INTERIOR
How to Estimate Crown Molding Installation
Contractor method for estimating crown molding: linear feet, profile, corners and painting.
Crown molding quotes go wrong on the corners and the painting. The linear footage is simple; the miters and the finish coat are where the hours go.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate crown molding?
Measure the linear feet, count every corner as its own line ($15-25), choose the profile ($1-$2.50/ft), then add labor and painting. A typical room runs $300-$1,500.
Measure the linear feet
Measure every wall where molding goes — do not double the room perimeter for columns or breaks. Ceiling height matters: crown at 12 ft needs scaffolding and costs more.
Count the corners
Every inside and outside corner is a mitered cut. Corners are the slow part of crown molding — count them and price them as their own line ($15-25 each).
Choose the profile
Simple 2-3 in profiles run ~$1/ft, medium ~$1.50/ft, large decorative ~$2.50/ft. Bigger profiles are heavier and harder to hold while nailing — price the labor accordingly.
Add painting
Painting crown adds ~$0.80/ft when specified and creates a continuous finished surface after caulking. Stain-grade wood and prefinished synthetic profiles need different scopes. Use the Crown Molding Cost Calculator to build the full quote.