How Much Does It Cost to Install Aluminum Trim?
Aluminum trim is a critical component for your home and roof to help protect it from the elements. Aluminum trim can not only prevent water and dampness from seeping into your home, but it is also effective at prohibiting the entrance of birds and pests which 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 as it is known to be more durable and last longer than other options. It can also be used in the home as an accent to modernize the look of a space.
Aluminum trim is priced by the linear foot, and the cost installed will include labor, supplies, and additional materials. 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 the use of ladders or other equipment, and how many corners or areas need special piecing. On average, aluminum trim installation costs between $2,800 and $5,000, with the average homeowner paying $3,200 for installing interior aluminum trim, including door and window casings and baseboards in a 1,500 square foot home. Projects run as low as $500 for exterior aluminum trim around a garage door to as high as $11,500 when it involves interior and exterior trim for a 2,000 square foot house.
Aluminum Trim Cost
| Aluminum Trim Prices | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $3,200 |
| Average range | $2,800-$5,000 |
| Minimum cost | $500 |
| Maximum cost | $11,500 |
In this guide
Cost to Trim a House with Aluminum per Linear Foot
Aluminum Trim Cost per Inch
Aluminum Trim Cost by Type of Interior Trim
Aluminum Trim Cost by Type of Exterior Trim
Aluminum Trim Installation Cost
Replacing Aluminum Trim
Aluminum Trim Cost by Location
Wrapping Wood Trim with Aluminum Cost
PVC Trim Coil vs Aluminum
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Additional Considerations
FAQs
Aluminum Trim Cost by Project Range
Interior vs Exterior Aluminum Trim
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.
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 $3,600 for 200 linear feet. Interior trim averages $1,500 for the same length.
Cost to Trim a House with Aluminum per Linear Foot
Aluminum trim is one of the best ways to protect your home and roof from water damage and the exterior elements. It also serves as a preventative barrier to keep pests out of the home. Its durability makes it a popular choice as it can last for a long time and withstand harsh elements. On top of that, it can provide a certain finish to your home that can make it look more appealing. The most common way to price aluminum trim is by linear foot. Below is the average price for some common lengths without the cost of installation. Prices for exterior trim were calculated using aluminum channel trim, and interior trim prices are for aluminum baseboard.
| Length | Average Cost For Exterior Trim (Only Materials) | Average Cost For Interior Trim (Only Materials) |
|---|---|---|
| 200 linear feet | $3,600 | $1,500 |
| 300 linear feet | $5,400 | $2,250 |
| 400 linear feet | $7,200 | $3,000 |
| 500 linear feet | $9,000 | $3,750 |
Aluminum Trim Cost per Inch
To determine how much aluminum trim you need, you must have your roofline 1 or room measured. Pieces will be cut for the long portions and the small sections in between corners. The more corners you have on your roof, the more custom and fastening 2 will be required. This raises the job’s overall cost. When determining prices for the smaller areas between corners, you may want to consider the price of aluminum trim in inches. Below is the average cost per length of aluminum trim without installation.
| Inches (Width) | Costs (Only Materials) |
|---|---|
| ½ Inch | $0.063 |
| 1 Inch | $1.25 |
| 2 Inches | $2.50 |
| 3 Inches | $3.75 |
| 4 Inches | $5.00 |
| 5 Inches | $6.25 |
| 6 Inches | $7.50 |
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.
| Interior Trim Types | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Only Materials) |
|---|---|
| Chair Rail | $4.50 |
| Baseboard | $7.50 |
| Wainscotting | $9 |
| Picture Rail | $10 |
| Crown Molding | $22 |
Aluminum Chair Rail
On average, you can expect to pay around $4.50 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 also can be used for decorative purposes, to break up paint colors, or provide a more modern finish. It can typically be found in thicknesses of 4”, 6”, and 8” and is cut from large aluminum sheets. You can choose to purchase it with drill holes or with an adhesive strip depending on your installation preference.
Aluminum Baseboard Trim
The average price for a linear foot of aluminum baseboard trim is around $7.50. Many homeowners choose to install aluminum trim along their baseboards due to its durability. It can protect against scuffs and dings to the baseboard area and protect the wall if water is on the floor. Other reasons it is a popular choice include the fact that it is easy to clean and provides an updated, modern look to a room.
Aluminum Wainscotting
Wainscotting runs an average of $9 per linear foot. Aluminum wainscotting is often used as a trendy decorative trim for interior walls. It can be used to create a unique style or break up color in a room. They are decorative aluminum sheets that come with a hammered-in design, normally covering about half of a wall from the floor up. While not its main function, aluminum wainscotting can also protect the walls they are on.
