Crown Molding Installation in Washington, DC — Costs $876 to $10,511

What does crown molding installation cost in Washington? Average $3,504, ranging $876–$10,511. Labor runs $56.18/hr locally — 75% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Washington, DC Market

+75% vs national

Labor Rate

$56.18/hr

Material Index

147

Avg Permit Cost

$2,983

Median Home Price

$630,092

As one of the largest metros in District of Columbia, Washington has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 75% above the national average, Washington is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $630,092, this crown molding installation represents just 0.6% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$876

National: $500

Mid-Range

$3,504

National: $2,000

High End

$10,511

National: $6,000

Per Sq Ft

$0

National: $0

Duration: 1-3 days
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 52%

Crown Molding Installation Cost Calculator for Washington

Adjusted for Washington's labor rate ($56.18/hr) and material costs (index 147).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Washington

$3,364

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Washington market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (70%)$2,453

At Washington's average rate of $56.18/hr (87% above national avg)

Materials (30%)$1,051

Material cost index 147 (47% above national baseline of 100)

Crown Molding Installation vs. Home Value in Washington

MetricWashingtonNational Avg
Crown Molding Installation (Mid-Range)$3,504$2,000
Median Home Price$630,092$350,000
Project as % of Home Value0.6%0.6%
Estimated ROI52%52%
Median Household Income$103,074$75,000

What Affects the Price in Washington

  • 1Local labor rates ($56.18/hr in Washington)
  • 2Material cost index (147 vs national 100)
  • 3Linear footage
  • 4Profile height and complexity
  • 5Material (MDF, wood, polyurethane)
  • 6Ceiling height

Popular Upgrades

  • Built-up crown molding
  • Coffered ceiling
  • Picture rail molding

Planning a Crown Molding Installation in Washington

A crown molding installation typically doesn't require a permit in Washington, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-3 days to complete.

A crown molding installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Washington, skilled contractors charge an average of $56.18/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $103,074, many Washington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $3,504 represents 3% of the typical household's annual income.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators