Trim & Millwork
Trim and millwork installs finish carpentry such as baseboards, crown molding, casings, wainscoting, and custom built-ins. It is detail-driven finish work that defines a room's character and is priced per linear foot.
How trim & millwork is done
- Select profiles and measure runs
- Acclimate the material to the room
- Cut precise miters and copes at joints
- Fasten trim and set nails
- Fill, caulk, and sand joints
- Prime and paint or stain
What homeowners should know
- Choose profiles that suit the home's style
- Ask to see the carpenter's miter and cope joints
- Decide on paint-grade versus stain-grade material
- Let wood acclimate to avoid gaps later
- Confirm caulking and filling are included before paint
Permits, timelines & things to consider
- Trim work does not require a permit
- Material grade and profile complexity drive cost per linear foot
- Tight, gap-free joints are the mark of quality
- Custom and stain-grade work costs more and takes longer
- Wood movement makes acclimation and caulking important
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between paint-grade and stain-grade trim?
Paint-grade trim uses less costly wood or MDF meant to be painted, while stain-grade is select solid wood chosen for its grain to be stained and sealed.
Why do trim joints sometimes open up?
Wood expands and contracts with humidity, so acclimating the material and caulking joints minimizes visible gaps over time.
How is trim work priced?
It is generally priced per linear foot, driven by the profile complexity, material grade, and amount of custom fitting.