How much does it cost to install aluminum trim?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Aluminum trim is a critical component for your home and roof to protect it from the elements. Aluminum trim prevents water and dampness from seeping into your home and prohibits the entrance of birds and pests that may be looking to make their nest in your attic. The trim is typically installed beneath gutters to prevent the water from coming in underneath the rafters. Aluminum is a popular option for this trim because it is more durable and lasts longer than other options. It can also be used in the home as an accent to modernize the look of a space.

The cost to install trim on the exterior or interior of a home depends on the amount of space being trimmed, whether the installation requires ladders or other equipment and the number of corners or areas that need special piecing. On average, aluminum trim installation costs between $800 and $2,000. The average homeowner pays $1,300 to install 200 feet of chair rail on the interior of the home. Projects run as low as $320 for interior aluminum flat stock trim around eight windows to as high as $3,800 to install 250 feet of crown molding on the interior of a house.

Aluminum Trim Cost

Interior vs Exterior Aluminum Trim Cost

When talking about aluminum trim, you can either think of having it installed indoors, such as baseboards and crown molding, or outdoors, such as soffits, fascia, or rake. On several parts of the house, outdoor and indoor trim may be needed, such as casings around windows and doors. Outdoor trim is made to be durable and look good against the rest of the home. It is made to be highly functional, while appearance may be a lesser concern. Interior trim is often the opposite, with the appearance playing a huge part in its popularity. However, it still provides a functional use by covering areas that might easily be damaged.

Your aluminum trim project’s cost depends mainly on the number of linear feet you need to install. The cost of installation for either interior or exterior trim is an important factor that impacts the cost. Exterior trim is usually more expensive, costing around $7 to $30 per linear foot. Interior trim ranges from $4 to $25 for the same amount to be fully installed.

Cost to Trim a House With Aluminum by Home Size

Aluminum trim is one of the best ways to protect your home and roof from water damage and exterior elements. It also serves as a preventative barrier to keep pests out of the home. Its durability makes it a popular choice because it lasts for a long time and withstands harsh elements. In addition, it provides a certain finish to your home that makes it look more appealing. Below is the average price for some common sizes of homes based on square footage.

Aluminum Trim Cost by Width

To determine how much aluminum trim you need, you must have your roofline or room measured. Pieces will be cut for the long portions and the small sections between corners. The more corners you have on your roof, the more custom and fastening that will be required. This raises the job’s overall cost. When determining prices for the smaller areas between corners, consider the price of aluminum trim in inches. Below is the average cost of aluminum trim without installation.

Aluminum Trim Cost by Type of Interior Trim

There are various trim types to choose from, no matter where in your home you choose to install it. The trim type you choose will largely have to do with the desired look you are trying to achieve and the trim’s location. Installation of each type varies depending on the needed materials, how it is affixed, and where it is being installed. Below is a list of interior trim types and their average cost without installation.

Aluminum Quarter Round

Aluminum quarter round trim typically costs about $1.50 to $2.60 per linear foot and is often one of the thinnest versions of metal trim available. It is one of the simplest trim styles available, making it an affordable option for most homeowners. One of the most common uses of quarter round is to fill in gaps between the floor and baseboard. It gets its “quarter round” name due to appearing to be one quarter of a round dowel and has a traditional finished look.

Aluminum Crown Molding

The more edges and curves to the design, the more expensive it will be. It is one of the more expensive types of aluminum trim, costing on average $1.75 to $7 per linear foot. While aluminum crown molding is most often used for interior areas, such as a kitchen, it can also be used on exterior trim areas, such as garages. It is often chosen due to its unique look. Even though its use is primarily decorative, it prevents water from getting into the walls. Aluminum crown molding comes in several unique designs.

Aluminum Chair Rail

You can expect to pay around $1.80 to $2.10 per linear foot of aluminum chair rail. It is designed to provide added protection for your walls in the areas where the most damage is sustained. It can be used for decorative purposes, to break up paint colors, or to provide a more modern finish. It can typically be found in thicknesses of 4”, 6”, and 8” and is cut from large aluminum sheets. Depending on your installation preference, you can choose to purchase it with drill holes or with an adhesive strip.

