How much does crown molding cost?

Materials per linear foot: foam: $0.50-$4. MDF: $0.50-$3. Pine: $1-$3. Polyurethane: $2-$10. Hardwood: $4-$15. Professional installed per linear foot: $4-$15 (standard) or $10-$25+ (premium). Per room (12x12): $200-$700 (standard). Whole house: $1,500-$5,000. DIY per room: $50-$200 (materials only). Best value: MDF crown molding ($1-$3/ft material). It paints beautifully and is the most popular choice for painted crown.

Can I install crown molding myself?

Yes, but it's one of the harder DIY trim projects. The challenge is cutting accurate corner joints. What you need: compound miter saw (essential). Coping saw (for inside corners). Nail gun (strongly recommended, much easier than hammer and nails). Level. Caulk and caulk gun. Ladder. Skill level: intermediate to advanced. Time: 4-8 hours per room (first room takes longest). Tip: start with foam crown molding for your first project. It cuts with a utility knife, installs with adhesive, and is very forgiving. Once comfortable, move to MDF or wood. Another tip: buy extra material (at least 10-15% overage) for mistakes.

What size crown molding should I use?

8 ft ceilings: 2.5-4 inches (small to medium). 9 ft ceilings: 4-6 inches (medium). 10+ ft ceilings: 6-8+ inches (large). General rule: bigger rooms with higher ceilings can handle larger crown molding. Smaller rooms with lower ceilings look better with smaller profiles. Caution: very large crown in a room with 8 ft ceilings can make the room feel smaller. Many designers recommend 3.5-4.5 inches as the most versatile size for standard 8-9 ft ceiling homes. If unsure: hold samples up to the wall and step back to see the proportion before committing.

MDF vs wood crown molding?

MDF: pros: smooth, consistent surface. No knots or grain variation. Paints beautifully. Less expensive than hardwood. Resists warping. Cons: can't be stained (shows as fiber, not wood grain). Swells if wet (not for exterior). Heavier than pine. Best for: painted crown molding (which is 90%+ of installations). Wood: pros: can be stained or painted. Natural material. Lighter (pine). Traditional craftsmanship. Cons: knots and variations (unless clear grade). More expensive (especially hardwoods). Can warp. Best for: stained applications where you want to see wood grain. Recommendation: MDF for painted crown (best value and finish). Wood (pine or poplar) if you prefer natural material or plan to stain. Oak, cherry, or walnut for high-end stained applications.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Crown Molding Guide: Types, Cost & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Trim & Molding Installation Specialists Nov 27, 2026 7 min read

Crown Molding Types

By material: Solid wood: highest quality, paintable and stainable. Cost: $1-$15 per linear foot. Species: pine ($1-$3), poplar ($2-$5), oak ($4-$10), cherry/walnut ($8-$15). MDF (medium-density fiberboard): smooth, paintable (not stainable). Cost: $0.50-$3 per linear foot. Most popular for painted crown molding. Excellent value. Foam/polystyrene: lightweight, easiest to install. Cost: $0.50-$4 per linear foot. Cuts with a utility knife. Glue to install (no nails needed). Polyurethane: durable, lightweight, detailed profiles. Cost: $2-$10 per linear foot. Won't rot, warp, or attract insects. Plaster: traditional, ornate. Cost: $5-$25+ per linear foot. Heavy, professional installation required. Historic and high-end homes.

By size: Small (2-3 inches): subtle, modern. Cost: least expensive. Medium (3.5-5 inches): most popular, traditional. Large (5-8+ inches): dramatic, formal. Best for rooms with 9+ ft ceilings.

Profiles: Cove: simple concave curve. Ogee: S-shaped curve. Dentil: classic with tooth-like blocks. Egg and dart: ornate, traditional. Built-up: multiple pieces stacked for a larger profile.

Cost

Materials per linear foot: Foam: $0.50-$4. MDF: $0.50-$3. Pine: $1-$3. Polyurethane: $2-$10. Hardwood: $4-$15. Plaster: $5-$25+.

Professional installation: Per linear foot (material + labor): $4-$15 (standard). $10-$25+ (premium/ornate). Per room (12x12 ft, ~48 linear feet): $200-$700 (standard). $500-$1,200 (premium). Whole house (average): $1,500-$5,000.

DIY cost: Per room: $50-$200 (materials). Tools needed: miter saw (compound miter saw ideal), coping saw, nail gun (recommended), caulk.

Additional: Inside/outside corners add complexity and cost. Built-up (multi-piece) crown: 2-3x the material and labor cost.

Installation

DIY difficulty: Foam: easy (glue, cut with knife). MDF/wood: intermediate to advanced. The hardest part is cutting corners accurately.

Corner methods: Coped joints (inside corners): cut one piece square, cope the other to fit the profile. Produces the tightest joints. Most professional method. Mitered joints (outside corners): both pieces cut at angles. Easier but can gap over time.

Tips: Use a compound miter saw. Spring angle matters (38/52 is most common). Test cuts on scrap first. Caulk all gaps (caulk hides minor imperfections). Fill nail holes with wood filler. Paint after installation for a seamless look.

Ceiling height considerations: 8 ft ceilings: 2.5-4 inch crown. 9 ft ceilings: 4-6 inch crown. 10+ ft ceilings: 6-8+ inch crown. Rooms with low ceilings: crown molding can make them feel lower (use a smaller profile).