00 | $4.00 - $6.00 | $8.00 - $13.00 | $400 - $650 |
| Maple (Solid) | $5.00 - $8.00 | $4.00 - $6.00 | $9.00 - $14.00 | $450 - $700 |
| Poplar (Primed) | $3.50 - $6.00 | $3.50 - $5.00 | $7.00 - $11.00 | $350 - $550 |
| PVC/Composite | $4.50 - $8.00 | $3.50 - $5.50 | $8.00 - $13.50 | $400 - $675 |
| Flexible Trim (for curves) | $6.00 - $12.00 | $5.00 - $8.00 | $11.00 - $20.00 | $550 - $1,000 |
3. Cost To Install Baseboard By Baseboard Height
A standard baseboard height is usually 3″. Having a higher baseboard height will cost you more.
| Baseboard Height | Material Cost/LF | Installation Cost/LF | Total Cost/LF | Typical Room (50LF)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3" (Standard) | $1.50 - $3.50 | $2.50 - $4.00 | $4.00 - $7.50 | $200 - $375 |
| 4" | $2.00 - $4.50 | $2.75 - $4.25 | $4.75 - $8.75 | $238 - $438 |
| 5" | $2.50 - $6.00 | $3.25 - $5.00 | $5.75 - $11.00 | $288 - $550 |
| 6" | $3.50 - $8.00 | $4.00 - $6.50 | $7.50 - $14.50 | $375 - $725 |
| 7" | $4.50 - $10.00 | $5.00 - $8.00 | $9.50 - $18.00 | $475 - $900 |
| 8" (Tall) | $6.00 - $14.00 | $6.50 - $10.00 | $12.50 - $24.00 | $625 - $1,200 |
| Custom (9"+) | $8.00+ | $8.00+ | $16.00+ | $800+ |
4. Cost To Install Baseboard By Custom Profiles
If you have a high budget, consider having custom profiling for your baseboards. It may cost you a bit higher, but it will greatly enhance the look of your space. However, historic reproduction baseboard installation is way costly compared to the rest.
| Profile Type | Material Cost/LF | Installation Cost/LF | Total Cost Range | Typical Room (50LF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Colonial (3-4" height) |
$1.50 - $3.50 | $2.50 - $4.00 | $4.00 - $7.50 | $200 - $375 |
| Tall Colonial (5-6" height) |
$3.00 - $6.00 | $3.50 - $5.50 | $6.50 - $11.50 | $325 - $575 |
| Victorian (Multiple moldings) |
$5.00 - $9.00 | $5.00 - $8.00 | $10.00 - $17.00 | $500 - $850 |
| Craftsman (Flat stock with cap) |
$4.50 - $8.00 | $4.50 - $7.00 | $9.00 - $15.00 | $450 - $750 |
| Modern Minimalist (Tall, straight) |
$3.50 - $7.00 | $4.00 - $6.00 | $7.50 - $13.00 | $375 - $650 |
| Hand-Carved (Custom designs) |
$12.00 - $25.00 | $10.00 - $18.00 | $22.00 - $43.00 | $1,100 - $2,150 |
| Flexible Molding (For curved walls) |
$6.00 - $12.00 | $5.00 - $9.00 | $11.00 - $21.00 | $550 - $1,050 |
| Two-Piece System (Base + shoe molding) |
$3.00 - $6.00 | $4.00 - $6.50 | $7.00 - $12.50 | $350 - $625 |
Note: Premium materials (hardwoods, composites) add 30-50% to material costs. Historic reproduction work may exceed these ranges.
