Painting Quotes & Costs
Interior, exterior, cabinets, decks, find out what painters really charge so you can budget with confidence.
What painting costs
Painting is one of the most common home improvement projects, and the price range is huge. A single bedroom might cost a few hundred bucks, while a full exterior job can run several thousand. Here's what we're seeing across real quotes in our system.
| Service | Typical Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room Interior | $300 – $800 | $500 |
| Full Interior (avg home) | $3,000 – $8,000 | $5,000 |
| Exterior (avg home) | $3,000 – $7,000 | $4,500 |
| Cabinet Painting | $2,000 – $5,000 | $3,200 |
| Deck/Fence Staining | $500 – $2,000 | $1,000 |
Based on 231 real painting contractor quotes in our database. Median project cost: $2,500.
What affects the price
Two painters can quote the same room and be thousands of dollars apart. The difference usually comes down to these factors.
- Prep work: This is where most of the labor goes. Scraping, sanding, patching holes, caulking gaps, and priming stains all take time. A wall in good shape is fast to paint; a wall with peeling paint, water damage, or old wallpaper is not.
- Paint quality: A gallon of builder-grade paint costs $20–$30. A gallon of premium paint (Benjamin Moore Regal, Sherwin-Williams Emerald) runs $50–$80. For a whole house, that difference adds up quickly, but better paint covers in fewer coats and lasts years longer.
- Ceiling height: Standard 8-foot ceilings are straightforward. Anything above 10 feet requires scaffolding or extension equipment, which adds to both labor time and cost.
- Number of coats: Most jobs need two coats, but dramatic color changes (going from dark to light, or vice versa) may need three or more. Each additional coat adds roughly 25–30% to the labor portion of the job.
- Trim and detail work:Crown molding, wainscoting, window casings, and doors all require careful brushwork that takes longer than rolling walls. Some painters quote trim separately, so make sure you know what's included.
Interior vs. exterior paint, it matters
Interior and exterior paints are formulated differently. Exterior paint contains UV stabilizers and mildewcides to withstand sun, rain, and temperature swings. Interior paint is optimized for low odor, easy cleanup, and a smooth finish.
Using interior paint outside will lead to peeling and fading within a year or two. If a contractor quotes exterior work with suspiciously low material costs, ask what paint they're planning to use and look up the spec sheet.
How to compare painting quotes
Painting quotes can be tricky to compare because contractors don't always include the same things. Here's what a solid quote should spell out.
What Should Be Itemized
- Prep work: Does the quote include scraping, sanding, patching, and priming? Some painters quote the painting only and charge prep as an extra. You want to know that upfront.
- Paint brand and product line:“Two coats of paint” doesn't mean much without knowing which paint. Ask for the specific product, it tells you a lot about the quality and durability you're getting.
- Number of coats: The quote should state how many coats of primer and finish paint are included. One coat of finish paint is rarely enough for a quality result.
- What's covered:Walls only? Walls and ceilings? Trim, doors, and closets? Make sure the scope is clear so you're not surprised by add-on charges halfway through the job.
- Furniture moving and protection: Will the crew move furniture and lay drop cloths, or is that your responsibility? Most professional painters include this, but not all.
- Cleanup:The quote should include cleanup and removal of all materials. You shouldn't be left with paint cans and plastic sheeting in your garage.
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