Comprehensive pricing for interior, exterior, cabinet, and specialty painting
Last Updated: March 2025
Quick Reference: What You'll Pay
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior room (walls only) | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Interior (whole house, 2,000 sq ft) | $4,000 | $7,500 | $14,000 |
| Exterior (2,000 sq ft home) | $4,500 | $8,500 | $16,000 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Deck staining | $500 | $1,200 | $3,000 |
Regional Price Variations
Painting costs vary across Washington, with Seattle commanding premium rates due to high labor costs and demand.
| Region | Price Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle / Eastside | 1.25-1.40x | Highest labor costs |
| Tacoma / South Sound | 1.10-1.20x | Competitive market |
| Olympia | 1.00-1.10x | State baseline |
| Bellingham | 1.05-1.15x | Growing market |
| Spokane Metro | 0.85-0.95x | Lower labor costs |
| Tri-Cities | 0.90-1.00x | Below state average |
| Rural WA | 0.80-0.95x | Lower rates + travel fees |
Interior Painting
By Room Type
| Room | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (12x12) | $300 | $550 | $900 |
| Primary bedroom (15x15) | $400 | $750 | $1,200 |
| Bathroom | $250 | $450 | $750 |
| Kitchen | $400 | $800 | $1,400 |
| Living room (15x20) | $500 | $900 | $1,500 |
| Great room (20x25) | $700 | $1,300 | $2,200 |
| Dining room | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Home office | $300 | $550 | $900 |
| Hallway | $250 | $500 | $850 |
| Stairwell | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Foyer/entry | $250 | $500 | $900 |
What's Included (Standard): Walls and ceiling painted, minor wall repairs (nail holes, small cracks), masking/taping, furniture covering, cleanup.
By Square Footage
| Scope | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home |
|---|---|---|
| Walls only (basic) | $1.50-$2.50 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Walls + ceilings | $2.50-$4.00 | $5,000-$8,000 |
| Walls + ceilings + trim | $3.50-$5.50 | $7,000-$11,000 |
| Full interior (all surfaces) | $4.50-$7.00 | $9,000-$14,000 |
By Linear Foot (Trim & Detail)
| Item | Per Linear Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baseboards | $1.00-$2.50 | Paint only |
| Crown molding | $2.00-$4.00 | Detail work |
| Door frames | $30-$75 each | Per frame |
| Window frames | $30-$75 each | Per window |
| Chair rail | $1.50-$3.00 | Paint only |
| Wainscoting | $3.00-$6.00 | Per sq ft |
Doors & Specialty Items
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior door (per side) | $50 | $100 | $175 |
| Exterior door | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Closet (walk-in) | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Garage interior | $400 | $900 | $1,600 |
| Fireplace/mantel | $150 | $350 | $700 |
| Built-in shelving | $200 | $500 | $1,000 |
Exterior Painting
By Home Size
| Home Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,500 | $6,000 | $11,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,500 | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $5,500 | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,500 | $12,000 | $22,000 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | $8,000 | $15,000 | $28,000+ |
By Square Footage (Paintable Surface)
| Scope | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Siding only | $2.00-$4.00 | Body color only |
| Siding + trim | $3.00-$5.00 | Standard exterior |
| Full exterior (all surfaces) | $4.00-$7.00 | Body, trim, doors, gutters |
| Multi-story premium | +$0.50-$1.50 | Per additional story |
Exterior Components
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fascia (per linear ft) | $2 | $4 | $7 |
| Soffit (per linear ft) | $3 | $5 | $9 |
| Gutters (per linear ft) | $2 | $4 | $7 |
| Shutters (per pair) | $75 | $150 | $300 |
| Porch ceiling | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Deck/patio | $3-$6/sq ft | See deck section | |
| Fence (per linear ft) | $5 | $12 | $25 |
| Garage door | $200 | $400 | $700 |
Exterior Prep Work
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure washing | $200 | $400 | $800 |
| Scraping (per 100 sq ft) | $50 | $100 | $200 |
| Caulking/sealing | $200 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Minor wood repair | $200 | $500 | $1,200 |
