Crown molding installation cost: per foot, one room to a whole floor, by state
Three rooms, 150 linear ft: about $1,500 to $2,000, typically $1,700. That's 5 1/4 inch paint-grade crown molding installed, with 10% over for the cuts, sealed and painted, plus the contractor's overhead, profit and sales tax. Everything in, it runs $10.00 to $13.50 a linear ft.
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What it costs
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| One 12 by 12 room, 48 linear ft | $700 to $950 |
| Three rooms, 150 linear ft | $1,500 to $2,000 |
| A whole floor, 400 linear ft | $4,050 to $5,300 |
About $10.00 to $13.50 a linear ft, everything in.
Totals include the contractor's overhead and profit (20%) and the state's average sales tax. Prices as of November 2026.
What’s in these numbers
Each total is a typical job, priced the way a contractor’s estimate is priced:
| One room | Three rooms | A whole floor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown | 48 linear ft, a 12 by 12 room | 150 linear ft | 400 linear ft |
| Molding | 5 1/4 inch paint-grade, 10% over for cuts | Same | Same |
| Finish | Sealed and painted, one coat each | Same | Same |
On top of the work:
- Overhead and profit: 20%, the standard markup on a contractor’s estimate.
- Sales tax on the materials, at the state’s average rate.
Not in them: taking off old crown, stain-grade or hardwood molding, built-up crown of two or more pieces, the extra charge for high walls, patching and painting the walls and ceiling, and permits.
How much crown a room takes
Crown runs around the room where the wall meets the ceiling, so it’s the room’s perimeter: a 12 by 12 room is 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 = 48 feet. Unlike baseboard, nothing comes off for the doorways. Add about 10% for the miter and cope cuts at the corners. The baseboard calculator works out a room’s perimeter.
What moves the price
- Size. Wider crown costs more per foot than 5 1/4 inch.
- Wood and finish. Stain-grade and hardwood crown, stained and finished, cost more than paint-grade.
- Built-up crown. Two or more pieces stacked into one profile is a line of its own.
- High ceilings. Work on taller walls takes longer and adds a charge per foot.
- Where you live. Pick your state in the box above.
Common questions
How much does crown molding cost per foot installed?
$10.00 to $13.50 a linear ft for 5 1/4 inch paint-grade crown, painted, with overhead, profit and sales tax included.
How much is crown molding for one room?
About $700 to $950 for a 12 by 12 room, typically $800.
How much is crown molding for a whole house?
About $4,050 to $5,300 for 400 linear feet, typically $4,500.
How much is 100 feet of crown molding?
About $1,000 to $1,350, by the price per foot above.