Aluminum Baseboard Trim

The average price for a linear foot of aluminum baseboard trim is around $2.30 to $4.50. Many homeowners choose to install aluminum trim along their baseboards due to its durability. It protects against scuffs and dings to the baseboard area and protects the wall if water is on the floor. It is a popular choice because it is easy to clean and provides an updated, modern look to a room.

Aluminum Picture Rail

The prices of picture rail vary widely depending on the style chosen. You can expect to pay around $3 to $4.50 per linear foot. Aluminum picture rail is trim installed onto a wall that anchors hanging pictures and wall art. They come in many shapes, from fully rounded, to square, to a combination of the two. Many options come with an open space where pictures and artwork can be affixed. This trim is most commonly used on large walls in interior spaces.

Aluminum Wainscoting

Wainscoting runs $4 to $5 per linear foot. Aluminum wainscoting is often used as a trendy decorative trim for interior walls. It creates a unique style or breaks up color in a room. They are decorative aluminum sheets with a hammered-in design, normally covering about half of a wall from the floor up. While not its main function, aluminum wainscoting also protects the walls.

Aluminum Plinth Block

You can expect aluminum plinth block trim to cost between $4 and $6. They are typically sold in pairs or as individual blocks. The aluminum plinth block can be placed between a door and the floor and is more durable and less likely to rot or become damaged than wooden plinth blocks. The main purpose of a plinth block is to fill in a gap or act as a piece of trim that holds a load to keep the door in the proper location.

Aluminum Trim Cost by Type of Exterior Trim

While the main purpose of exterior trim is for home and roof protection, it also provides a modern, updated look to your home. Most exterior trim options are chosen for their durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic properties. Several different types of exterior trim are available when making a selection. Some will be chosen for how they look, and others will be chosen due to the location of the installation. Below is a list of common aluminum exterior trim and their cost per linear foot without installation.

Aluminum Quarter Round

You can expect to pay $1.50 to $3.50 per linear foot without installation. Aluminum quarter round and quarter round aluminum extrusions are distinctive for their rounded edge. They have two flat sides, which will be joined together by a rounded piece. This trim can have a striking appearance because it provides a smooth rounded look once installed. It will not have any sharp edges, providing greater safety. Aluminum quarter round is priced per linear foot.

Aluminum Outside Corner Trim

The average cost of aluminum outside corner trim is $1.65 to $5 per linear foot. This trim’s name implies its function of trimming an outside corner. This trim fits around the corners of your home’s exterior to create a more finished look instead of piecing together longer aluminum trim pieces. It has the added benefit of providing extra protection to the corner. It has a distinctive arrow-like design, which makes it easy to identify.

Aluminum Drip Cap

Drip cap is relatively inexpensive, costing only around $2.50 to $4 per linear foot. Aluminum window drip cap is installed along the exterior of windows to protect from moisture. It also can be used around exterior doorways for added protection. It is rust-resistant and durable and has a significantly longer life than other forms of window trim.

Aluminum Soffit Trim

Aluminum soffit trim ranges from $2.50 to $4. This type of trim is useful for covering soffits or the bottoms of eaves since the material does not rot or peel and requires minimal maintenance to stay in excellent shape. This type of trim is also available in vented and painted styles for aesthetics and to ensure great airflow. However, it does not insulate as well as vinyl and dents if force is applied.

Aluminum Channel Trim

Aluminum channel trim is expensive because it can be used as a structural support and costs around $3 to $5 per linear foot. Aluminum channel trim is easy to spot by its distinctive feature. It forms a U shape with flat pieces of aluminum on three sides that form a channel. They can be used in structural or architectural situations. They provide additional support and create a modern, sleek look on your home.

Aluminum Rake Trim

Rake trim is one of the least expensive options running around $3 to $6 per linear foot. Aluminum rake trim is most often used to flash the endwall edge of overhangs. This type of trim is desired for its durability and clean, sleek appearance. You can purchase aluminum rake trim in several colors and lengths, though the most common lengths are 10 feet and 12 feet.

