How Much Does It Cost to Repair Trim?

Trim Prices

If you need to entirely replace damaged or rotten trim, you’ll need to purchase and install new trim. Depending on the type of trim, this can cost anywhere from $.50 to $10 per foot. Basic trim, including door and window trim and baseboards, tend to be less expensive, while more decorative trim like crown molding, chair rails, and picture rails are more expensive.

"Repairing or replacing trim definitely improves the look of your home," says Andrew Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy’s Handyman. "If you don't have extra pieces from the original install, a pro can often help you find a perfect match."

Trim Installation Cost

If all your trim needs is a little refurbishment, you can likely complete that task yourself without help from a professional. However, if you need to replace your trim, it’s often a good idea to hire a pro. Labor costs for trim repair and replacement typically run from $65 to $105 per hour.

Trim Repair Cost by Type

How much you’ll need to spend on trim repair depends on what type of fix is needed and where the trim is located.

Reviving Interior Trim

In addition to repairing or replacing your trim, you can revive it a bit with a thorough cleaning or new painting and staining. The cost of reviving your trim is much less expensive than replacing it throughout your home and can give your space an updated look. Painting or staining interior trim typically costs between $1 to $3 per linear foot.

Replacing Rotting Exterior Trim

External trim that has rotted is relatively easy to repair and costs an average of $700. Depending upon the extent of the damage, a professional might be able to fix the problem with a blend of epoxy and paint, which can be much less expensive than trying to replace exterior trim and could cost as little as $300.

Removing Old Trim

If moldings and trim are badly damaged, it's best to replace them. If you already have trim installed in your home, you’ll need to remove the old trim before you can install new trim. The cost to remove trim ranges from $0.60 to $1.20 per linear foot.

Replacing Door Trim and Baseboards

Door trim and baseboards are the most often damaged trim inside a home. Depending on the extent of damage, you may need to replace the trim pieces entirely. The cost to replace door and baseboard trim is usually $.50 to $1.20 per linear foot.

Trim Repair Cost Factors

There are several factors that influence the cost of trim repair, including materials, labor, and the type of repair needed.

Materials

Trim typically costs between $.50 to $10 per linear foot. Cost can vary depending on what style of trim you choose and what material you want the trim to be.

Labor

Labor costs to repair or replace trim cost between $65 to $105. This includes removing old trim, cutting and measuring new trim, and installing the trim in your home.

Type of Repair

Depending on how damaged your trim is, you may need to refurbish it, repair small sections of it or remove and replace large areas of trim. The cost will vary depending on how extensive the necessary repairs are.

But sometimes a smaller repair might be more costly, especially if the type of trim you have has gone out of style and is hard to find. When this happens, you might need to have a custom replacement.

Cost to Repair Trim Yourself

If you decide to repair trim yourself, you could save $65 to $105 per hour in labor costs.

DIY vs. Hire a Trim Repair Pro

If you only need to refurbish or repair small areas of trim, this could be a doable DIY project. That said, pros will be able to make sure that your trim is flush against the wall and is better equipped to deal with uneven surfaces. If you’re interested in having your trim repaired, you should get in touch with a trim repair professional near you to discuss your options.

FAQs

What’s the difference between molding and trim?

Trim and molding are often used to refer to the same thing, but they’re slightly different. Trim typically refers to any element that occurs where walls, ceilings, floors, doors, or windows meet. Molding refers to a decorative type of trim that is usually used for aesthetic effect.

How long does it take to repair trim?

It usually takes about six hours to repair or replace trim. This includes removing old trim, cutting and measuring, and installing the new trim.

What type of trim should I use in my home?

Common types of trim include shoe molding, quarter-round molding, base molding, crown molding, chair rail molding, and picture rail molding. Which one is right for you depends on where you need the molding, what your budget is and what style you prefer.