Updated: December 2024
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.
Framing Type | Area/Structure | Average Cost Range | Details |
Room Addition Framing | 400 Square Feet | $4,500 – $12,500 | Includes walls, flooring, and roof framing for small additions. Suitable for extra bedrooms or offices. |
Basement Framing | Open Floor Plan | $2,500 – $3,500 | Minimal framing, often limited to outer walls. |
Multiple Rooms | $4,000 – $6,500 | Includes interior wall framing for dividing spaces, such as bedrooms or storage. | |
Roof Framing | 2,000 SF Roof Area | $12,500 – $32,000 | Costs depend on roof style (gable, hip, or custom designs) and materials used. |
Complex Roof Design | $15,000 – $38,000 | For intricate shapes like mansard or vaulted ceilings. | |
Garage Framing | 2-Car Garage | $3,500 – $8,500 | Includes walls, roof framing, and door supports. |
3-Car Garage | $5,500 – $12,000 | Larger area with additional supports for wider spans. | |
Interior Wall Framing | Single Wall (With Drywall) | $1,200 – $5,500 | Includes framing, drywall installation, and finishing touches. |
Partition Walls (Multiple) | $3,500 – $9,000 | For splitting large spaces into smaller rooms. | |
Whole-House Framing | 1,500 SF Home | $18,000 – $45,000 | Full framing including walls, floors, and roofing. |
2,000 SF Home | $23,000 – $65,000 | Average family home size; costs include both labor and materials. | |
3,000 SF Home | $35,000 – $90,000 | Larger homes require more materials and time to frame. | |
Deck Framing | 200 SF Deck | $1,500 – $3,000 | For small wooden decks or porches; does not include finishing. |
500 SF Deck | $3,500 – $7,500 | Larger outdoor spaces with added structural supports. | |
Custom Framing | Vaulted Ceilings | $10,000 – $20,000 | Specialty designs that require expert craftsmanship. |
Open-Concept Living Areas | $15,000 – $30,000 | Requires fewer walls but stronger beams for support. |
Our framing calculator is designed to save you time and ensure you plan with precision. By entering basic project details, you can:
Standard stud lengths correspond to common wall heights:
Our framing calculator helps you estimate the materials and costs required for your framing project. Here’s a breakdown of the calculations and methods used:
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Estimating the Number of Studs Required
To determine the total number of studs you’ll need, we use the following approach:
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Formulas:Â
Base Studs = (Wall Length / (Stud Spacing (in feet))) + 1 + Wall Ends
Total Studs = Base Studs × Wastage Percentage
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Estimating the Total Plate Length
Plate boards are horizontal framing members that run along the top and bottom of the wall. We calculate the total length of plates required based on:
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Formula:
Total Plate Length = Wall Length × (Top Plate Boards + Bottom Plate Boards)
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The total cost of framing is calculated based on the number of studs required and their individual cost. This gives you a quick estimate of material costs for your project.
Formula:
Framing Cost = Total Studs × Cost Per Stud
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Cost of expanded framing varies by material type. Standard lumber ranges from $4 to $13 per square foot. Engineered wood, priced between $6 to $15, is stronger and more resistant to warping than traditional lumber.
Steel framing costs between $10 and $20 per square foot. Insulated panels, which are prefabricated and include insulation, typically range from $15 to $30 and are popular in modern construction. Finally, concrete forms, used for heavy-duty framing in industrial or luxury projects, can cost between $20 and $40 per square foot.
Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Details |
Standard Lumber | $4 – $13 | Affordable and widely used. Treated wood adds durability. |
Engineered Wood | $6 – $15 | Stronger and more warp-resistant than traditional lumber. |
Steel Framing | $10 – $20 | Ideal for durability and fire resistance but needs skilled labor. |
Insulated Panels | $15 – $30 | Prefabricated panels with insulation, often used in modern builds. |
Concrete Forms | $20 – $40 | For heavy-duty framing, common in industrial or luxury builds. |
The cost to frame a house varies significantly based on its size. For a 1,000 square foot home, framing typically ranges from $12,000 – $35,000, making it suitable for small or single-story houses.
A 1,500 sq ft home usually incurs costs between $18,000 – $50,000, which is common for compact family residences.