Aluminum Casing Trim

Aluminum casing trim costs $3 to $7. Aluminum casing trim is aluminum trim designed to go over current trim, such as wood trim. It provides added durability and weather resistance to current trim. Other benefits are that it is easy to install and easier to keep clean than traditional wood trim. You can purchase it in different colors, allowing you to customize the look of your trim.

Aluminum Frieze Board

Aluminum frieze board is relatively inexpensive, costing $3.25 to $6 per linear foot. Aluminum frieze board comes in strips and creates finished and aesthetically pleasing seams and corners on the exterior of your home. You will often see it following along the seam, where the siding and the soffit meet. Tying these two pieces together gives you a more durable finish that provides greater protection.

Aluminum Fascia Board

Aluminum fascia board costs around $4 to $6 per sq.ft. Pre-formed aluminum fascia is designed to cover your current wood fascia to provide extra durability. Fascia boards will be installed from the drip edge to the soffit. It comes in various colors to fit in with your decor. It is often used to update the exterior of a home and allow for easier cleaning.

J Trim Aluminum

The average cost to install J trim is $4 to $6 per linear foot. Aluminum J channels create a secure fit and provide support for aluminum soffit channels. They are distinctive in their appearance, featuring a hemmed bottom to create a fitted edge without being sharp. Extruded aluminum J channels resist rust and have a long-lasting, clean appearance. It is designed to be used on the straight surfaces of your home, such as panels.

Average Aluminum Trim Cost by Style

There is a bevy of styles to select from when choosing aluminum trim. These range from simplistic and basic styles like flat stock to highly intricate options like scalloped or Victorian trim. While there are dozens of styles to choose from, a few stand out as more common than the others. You can look at the most popular styles below to get an idea of the cost for trim on a window, door, or other space in a home.

As mentioned, some styles are simple and inexpensive. These include flat stock, Colonial, and Craftsman styles in aluminum. Most have a flat, smooth style, although a little aesthetic flair can be found on some versions. As homeowners look at more intricate designs, such as barnwood, bullnose, and provincial, the prices increase. This is because the design is harder to create and takes more time to get right. Some styles have even more flair, such as scalloped, Victorian, and Windsor. These are the most expensive but include the most visual appeal. The styles in the table below are the most common options available for aluminum trim.

Labor Cost to Install Aluminum Trim

Aluminum trim is typically made by an experienced professional who understands the different cuts and how to miter joints to fit together correctly. Siding installers, door installers, and window installers often apply aluminum trim, although some handymen and carpenters also provide this type of work.

About 20 linear feet of trim can be installed in an hour, so 100 feet can be installed in five hours. When installing interior trim, the cost is about $3.20 to $8 per linear foot or $65 to $105 per hour. Exterior trim can be more complicated to install, making the cost $9.50 to $25 per linear foot or $70 to $120 an hour. For second floors or other hard to access areas, costs increase by 10% to 25%.

Replacing Aluminum Trim

While aluminum trim is known for its durability and ease of cleaning, it can become damaged over time, prompting a homeowner to replace it. A homeowner may also replace their trim to get a new style or color to revamp the space. Replacing interior aluminum trim costs about the same as your original installation, running between $70 and $120 an hour plus the cost of the new material. You can expect to pay around $100 to $300 to remove old trim, depending on how much is being replaced.

When replacing exterior home trim, you can expect to pay $300 or more to remove your old trim, with the price going higher if it is on a second-story. You will pay the same cost for replacement as you did for installation, between $3 and $7 per linear foot plus the cost of materials.

Aluminum Trim Cost by Location

You can use aluminum house trim in many places around your home to provide added protection and a more modern look. Exterior aluminum trim is found around rooflines, windows, and entryways to protect your home from water and pests. You can also use interior aluminum trim in doorways and windows to provide additional protection on the inside and the exterior. Below is a table of the most common aluminum trim locations around the home and the average cost to install it in each location.