Aluminum Picture Rail
The prices of picture rail vary widely depending on the style chosen, but on average, you can expect to pay around $10 per linear foot. Aluminum picture rail is trim installed onto a wall that anchors hanging pictures and wall art. They can 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 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 $22 per linear foot. While aluminum crown molding 3 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 helps prevent water from getting into the walls. Aluminum crown molding comes in several unique designs.
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.
| Exterior Trim Types | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Only Materials) |
|---|---|
| Rake | $0.50 |
| Drip Cap | $0.75 |
| Frieze | $1.27 |
| Outside Corner Trim | $1.65 |
| Quarter Round | $2.64 |
| Fascia | $3.98 |
| Casing | $4.85 |
| Channel Trim | $18 |
| J Channel | $19.50 |
Aluminum Rake Trim
Rake trim is one of the least expensive options running around $0.50 per linear foot. Aluminum rake trim is most often used to flash 4 the endwall edge of overhangs. This type of trim is desired for its durability and the clean, sleek appearance it provides. You can purchase aluminum rake trim in several colors and lengths, though the most common lengths are 10 feet and 12 feet.
Aluminum Drip Cap
Drip cap is relatively inexpensive, costing only around $0.75 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 Frieze Board
Aluminum frieze board is relatively inexpensive, costing around $1.27 per linear foot. Aluminum frieze board comes in strips and is used to create finished and aesthetically pleasing seams 5 and corners on the exterior of your home. You will often see it following along the seam where the siding and the soffit 1 meet. By tying these two pieces together, you will have a more durable finish that provides greater protection.
Aluminum Outside Corner Trim
The average cost of aluminum outside corner trim is $1.65 per linear foot. This trim’s name implies its function--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 Quarter Round
On average, you can expect to pay around $2.64 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 as it provides for a smooth rounded look once installed. It will not have any sharp edges, which allows for greater safety. Aluminum quarter round is priced per linear foot.
Aluminum Fascia Board
On average, aluminum fascia board will cost around $3.98 per square foot. Pre-formed aluminum fascia is designed to cover over 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.
Aluminum Casing Trim
Aluminum casing trim comes with an average price of $4.85. 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 Channel Trim
Aluminum channel trim is expensive because it can be used as a structural support and costs around $18 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.
J Trim Aluminum
The average cost per linear foot to install J trim is $19.50 per linear foot. Aluminum J channels are used to create a secure fit and provide support for aluminum soffit channels. They are distinctive in their look, featuring a hemmed bottom to create a fitted edge without being sharp. Extruded aluminum J channels are also rust-resistant and designed to have a long-lasting, clean appearance. It is designed to be used on the straight surfaces of your home, such as panels.
White aluminum J channel and J channels with aluminum finish are lightweight and can easily be pushed onto an edge, providing a tight grip on all three sides. If you prefer screw-in J channel options, you can choose those as well. Some will have mounting 6 holes and fasteners, while others will require drilling to mount. The only real drawbacks to this trim style are that it can become scratched or dented, marring its appearance.
Aluminum Trim Installation Cost
When it comes to exterior aluminum trim installation, the labor cost is not typically priced per hour but by linear feet. Installation costs range widely, running from as low as $3 per linear foot to as high as $8 per linear foot. There may also be additional costs based on certain factors related to the job. For example, it can run between $100 to $300 to remove old trim. You might be charged an additional $150 to $200 if the trim is installed on a second story. You will be charged more depending on the configuration of the eaves 7 of the house and structural issues where the trim will be installed. The average price for installing aluminum trim on the exterior of a one-story home is around $8,100.
To ensure that exterior aluminum trim is installed in a way that protects your home properly, it is best left in the hands of a professional. If not done properly, you risk water entering your home, or worse, damaging your home or roof. The length of time it takes to complete an aluminum trim installation depends on several factors and takes several hours for more complicated projects.
Some issues that extend the length of the project include installation on a roof with more than 12 corners. Second story houses take longer than single-story homes. Finally, the condition of the trim being removed also affects the timeline.
While a siding expert will install exterior aluminum trim, a carpenter or general handyman can install interior aluminum trim. The cost to install interior trim varies widely depending on where the trim is being installed, what kind of trim, and the amount of trim needed to complete the job. Most interior trim installation labor will be charged using an hourly rate, ranging between $70 and $120 per hour. You may be charged by linear feet. When priced per linear foot, aluminum trim installation runs as low as $3 per linear foot to as high as $7 per linear foot. The average cost to use aluminum to trim interior doors and windows in a 1,500 square foot home would be around $3,200.