For standard suburban family homes measuring 2,000 sq ft, the average framing cost is between $23,000 – $65,000. Larger multi-story homes or luxury builds at 3,000 sq ft can expect framing costs ranging from $35,000 – $90,000.
Expansive designs that require high-quality materials and skilled labor for 4,000 sq ft homes typically cost between $50,000 – $120,000.
House Size (Square Feet) | Average Framing Cost | Notes |
1,000 SF | $12,000 – $35,000 | Common for small homes or single-story houses. |
1,500 SF | $18,000 – $50,000 | Typical for compact family homes. |
2,000 SF | $23,000 – $65,000 | Standard size for suburban family homes. |
3,000 SF | $35,000 – $90,000 | Larger multi-story homes or luxury builds. |
4,000 SF | $50,000 – $120,000 | Expansive designs requiring high-quality materials and labor. |
Total Construction Budget | Framing Costs | Percentage |
$250,000 | $37,500 – $50,000 | 15% – 20% |
$400,000 | $60,000 – $80,000 | 15% – 20% |
$600,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | 15% – 20% |
Several factors can affect the cost of framing, including:
Factor | Cost Impact | Details |
Material Type | Wood: $4 – $17 per SF | Wood framing is cheaper upfront but may require maintenance due to pests or moisture issues. |
Steel: $10 – $20 per SF | Steel is more durable and fire-resistant, providing better long-term value despite higher costs. | |
Engineered Wood: $6 – $15 per SF | Offers strength and resistance to warping, ideal for custom designs. | |
Floor Plan / Design | +$2 – $5 per SF | Multi-angled roofs, vaulted ceilings, or open-concept layouts increase material and labor needs. |
Architect Fees: 5% – 20% of costs | Architects charge for designing complex layouts and ensuring structural integrity. | |
Blueprint Costs: $0.35 – $5.00 per SF | Pre-made or custom house plans influence overall design costs. | |
Number of Stories | +$4 – $5 per SF (2nd Story) | Additional stories require more labor, materials, and structural reinforcement. |
Foundation Type | +25% – 35% (Basement or Crawlspace) | Framing over basements or crawlspaces is more labor-intensive than concrete slab foundations. |
Windows & Doors | +$100 – $400 per Opening | Each window or door requires precise framing and additional materials. |
Sheathing Type | Wall Sheathing: $1 – $3.50 per SF | OSB is cheaper, while plywood offers better durability. Includes installation costs. |
Roof Sheathing: $2 – $5 per SF | Protects the roof structure and serves as a base for shingles or tiles. | |
Permits | $500 – $2,000 | Permit costs vary based on home size and local regulations. Required for new construction. |
Labor costs for framing per square foot range from $7 to $13 in the USA. Framing costs average $11 to $30 per square foot, including labor and materials. The final cost depends on many factors, including project’s size, design complexity, region, framing team experience and material choice (e.g. wood or steel).
Cost Factor | Cost per Square Foot | Notes |
Materials | $4 – $17 | Includes wood, steel, or engineered materials. Steel is costlier. |
Labor | $7 – $14 | Varies by region, house size, foundation type, and design complexity. |
Total Cost | $11 – $30 | Combined cost of labor and materials for standard residential framing. |
Professional | Cost Range | Role |
General Contractor | 10% – 20% of total construction costs | Oversees the project, coordinates workers, and ensures timely completion. |
Structural Engineer | 1% – 3% of total construction costs | Verifies the frame’s structural integrity to withstand forces like gravity and wind. |
Material | Average Cost (Per SF) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Standard Lumber | $4 – $13 | Affordable and widely available. | Prone to warping, pests, and moisture issues. |
Steel Framing | $10 – $20 | Durable, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly. | Requires specialized labor; higher upfront cost. |
Engineered Wood | $6 – $15 | Strong, warp-resistant, and eco-conscious. | More expensive than standard lumber. |
Structural/ Isulated Panels | $15 – $30 | Prefabricated with insulation for energy efficiency. | High material and installation costs. |
Cost Component | Average Range | Details |
Custom Roof Design | $12,000 – $38,000 (2,000 SF roof) | Complex designs like mansard or vaulted ceilings increase labor and material costs. |
Interior Framing (Walls) | $3,500 – $9,000 | Includes partition walls for room divisions. |
Deck or Porch Framing | $1,500 – $7,500 | Costs depend on deck size and type of materials used (e.g., treated wood vs. composite). |
Structural Engineer Fees | 1% – 3% of construction cost | Required for custom or large-scale projects to ensure structural integrity. |
The labor cost to frame a wall with wood ranges from $7 to $14 per linear foot, depending on project specifics. Standard residential walls (8–10 feet high) typically cost $7–$10 per linear foot, while taller or more complex walls (12 feet or higher) may cost $10–$14 per linear foot due to additional labor and expertise.