Baseboard Installation Cost Factors
Aside from your area to be installed, chosen material type and quality, its height, and custom profiles, several key factors impact the cost to install baseboard in your home.
| Factor | Impact Level | Price Adjustment | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Profiles | Very High | +50-200% | Specialty millwork requires skilled artisans |
| Material Type | Very High | +$2 - $12/LF | From MDF ($1.50/LF) to exotic hardwoods ($15+/LF) |
| Baseboard Height | High | +15-300% | Taller than 5" exponentially increases material needs |
| Wall Complexity | High | +20-60% labor | Bay windows or rounded walls significantly increase time |
| Existing Base Removal | Medium | +$0.50-$2.00/LF | Historic homes may require delicate removal |
| Finish Work | Medium | +$0.50-$3.00/LF | Multiple paint coats or specialty stains add labor |
| Contractor Type | Medium | ±20-40% | Finish carpenters charge premium rates |
| Wall Condition | Low-Medium | +$0.75-$3.00/LF | Plaster repairs or uneven surfaces require prep |
| Location | Low | ±10-25% | Coastal cities average 22% higher than Midwest |
| Season | Low | ±5-15% | Winter discounts often available |
Impact Scale: Very High (50-200% cost variation) | High (20-60%) | Medium (15-40%) | Low-Medium (10-25%) | Low (5-15%)
1. Wall Complexity
Having a single or multiple windows with different frame structures may significantly increase the time and labor cost for installing the baseboard. Moreover, curved walls, angles, and corners also impact the overall cost.
2. Existing Base Removal
Removal of the existing baseboard may cost you an extra $0.50 to $1 and more per linear foot. Keep in mind that the historic homes may require delicate removal, so it’s better to hire an experienced professional to do the job.
3. Finish Work
Multiple paint coats, specialty stains, or any custom finish work after installing baseboard may cost you an additional $0.50 to over $3.00 per linear foot. Multiple paint coats or specialty stains add labor.
4. Contractor Type
Consider your pre-baseboard installation work before hiring any professional. You might sometimes need a finish carpenter or an experienced one, as per your project scope, resulting in you having almost 20 to 40% more on the overall installation cost.
5. Wall Condition
If you’re existing wall condition is bad or has uneven surfaces, requiring repairs, it may cost you an additional $0.75 to $3 per linear foot.
6. Location
If you’re site is located in any coastal city or high-cost-of-living areas, it may cost you 10 to 25% more compared to the rural areas.
7. Season
Scheduling your baseboard installation project in peak seasons like summer may cost you 5 to 15% more compared to the off-peak seasons like winter.
How To Save Money On Installing Baseboards?
To save money on your baseboard project, consider the following tips.
- Get multiple quotes from insured suppliers.
- Consider scheduling your baseboard installation project in the off-season to get discounts.
- Choose affordable materials like MDF and pine after negotiating the prices.
- Save money by removing old baseboards yourself.
- Instead of replacing baseboards, consider painting the existing ones.
If you’re a handy DIYer, consider painting or staining baseboards yourself before installation.
Bottom Line
If you’re replacing or installing baseboards for the first time, consider using the free cost to install baseboard calculator or getting multiple free quotes from local installers to get a proper estimate for your project. Plus, make sure to consider the key factors impacting baseboard installation cost, like material type, quality, and baseboard height. Keep visiting smartfixhome.com to find more useful information about different home improvement projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does It Take To Install Baseboards?
It takes almost an hour to install about 20 linear feet of baseboard. However, project time varies based on project complexity, like multiple corners and angles, and your room size.
Should You Paint Baseboards Before Installing?
Yes, painting before installation is recommended for a smooth, professional finish due to easier accessibility to paint all sides and corners.
Is It Cheaper To Install Baseboards Yourself?
Yes, DIY baseboard installation can save you 30 to 50% in labor costs. However, you’ll need the right tools, time, and skills to ensure proper cuts and secure fitting.
How Can I Estimate Total Cost For My Home?
Start by measuring the total linear feet of wall needing trim. Then multiply by your chosen baseboard’s cost per foot, including labor. Or, simply use an online Baseboard Cost Calculator for a quick estimate.
Does Baseboard Height Affect Installation Cost?
Yes, usually taller baseboards above 3 to 4″ require more material and often more precise cutting, increasing both material and labor costs.
