What Does It Cost to Paint a 12x12 Room in North Carolina?
If you want to update a specific room in your house, you may wonder whether the price is within your budget. Starting with an average room size can help you get your head around the math. So, how much does it cost to paint a 12x12 room? Multiple factors influence this answer, but in North Carolina, a 12x12 room paint update is expected to cost between $600 and $1,600 as of 2025.
Keep in mind that this is for a professional paint job that includes surface prep, trim, ceilings, and the right paint. Now, let’s scratch the surface a bit deeper.
Breakdown of Painting Costs
When comparing costs, consider variables such as labor and materials. Depending on the state you’re in, you could pay $3 to $6 per square foot for interior painting. Alternatively, you will likely spend between $1 and $3 per square foot if you prefer to have only the walls painted (and not the ceiling). In North Carolina, the average cost is $3.33 per square foot, with a range of $2.05 to $4.60.
So, if you want to paint a 12x12 room (144 square feet), expect to pay $480 to $960 for walls and $720 to $1,440 with the ceiling and trim included.
How Much Paint Do You Need for a 12x12 Room?
You must calculate a 12x12 room’s paint costs according to the coverage of the paint you’re using. A standard 12x12 room with eight-foot ceilings will have:
Walls that measure 384 square feet
A ceiling of 144 square feet
This leaves you with a total of 528 square feet to cover. One gallon of paint covers around 400 square feet, but it depends on the brand.
Painting the walls based on this data will require two gallons of paint (for two coats). The ceiling will require one gallon, if you’re painting that as well. This means you will need three gallons in total for the entire room, as well as 10% extra for touch-ups. You will also need painting supplies (brushes, sanders, scrapers, etc.), which cost around $15 to $40 per gallon.
Factors Influencing Cost When Painting a Room in North Carolina
While working out how much paint is needed for a 12x12 room, consider these additional factors that influence cost:
Surface Preparation: Sanding, priming, and repairing cracks or holes can add up to $300 to the cost of painting a standard room.
Trim and Ceiling: Add $1 to $4 per linear foot or $1 to $3 per square foot.
Paint Quality: Premium paints cost up to $70 per gallon. If you want mildew-resistant paint, you will pay more.
Location: If you reside in Raleigh or Wilmington, your overall costs may trend higher. Raleigh costs are estimated at between $5,100 and $6,800 for full home painting. 12x12 room paint jobs, including trim and ceilings, cost between $800 and $1,200. Wilmington experiences similar pricing, but it may fluctuate depending on labor availability.
DIY vs. Professional Finish
What does it cost to paint a 12x12 room? As you can see, there are many factors, but the price also depends on whether you want to do the paint job yourself or hire professionals. DIY painting may save you on labor, but hiring a professional will ensure proper preparation and an unmatched finish. In the long run, a professional paint job is the smarter investment for a lasting and good-looking result.
Anderson Painting Can Help You Update Any 12x12 Room
Whether you live in Raleigh, Wilmington, or elsewhere in North Carolina, the Anderson Painting team is ready to help you overhaul any room in your home or commercial space. Contact us today for a free estimate and leave your painting project in the hands of trusted professionals.