Aluminum Trim Around Windows

Trimming exterior windows with aluminum can run anywhere from $60 to $120 per window, depending on the type of trim and window size. When trimming your interior windows in aluminum, you can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per window. Aluminum exterior window trim is often added as additional protection against the elements. It prevents water from coming in through the windows and provides an additional barrier to help you maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. It is extremely durable, allowing it to stand up to harsh weather without major damage. Aluminum trim comes in many different colors, helping you create the perfect customized look inside your home.

Aluminum Trim Around Door

For trimming an exterior door, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300. When installing aluminum trim on the interior of your doors, you will pay between $100 and $200 per door. Aluminum exterior door trim and window aluminum trim help you give a consistent, modern finish to your home’s exterior. Aluminum door trim molding helps your doors stay better sealed, protects against water, and deters pests from sneaking in through the space around the doorway. Aluminum trim can be installed in the interior of your door to help create a better seal and an aesthetically polished look. It also is easy to clean, which can be beneficial on high-touch surfaces, such as door trim.

Aluminum Trim Around Garage Door

Installing around a garage door takes a little more time and requires the use of a ladder, you can expect to pay between $500 and $600 when trimming the exterior of the garage door and $400 and $500 when trimming the interior. Whether you are replacing aluminum trim around the garage door or installing new trim, it can be a great way to protect both the exterior of your home and the garage door. Aluminum can be an ideal choice for trimming a garage door both inside and outside because of its durability. Aluminum trim can be especially beneficial around your garage door if you are in an area with many pests since garages are popular places for them to hide from the natural elements.

PVC vs Aluminum Trim

PVC and aluminum are two of the most popular options for trim. Vinyl is very durable and requires low maintenance. It usually comes in an off-white color and does not need to be painted. Also, it resists rot and pests. Moreover, it is very flexible. Aluminum trim is also very resistant and prevents dampness. Aluminum is a functional, durable material. However, the aesthetics are a lesser concern than for vinyl trim. Also, aluminum is a bit more expensive, $4 to $30 per linear foot, compared to the vinyl trim costs, $10 to $25 per linear foot.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Wrapping Wood Trim With Aluminum

Aluminum trim coil is designed to be bent and wrapped around new or existing wood trim near doors, windows, and garage doors. It protects against weather and outdoor elements while minimizing maintenance time. It also improves the aesthetics of the home and eliminates the need to paint. It is a popular choice for homeowners looking for trim with a highly durable finish. Aluminum trim coil prices run between $1 to $2 per linear foot to have installed.

Paint Aluminum Trim

Aluminum trim paint is used to change the look of your installed aluminum trim. Some paint colors match your home’s current colors better or help you create more customized designs. When painting aluminum trim, you want to choose a product that has a primer and rust-resistant properties. The aluminum surface should be cleaned to ensure the longevity of the paint. When you have a professional paint your aluminum trim, you can expect to pay between $1 and $6 per linear foot.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Gutters. When you replace aluminum trim on your home, you may also need to replace gutters. It is important to factor in the cost for the gutters if needed when looking for a complete project cost.
• DIY. While you can install aluminum trim yourself, it is best left in the hands of a professional. Improper installation can damage your home or cause the trim to lose some of its protective properties. It can also be dangerous because it often requires lifting and holding large trim pieces while balancing on a ladder.
• Alternative to aluminum. PVC trim coil is aluminum covered in PVC to provide a more textured appearance similar to the wood grain. It comes in different styles and offers a different aesthetic than aluminum, typically flat or shiny. They also come in many colors, from traditional to modern, which will allow you to fit it in with your home no matter the decor. When choosing this trim, you get the durability benefits of aluminum while enjoying a more aesthetic appearance. PVC-coated aluminum is relatively inexpensive, running around $2 to $3 per linear foot.
• Drip edges. Drip edges and unique roof structures with more eaves can add significantly to the overall cost. If you need to have drip edges installed, you can expect to pay around $3 per linear foot.
• Home value. Adding aluminum trim to your home increases the value of your home in two ways. First, it adds extra protection for your home against water damage and pests. Second. It increases your home’s curb appeal.
• Permits. Whether or not you need permits to have aluminum trim installed depends on your locality. Be sure to check before beginning any home renovation projects.