| Lead paint testing | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Lead paint remediation | $1,500 | $5,000 | $15,000+ |
Cabinet Painting
Kitchen Cabinets
| Kitchen Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 100 linear ft) | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,500 |
| Medium (100-150 linear ft) | $4,000 | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Large (150-200 linear ft) | $5,500 | $9,000 | $14,000 |
| Extra large (200+ linear ft) | $7,000 | $12,000 | $18,000+ |
Per-Door/Drawer Pricing
| Component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet door | $40 | $75 | $125 |
| Drawer front | $30 | $55 | $90 |
| Cabinet box (linear ft) | $25 | $45 | $75 |
| Island (per linear ft) | $50 | $90 | $150 |
Cabinet Finishes
| Finish Type | Price Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic brush/roll | Baseline | Visible brush marks |
| Spray finish (standard) | +20-30% | Smooth, factory-like |
| Spray finish (premium) | +40-60% | Automotive-quality |
| Lacquer finish | +50-75% | High durability |
| Conversion varnish | +75-100% | Commercial-grade |
What's Included (Professional Cabinet Painting):
- Door and drawer removal
- Cleaning and degreasing
- Sanding and priming
- Multiple coats of paint
- Hardware reinstallation (or new hardware install for additional cost)
Bathroom Vanities
| Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single vanity | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Double vanity | $500 | $900 | $1,500 |
| Built-in vanity | $700 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
Deck & Fence Staining
Deck Staining
| Deck Size | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 200 sq ft) | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Medium (200-400 sq ft) | $700 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Large (400-600 sq ft) | $1,000 | $1,800 | $3,000 |
| Extra large (600+ sq ft) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,500 |
Per Square Foot Pricing
| Service | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent stain | $2.00-$3.50 | Shows wood grain |
| Semi-transparent stain | $2.50-$4.00 | Some color, grain visible |
| Solid stain | $3.00-$4.50 | Opaque color |
| Deck paint | $3.50-$5.00 | Full coverage |
Deck Prep (Often Required)
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure washing | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Sanding | $200 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Stripping old stain | $300 | $700 | $1,500 |
| Board replacement (per board) | $20 | $50 | $100 |
Fence Staining
| Fence Type | Per Linear Ft | 150 ft Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy fence (one side) | $4-$8 | $600-$1,200 |
| Privacy fence (both sides) | $7-$14 | $1,050-$2,100 |
| Picket fence | $6-$12 | $900-$1,800 |
| Post & rail | $3-$6 | $450-$900 |
Specialty Painting
Textured & Decorative Finishes
| Finish | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faux finish (basic) | $4-$8 | Sponging, rag rolling |
| Faux finish (advanced) | $8-$15 | Venetian plaster, marbling |
| Textured ceiling | $1.50-$3.00 | Orange peel, knockdown |
| Popcorn removal + paint | $2.50-$4.50 | Labor-intensive |
| Accent wall | $200-$600 | Per wall, including design |
| Stripes/geometric | $4-$10 | Precision taping |
Commercial & Industrial
| Space | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office space | $1.50-$3.50 | After hours available |
| Retail | $2.00-$4.00 | Quick turnaround |
| Industrial/warehouse | $1.00-$2.50 | High ceilings add cost |
| Restaurant | $2.50-$5.00 | Specialty finishes |
Paint Quality & Cost Impact
Interior Paint Grades
| Grade | Per Gallon | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor grade | $25-$40 | 350-400 sq ft | Rentals, quick refreshes |
| Mid-grade | $40-$60 | 350-400 sq ft | Average homes |
| Premium (Sherwin, BM) | $60-$85 | 400-450 sq ft | Long-term homes |
| Ultra-premium | $80-$120 | 400-500 sq ft | High-end finishes |
Exterior Paint Grades
| Grade | Per Gallon | Expected Life |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor grade | $35-$50 | 5-7 years |
| Mid-grade | $50-$75 | 8-12 years |
| Premium | $75-$100 | 12-18 years |
| Ultra-premium | $100-$140 | 15-25 years |
Western WA Note: The wet climate demands high-quality exterior paint. Budget for premium paint—it lasts significantly longer and resists mildew better.
