Built-Ins, Wainscoting & Trim — What They Cost
By S and J Contracting · Gray, TN · Serving the Tri-Cities
Finish carpentry is one of the hardest categories to price remotely because the range is enormous — a painted MDF bookcase is a completely different project from a walnut built-in with glass doors. This guide gives you real Tri-Cities cost benchmarks for the most common finish carpentry projects.
Crown Molding
- Standard single-piece crown (4.5"–5.5"): $8–$14/linear foot installed
- Built-up crown (2-piece or 3-piece assembly): $15–$25/linear foot installed
- Typical living room (60 linear feet): $500–$900
Coffered ceiling details, crown in rooms with cathedral ceilings, and crown over kitchen cabinets are all priced differently — ask for a specific quote based on your space.
Base Molding
- Standard 3.5" painted base: $4–$7/linear foot installed
- Upgraded 5"–7" base with cap molding: $8–$14/linear foot installed
- Whole house (typical 1,500 sq ft, ~300 lf of base): $1,200–$2,500
Wainscoting
- Simple board-and-batten: $15–$25/linear foot installed
- Raised-panel wainscoting: $25–$45/linear foot installed
- Typical dining room (30 linear feet): $750–$1,800
Door Casing (Per Door)
- Standard painted casing replacement: $80–$150 per door
- Craftsman or custom profile: $150–$300 per door
- Whole house (10 doors): $800–$3,000
Built-In Bookshelves and Cabinetry
- Painted MDF built-in bookcase (8' wide x 8' tall): $2,500–$5,000
- Flanking fireplace built-ins with cabinets below: $4,000–$9,000
- Mudroom locker/bench system (8' wide): $2,000–$4,500
- Home office built-in desk and shelving: $3,000–$7,000
These are painted MDF or paint-grade poplar prices. Stained hardwood (oak, maple, cherry, walnut) adds 40–80% to these figures depending on the species and finish complexity. For more detail, see our finish carpentry page and our full pricing guide.
Keep Reading
Ready to Get Started?
Free on-site estimate — usually within 1–2 days. All-inclusive written quote within 48 hours.