How Much Does It Cost to Install Window Trim?

National Average Range:
$164 - $187

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Updated: January 23, 2024

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date cost figures, we gather information from a variety of pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts.

The price range to replace a single window sill is from $15 to $18 per linear foot for the materials alone.

As a necessary piece of woodwork, window trim covers the gap between the window and the wall and provides a finished appearance to the interior and exterior of the home. It seals out air leaks and moisture and holds the window frame in place. But it’s also an important design element and comes in various materials and styles to enhance your home’s character.

There are a few reasons you may want to install window trim. The first is to replace damaged pieces of the sill or jamb. Older homes often have water or insect damage around a window from deteriorated caulking or improperly installed window air conditioning units.

Also true of older homes, homeowners want to replace the windows with more energy-efficient ones. Most of the time, the existing trim around the windows can be saved and used around the new windows. There is no need to buy new, disrupt the drywall, or any other areas unless the installer finds damage. If they find damage and cannot salvage the existing trim, they will add the replacement cost to the overall project cost.

On the other hand, some homeowners want to update the look of their home and replace the window casing. The casing is the trim surrounding the window on all sides, flush with the wall. It’s what gives the window a distinctive character or style. On average, the labor to install the casing around an average-sized window of 36 x 54 inches costs from $67 to $85 or more. Of course, the final cost depends on several factors, like the window size and the trim type.

Our cost guide will provide insight into what you can expect when installing new window trim.

The average cost to install window trim

National average cost

$176

Average range

$164 to $187

Low-end

$36

High-end

$191

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Factors that affect the cost of window trim

Before discussing the factors individually, note that the cost of window trim is based on all the factors at the same time. For instance, wood trim costs depend on its intricacy and size. The cost range for a detailed architectural piece depends on the material and the size. 

Interior vs. exterior

Windows must be trimmed out on the inside and the outside. Since exterior window trim must be weather-proof, the cost will be different. Typically, exterior trim matches the home’s siding, such as vinyl or fiber cement board (composite). However, if your home is brick or wood-sided, you may want another trim material.

Wood and MDF (modified density fiberboard) are the most popular interior window trim options. Luxury homes sometimes include hardwood trim with architectural details like rosettes and crown molding. Whereas budget-friendly or average-priced homes will include painted pine, poplar, or MDF in a simple design.

Material

The most popular materials used for window trim include wood, MDF, vinyl, polyurethane, and composite. The following chart provides a snapshot of the cost per linear foot.

Material

Description

Cost range per linear foot

Wood

Both hardwood and softwood, wood trim comes bare or primed for painting and is used inside.

$.88 to $6.86

MDF

Comes primed and ready for painting; this trim is used indoors.

$1.13 to $3.38

Vinyl

Vinyl trim typically matches the vinyl siding on the outside of the home.

$2.10 to $17.25

Polyurethane

Used on the exterior; this trim resists moisture and insect damage and must be painted.

$.83 to $14.67

Composite

Like vinyl, composite trim matches the home’s exterior siding.

$1.88 to $8.67

Size and trim style

A modern home relies on clean and simple lines. A Victorian-era home includes more ornate decoration. Trimwork comes in various types to complement every style of home. The most popular styles you’ll find when shopping include colonial, craftsman, architectural, and traditional. However, don’t rely on someone else’s descriptions, as you may discover trim labeled architectural that matches your farmhouse’s trim. 

Style

Description

Cost range per linear foot

Colonial

Has lines that remind you of a colonial period home with multiple depths on one piece.

$.62 to $.92

Craftsman

Clean lines, balanced proportions, and wood grain.

$.82 to $1.94

Architectural

The architectural category exhibits more intricate designs and includes specific style eras: Victorian, Gregorian, or Greek Revival.

$1.57 to $16.62

Traditional

A blend of craftsman and colonial, traditional style blends gentle curves and subtle indentations.

$.52 to $24.78

Linear feetĀ 

Whether you’re replacing the trim on one window or every window, trim is sold by the piece. However, those pieces could be anywhere from 3 feet to 12 feet long. So, for comparison purposes, we’ve calculated the linear foot price for all the costs in this guide. 