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. Replacing interior aluminum trim will cost 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 $200 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 $8 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.
| Location | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| Windows | $40 - $120 |
| Doors | $100 - $300 |
| Garage Door | $400 - $600 |
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.
Wrapping Wood Trim with Aluminum Cost
The aluminum trim coil is designed to be bent and wrapped around new or existing wood trim around doors, windows, and garage doors. Aluminum trim wrapping protects these areas from weather and the outdoor elements while minimizing the average maintenance time to protect these surfaces.
Aluminum coil trim improves the aesthetics of the exterior of your home and eliminates the need to paint. This trim can be purchased in various colors and smooth or wood grain finishes. It is a popular choice for homeowners looking for trim with a highly durable, low maintenance finish. Aluminum trim coil prices run between $7.50 to $13.00 per linear foot to have installed.
PVC Trim Coil vs Aluminum
PVC trim coil is aluminum covered in PVC to provide a more textured appearance similar to the wood grain. It comes in different looks and offers a different aesthetic than vinyl, typically either 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 per linear foot.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Paint Aluminum Trim
Aluminum trim paint is used to change the look of your installed aluminum trim. Some paint colors you can choose for your aluminum trim allow you to match your home’s current colors better or help you create more customized designs. When painting aluminum trim, you will want to choose a product that has a primer 8 and rust-resistant properties to keep it looking fresher longer. Before painting your trim, your professional will be sure to clean the aluminum surface well to ensure the longevity of the paint. When you have a professional paint your aluminum trim, you can expect to pay between $3 and $6 per linear foot.
Aluminum Bullnose Trim
If you have an area with tiling in the interior or on the exterior of your home and you are looking to add some aluminum trim, then bullnose trim may be the ideal option. Aluminum bullnose trim provides the same durability and protection against water and weather as other aluminum trim, but it has a more rounded face. This helps to eliminate sharp edges and provides a smoother looking design. Installation of bullnose trim can run between $4 and $8 per linear foot depending on the condition of the surface.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- When you replace aluminum trim on your home, you may need to replace gutters as well. It is important to factor in the cost for the gutters if needed when looking for a complete project cost.
- While you can install aluminum trim yourself, it is best left in the hands of a professional. Improper installation can cause damage to your home or cause the trim to lose some of its protective properties. It can also be dangerous as it often requires lifting and holding large trim pieces while balancing on a ladder.
- Drip edges and unique roof structures with more eaves 7 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.
- Adding aluminum trim to your home increases the value of your home in two ways. The first because it adds extra protection for your home against water damage and pests, and the second way by increasing your home’s curb appeal.
- Whether or not you need permits to have aluminum trim installed depends on your locality. Be sure to check before embarking on any home renovation projects.
FAQs
- How much does aluminum trim cost?
Aluminum trim can cost between $3,200 and $11,500 depending on how many linear feet are being installed, whether interior or exterior, and the type of trim you select. The cost of material can significantly affect the project total, with some trims costing as little as $0.50 per linear foot and some costing as much as $22 per linear foot.
- How do you wrap wood with aluminum trim?
Wrapping aluminum around wood trim helps you avoid repainting the wood and saves you time on maintenance. Also known as “trim capping,” wrapping your wood trim involves cutting the aluminum to the same shape and profile of your current wood trim and placing it over the top. The aluminum is then affixed to keep it from shifting.
- How do you install aluminum trim coils?
To install an aluminum trim coil, a professional needs to take the measurements of the trim features, cut the trim coil to the required length, and fasten the coil trim with aluminum-coated nails to join the points together. Using aluminum-coated nails provides a more seamless look.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Roofline: (Also known as Soffit) Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings
3 Crown molding: A decorative finish that adds interest to the area where the top of a window meets the wall, or lines the area where the wall meets the ceiling
4 Flash: Pieces of sheet metal used on roofs to cover joints, such as where the roof meets the wall, or around a chimney or skylight, to protect them and prevent water leaking through
8 Primer: Preparatory coat applied to materials (drywall, wood, metal, etc.) before painting to ensure paint adhesion, extend paint durability, and help seal and protect the surface to be painted
How much does it cost to install aluminum trim in my city?
Cost to install aluminum trim varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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