Category | Cost per Linear Foot | Description |
Standard Residential Wall | $7 – $10 per LF | Framing for typical 8–10 ft residential walls. Includes labor for cutting, assembling, and securing the frame. |
Tall Walls (12 ft or higher) | $10 – $14 per LF | Walls requiring extra materials and expertise, common in open floor plans or commercial properties. |
Framing an addition typically costs $4,600 to $12,500 for 400 square feet, with the final price depending on factors like layout, foundation type, and whether the addition is on the first or second floor.
Type of Addition | Average Cost | Details |
Single-story addition | $4,600 – $10,500 | Easier to frame as it doesn’t require additional roof reframing. |
Second-story addition | $6,500 – $12,500 | Higher cost due to roof removal, additional reinforcements, and structural complexity. |
Foundation impact | +25% | Framing over a crawlspace or basement foundation increases costs. |
Basement framing costs between $19 and $25 per linear foot, including labor and materials. The total cost depends on the size of the space and whether the layout is open or divided into multiple rooms.
Project | Cost | Details |
Open floorplan basement | $2,500 – $3,400 | Suitable for large, open spaces with minimal interior walls. |
Basement with rooms | $4,000 – $6,500 | Includes partition walls, door framing, and extra studs for interior spaces. |
Add drywall | $3.80 – $6.75 per SF | Framing plus drywall installation per square foot of wall surface. |
Roof framing costs $7 to $16 per square foot, depending on the design, size, and material used. Roof trusses are the most cost-effective solution, while custom rafters cost more.
Project | Cost | Details |
Basic roof design | $7 – $12 per SF | Simple gable roof designs with minimal angles. |
Complex roof design | $12 – $16 per SF | Includes dormers, multi-angled structures, or vaulted ceilings. |
Roof trusses (wood) | $70 – $500 per truss | Pre-built trusses reduce labor time and costs. |
Roof trusses (steel) | $200 – $750 per truss | Durable but more expensive; ideal for industrial or fire-resistant construction. |
Interior wall framing typically costs $1,100 to $5,500, depending on wall size, purpose, and whether it is load-bearing.
Project | Cost | Details |
Standard wall framing | $1,100 – $4,000 | Non-load-bearing walls for room divisions. |
Load-bearing wall framing | $3,000 – $5,500 | Higher costs due to extra studs and structural reinforcements. |
Wall with drywall | $3.90 – $6.80 per SF | Cost per square foot for framing, drywall, and finishing. |
Framing a garage costs $3,300 to $8,500 on average, with prices varying by size, design, and whether it’s attached or detached.
Garage Type | Average Cost | Details |
Single-car garage | $3,300 – $5,500 | Smaller space with fewer framing and roofing requirements. |
Two-car garage | $6,000 – $8,500 | Includes framing, roofing, and sheathing. |
Garage door opening | $220 – $320 | Cost to frame openings for single or double garage doors (door excluded). |
Structural Panels | $15 – $30 | Prefabricated with insulation for energy efficiency. |
The cost to dry-in a house accounts for 40% to 60% of the total construction budget. This phase ensures the home is weatherproof, enabling interior work to continue.
Garage Type | Average Cost | Details |
Framing and sheathing | $20,000 – $60,000 | Includes walls, roof, and floor structure for an average-sized home. |
Windows and doors | $8,000 – $15,000 | Installing and sealing all exterior openings. |
Roofing | $10,000 – $25,000 | Includes framing, sheathing, and either permanent roofing or temporary covering. |
Structural Moisture barrier | $2,500 – $6,000 | House wrap, flashing, and caulking to protect against rain and wind. |
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.
Labor costs can vary widely depending on location and the skill level of the crew. On average, labor costs range from $7 to $15 per square foot, but this can be higher for custom designs or complex projects.
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.
Construction Estimator | Civil Engineer | Quantity Surveyor
