The Complete Guide to Exterior Trim Replacement Costs
Last Updated: December 04, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Replacing old or damaged exterior trim can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your home at a fraction of what it would cost to completely reside it.
Exterior Trim Average Costs #
The average cost to replace or install exterior trim is $3 to $8 per square foot depending on the material.
| Trim Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $5 to $10 |
| Vinyl | $2.50 to $5.00 |
| Metal | $3.00 to $6.00 |
| Stucco | $7.50 to $10.00 |
| Masonite | $2.50 to $5.00 |
| Fiber Cement | $5.00 to $10.00 |
You may have to pay extra, perhaps $1 per square foot, for the removal of the old trim and its disposal. Find out from whether your contractor take waste from the jobsite, as your weekly trash collector may refuse to take it.
Consider hiring a handyman for around $25 to $50 per hour. If you're only replacing a few boards many siding installation companies won't bother to do such a small job.
Real Life Exterior Trim Replacement Cost Examples #
"I repaired some rotted wood window trim on my small 800 sq ft home. I purchased cedar boards for $3 per sq ft and it cost me $150 total with paint to replace just the damaged sections." - James T.
"For our lake cabin, we wanted to replace all the exterior trim with durable PVC materials. For the 1,000 sq ft cabin, the cellular PVC trim boards cost $4 per sq ft and with contractor labor to install, our total project cost was $6,000." - Carla S.
"I wanted to give my traditional home a modern farmhouse look. I had new fiber cement trim installed over the painted brick for a clean wrapped look. The siding contractor charged $7 per sq ft for the 1,500 sq ft house. Total cost was $10,500." - Sam W.
"For our dated office building exterior remodel, we had new aluminum trim wrapped around the windows, edge fascia and other accents. The metal trim was $4 per sq ft and with installation labor the total trim job was $5 per sq ft and $25,000 total." - Mark P.
As you can see, exterior trim installation or replacement typically ranges $3 to $8 per sq ft depending on materials, labor rates, home details and more.
Reasons to Install Replacement Trim #
Whether your home is clad in wood, metal, stone, vinyl, or a composite material, the trim can become damaged by weather, insects, animals, neglect, and impacts.
In fact, because trim extends out further than the rest of the siding and is located in areas vulnerable to damage such as corners, it can more easily sustain damage.
If your home has sections of trim that have fallen into disrepair, you should consider replacing them for the following reasons:
- Improve curb appeal: According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal is responsible for selling nearly half of all homes. Because of the prominence of siding trim, even a few dilapidated sections can cast your home in an unflattering light.
If you plan on selling your home, or if you simply take pride in its appearance, ensure that your house creates a good first impression by replacing old or damaged trim.
- Preventative maintenance: Rot, whether from moisture or fungus, can infiltrate many types of siding, especially wood. Because exterior trim pieces are the most susceptible to rot, they should be replaced as soon as possible to keep the rot from spreading to others areas of the siding. Failure to do so can result in a much more substantial repair bill.
You may also want to replace exterior wood trim with vinyl trim to prevent rot issues.
- Inexpensive style upgrade: Nothing updates the appearance of a home more than a fresh paint job. But repainting can be an expensive, not to mention messy, project.
Instead, consider repainting or replacing entirely your exterior trim. Pre-primed and pre-painted boards make the upgrade even easier.