PAINTING
How to Estimate Exterior Trim Painting
Contractor method for pricing exterior trim by linear footage, width and condition.
Exterior trim is priced by its surface area, which comes from linear footage times width. Condition and the number of stories change the rate.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate exterior trim painting?
Multiply trim length by width for the surface, then by rate and coats. 200 ft of 4-inch trim is about 66.7 sq ft at $3.50 over 2 coats for $466.67.
Measure length and width
Walk the trim and total the linear feet, then use an average width. The two multiply into the surface area.
Set the rate and coats
A per-square-foot rate covers labor and material. Two coats are standard for exterior trim.
Apply condition and height
Peeling or failing paint needs more prep and a higher factor. Extra stories add setup and height risk.
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Stories factor
Total and validate
66.7 sq ft at $3.50 over 2 coats is $466.67. Use the Exterior Trim Painting Cost Calculator.