Labor vs. Materials Breakdown
| Project Type | Labor % | Materials % |
|---|---|---|
| Interior (walls only) | 80% | 20% |
| Interior (full) | 75% | 25% |
| Exterior | 70% | 30% |
| Cabinet painting | 70% | 30% |
| Deck staining | 65% | 35% |
Factors That Increase Costs
Expect to Pay More When:
- Extensive prep work - Holes, cracks, water damage, or peeling paint requiring repair
- High ceilings - Rooms over 10' require ladders/scaffolding
- Multiple stories - Exterior work on 2-3 story homes adds 20-40%
- Color changes - Going from dark to light (or vice versa) requires more coats
- Trim complexity - Crown molding, wainscoting, detailed woodwork
- Lead paint - Pre-1978 homes may require testing and certified remediation
- Access issues - Difficult areas, landscaping obstacles
- Custom colors - Color matching adds time and cost
- Rush jobs - Expedited timelines cost 20-50% more
- Occupied spaces - Working around furniture and occupants
Seattle-Specific Factors:
- Higher labor rates
- Parking permits may be required ($20-$50/day)
- Historic districts have specific requirements
- Many older homes have lead paint
Eastern WA Factors:
- Extreme temperature swings stress exterior paint
- Lower humidity allows faster drying but requires different products
- Summer heat limits exterior painting hours
Money-Saving Tips
Bundle rooms - Painting multiple rooms at once saves setup/cleanup time
DIY prep work - Remove furniture, take down pictures, do minor patching yourself
Flexible scheduling - Painters may offer discounts for open scheduling
Off-season timing - Schedule interior painting in winter when exterior painters need work
Choose standard colors - Custom color matching costs extra
Skip the ceiling - If it's in good shape, focus budget on walls and trim
Mid-grade paint - Premium paint isn't always necessary for every room
Get 3+ quotes - Painting quotes vary 30-50%
Maintain existing paint - Timely touch-ups extend the life of paint jobs
Consider partial repainting - High-traffic areas may need refreshing while other rooms are fine
Red Flags: Too Cheap or Too Expensive
Warning Signs (Too Cheap):
- Quote 40%+ below competitors
- No license (check lni.wa.gov)
- Won't specify paint brand/quality
- No written contract
- "Cash only" demands
- Using mystery paint ("we get it wholesale")
- Very fast timeline promises
- No prep work mentioned
Warning Signs (Too Expensive):
- Quote 50%+ above competitors without explanation
- Pushing expensive paint when unnecessary
- Vague line items or large "miscellaneous" charges
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Won't itemize labor vs. materials
Healthy Range:
Three comparable quotes should fall within 25% of each other for the same scope.
How to Compare Bids
Every painting quote should include:
- Scope of work - Exactly what surfaces will be painted
- Paint specifications - Brand, product line, sheen, number of coats
- Prep work included - What patching, sanding, priming is covered
- Itemized costs - Labor, materials, and any equipment rentals
- Timeline - Start date, duration, working hours
- Warranty - Labor warranty (typically 1-3 years) and paint warranty
- License and insurance - WA contractor license verification
Questions to Ask:
- "What brand and quality of paint will you use?"
- "How many coats are included?"
- "What prep work is included?"
- "How do you protect floors and furniture?"
- "Who does the actual painting—you or subcontractors?"
- "What's your warranty on the work?"
- "Do you handle color consultation?"
Paint Lifespan Guide (Washington Climate)
| Surface | Expected Life | Western WA | Eastern WA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior walls | 7-10 years | Same | Same |
| Interior trim | 5-7 years | Same | Same |
| Exterior siding (premium) | 12-18 years | 10-15 years | 12-18 years |
| Exterior siding (standard) | 8-12 years | 6-10 years | 8-12 years |
| Deck/fence (stain) | 2-4 years | 2-3 years | 3-4 years |
| Deck/fence (paint) | 4-6 years | 3-5 years | 4-6 years |
Western WA Maintenance: The wet climate promotes mildew and moss. Annual pressure washing extends paint life significantly. Consider mildew-resistant additives for exterior paint.
Prices reflect Washington State averages as of March 2025. Always get multiple quotes and verify contractor licensing at lni.wa.gov.