Civil Engineer | Estimator
Last updated: January 08, 2026
When it comes to home improvement projects, installing a new driveway is one of the most impactful investments you can make. A well-constructed driveway not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also provides a functional space for parking and can even increase your property value.
Cost of a new driveway can vary significantly based on several factors, including type of material, size, shape, labor and additional features.
Visual representation of your wall framing.
Formula: Regular Studs = (Wall Length / OC Spacing) + 1
This calculates regular studs in the middle plus one end stud.
Assumption: Double studs at wall ends (corners) are included in calculations.
Total Studs Formula:
Regular Studs: (Wall Length ÷ OC Spacing) + 1
Wall End Studs: 4 studs (2 ends × 2 studs each)
Total: Regular Studs + 4
Example: 12ft wall with 16" OC spacing:
(12ft × 12in/ft) ÷ 16in = 9 spaces
9 + 1 = 10 regular studs
Wall Ends: 4 studs (assumed)
Total: 10 + 4 = 14 total studs
Current Prices:
Prices vary by region, supplier, and wood type.
When it comes to building a new house or building or planning to change or renovate an existing structure, framing is an essential component. It is process of constructing support structure or skeleton of a home and building which will hold the walls, roof and floors in place. The cost of framing is a major part of construction budget and is often calculated based on the square footage of the project.
| Material Type | Cost Range (per SF) | Current Market Details & Metrics |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Dimensional Lumber
SPF #2 Grade • Pressure-Treated Options
|
$5.50 – $16.00 Avg: $9.75/SF installed Recent increase |
Current Market Position: Remains most common choice for residential framing despite price increases. Pressure-treated lumber adds 15-20% cost premium.
Material Cost Only
$3.25 – $7.50/SF
Regional Variation
West: +18% • Midwest: -12%
Availability Index
95/100 (Excellent)
Sources: Industry Cost Surveys • Lumber Market Reports • Statistical Data
|
|
Engineered Wood Products
LVL Beams • I-Joists • Glulam
|
$7.25 – $18.50 Avg: $12.25/SF installed Stable |
Growth Sector: Fastest growing framing segment with increasing adoption. LVL beams now standard for spans over 16'. Manufacturing efficiency reducing costs.
Waste Reduction
12-18% vs solid lumber
Strength-to-Weight
2.3× dimensional lumber
Market Share Growth
Significant increase
Sources: Industry Association Reports • Builder Magazine Reports
|
|
Light-Gauge Steel Framing
20-25 Gauge • Galvanized Coating
|
$12.00 – $24.00 Avg: $17.50/SF installed Recent increase |
Commercial Dominance: Used in most commercial framing. Residential adoption growing in wildfire/hurricane zones. Steel prices stabilized but labor premium remains.
Labor Premium
25-35% over wood
Fire Rating
Non-combustible
Commercial Use
High percentage of projects
Sources: Industry Association • Market Data
|
|
Structural Insulated Panels
SIPs • EPS/Polystyrene Core
|
$18.00 – $35.00 Avg: $25.50/SF installed Stable |
Energy Efficiency Leader: R-values significantly higher than conventional framing. Popular in net-zero and passive house projects. Factory precision reduces on-site labor.
R-Value
R-14 to R-40
Labor Savings
35-45% vs stick-built
Energy Savings
50-60% reduction
Sources: Industry Association • Energy Reports
|
|
Insulated Concrete Forms
ICF Blocks • Reinforced Concrete Core
|
$24.00 – $48.00 Avg: $34.50/SF installed Recent increase |
Premium & Disaster-Resistant: Highest initial cost offset by significant energy savings. Popular in luxury coastal/high-wind regions. Concrete prices stabilizing.
R-Value
R-17 to R-26+
Wind Resistance
Up to 250 mph
Luxury Market Share
Significant percentage of high-end homes
Sources: Industry Association • Building Science Data
|
Planning a wood framing project?
Professional framing takeoff services to help you estimate materials and costs with precision.
The main factors are the size of the house, the complexity of the design, the type of materials used, and local labor rates. A larger home or one with intricate design features will generally cost more to frame.
Yes, wood framing is usually cheaper than metal framing. However, metal framing is more durable and may be preferred in areas prone to termites or high humidity. Costs will vary based on material choice and project requirements.
Framing costs generally cover only the structural skeleton. Insulation, drywall, and other finishes are additional expenses. Be sure to ask your contractor about what’s included to understand the full scope of costs.
To estimate costs, consider the square footage of your project and multiply by the average per-square-foot cost for materials and labor in your area. You can also get quotes from local contractors for a more precise estimate based on your design and materials.
The most common framing materials are wood (softwood like pine or fir) and metal (usually steel or aluminum). Each has pros and cons, so choose based on your budget, climate, and structural needs.
Trusses are pre-engineered systems ($85-$580 each) that install quickly with less labor. Rafters are custom-cut on-site, offering more design flexibility but requiring more skilled labor and time.
While DIY garage framing can save 40-60% on labor costs, it requires significant construction knowledge, proper tools, and understanding of local building codes. Most municipalities require inspections and permits even for owner-built structures.
Essential professionals include: a general contractor (10-20% of project cost), structural engineer (1-3% for custom designs), and licensed framers. Permits and inspections add 2-5% to total costs.
A 2,000 square foot home takes 2-4 weeks for framing completion. Factors affecting timeline include: crew size, weather conditions, material availability, and design complexity. Delays most commonly occur with custom designs or material shortages.