Of course, larger windows will require more trim than smaller ones. Some styles that demand layers of trim will also require more material. Therefore, the amount of trim you purchase determines the final cost.

Labor

On average, a trim carpenter charges $66 to $121 per hour, and a handyman charges $37 to $68 per hour.

In addition to materials, labor costs will add to the project's overall cost. An experienced handyman typically takes about an hour to replace the window casing around one window. However, replacing windows or damaged trim could take more time. 

The cost to install window trim in your home

Budget-friendly window trim installation

To replace the trim on two average-sized windows with basic paintable pine, expect to pay $36 to $58, depending on the width.

The least-costly window trim installation will replace damaged trim with a simple style of paintable wood.

Mid-range window trim installation

For a bit more money, you can replace the trim with something more ornate. To replace the trim on two average-sized windows with a 3-inch wide colonial style of wood, expect to pay $164 to $187.

High-end window trim installation

The historic home deserves to be restored to its original grandeur. This restoration often entails matching design elements with the original materials and layering trim molding to achieve a particular design. To replace the trim on two average-sized windows with solid oak architectural elements, expect to pay $232 to $191.

Paying for your window trim replacement

Whether you’re replacing all the windows and trim or simply replacing damaged trim on a few windows, you may wonder where the money will come from for this project. You may consider borrowing against your HELOC for the large, out-of-cash-reach job. A home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money for home improvement projects as they arise. If you haven’t opened a HELOC account, talk with a lender about possible options.

When you don’t want to use cash for a smaller project, buy the materials at a big box home improvement store like The Home Depot and use their credit card. These retail establishments frequently offer incentives for using their cards that will save you money. 

Ways to save money on window trimĀ 

You’re probably wondering how to save more money on this project. Here are a few ideas.

  • Do it yourself. Anyone with moderate woodworking skills can DIY a window casing replacement. If this describes you, replace the trim on the windows yourself. 
  • Choose less-expensive materials. Of course, if you’re replacing the trim on one or two windows, you want it to match the rest of the house. But, if you’re changing the trim on all the windows, go with a less-expensive material. For instance, MDF is cheaper than wood, and the clean lines of the craftsman style make it less expensive than the ornate cuts you’ll find in architectural style. 
  • Make your own trim. If you have the woodworking skills and the tools, make your own trim using locally sourced materials.

Other things to ponder

A few items that could incur additional costs during a window trim installation include

  • Hidden damage – When tearing apart certain areas of your home, there’s always the possibility of finding hidden damage. Windows, in particular, are prone to leaking if the trim is compromised. The cost to repair any damage caused by water or insects will add to the overall cost. 
  • Historial match – Living in a historic home comes with some responsibility. One responsibility includes keeping renovations historically accurate, which could incur extra costs when matching window trim. If local suppliers don’t carry matching trim or design elements like rosettes in stock, you may have to pay a local woodworker specializing in millwork to create reproductions for you.
  • Other materials – Besides the window trim, you’ll need to purchase fasteners, fiberglass or spray foam insulation, and caulking to complete the project. These items will add to the total cost. 
  • Finishing – Once the trim is in place, you’ll need to stain or paint it to match the rest of the home. Purchasing suitable coatings will add to the overall cost of the project.
  • Region – Labor and material costs vary by region of the country. Labor costs are typically higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Coastal regions are higher than the midwest. Always check with a local contractor for the best price for your area.
  • Building permits — Regarding windows, permit requirements depend on the extent of the job. Replacing inside trim work or even replacing windows with the same size and type doesn’t require a permit. But for more extensive work, you may need one. If you’re not working with a licensed building contractor, check with your local building officials about the need for a permit.
  • Homeowners Association – If you have a homeowners’ association, its guidelines could dictate the appearance of your exterior trim. Always consult with your HOA before making any improvements to the exterior of your home.

Hire a professional to install your window trim

If you don’t have basic woodworking skills, installing window trim may be challenging. To preserve your home's value and ensure the job is done right, find an experienced pro to do it for you.

Hire a local window professional today