How Much Does Metal Stud Framing Cost?
Framing a 2,000-square-foot home with metal studs will cost you between $24,700 and $32,500, with an average around $27,300. The final cost can vary based on factors like your location, the complexity of the design, and current market conditions.
Metal stud framing has been a staple in commercial construction since the 1950s. While wood framing has been the go-to for many, metal offers several advantages. It’s lighter, resistant to fire, and environmentally friendly. Plus, metal is rot-proof and can handle extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, and other natural disasters, making it a durable and reliable choice for modern construction.
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Average Metal Stud Framing Cost
Cost Type | Average Cost | Low Cost | High Cost |
Metal Stud Framing Cost | $27,300 | $24,700 | $32,500 |
This calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with metal stud framing for a 2,000-square-foot home. Keep in mind that actual costs can vary based on location, design complexity, and market fluctuations.
Estimating Metal Stud Framing Costs
When it comes to framing your home with metal studs, several factors will influence the total cost, including the thickness of the metal, labor expenses, and additional materials required.
Cost by Gauge
The thickness of the metal, known as the gauge, plays a significant role in determining the cost of metal studs. Load-bearing walls typically require thicker studs, such as 16- or 18-gauge, while interior walls can use thinner options like 20- or 25-gauge studs. Generally, the lower the gauge, the thicker and more expensive the studs will be. For instance, 20-gauge metal studs are usually more affordable than the sturdier 16-gauge studs.
Cost by Type
The price of steel studs can vary widely, ranging from $0.65 to $97.50 per linear foot, depending on the type of steel used. The overall cost to install metal stud framing depends on whether you choose cold-rolled light gauge steel or hot-rolled steel.
Both types offer benefits like resistance to rot and insects, and they are fireproof. Steel is also known for its flexibility, which provides excellent durability and longevity. Unlike wood, steel doesn’t swell, warp, or shrink, making it a reliable choice for long-term structural integrity.
Type of Steel | Average Cost Range per Linear Foot | Uses |
Light Gauge Cold-Rolled Steel | $0.65 – $1.95 | Load-bearing walls (commonly available in 16- and 18-gauges) |
Hot-Rolled Steel Beams | $19.50 – $97.50 | Residential and commercial structures |
Per Square Foot
Metal studs typically cost between $2.60 and $5.20 per square foot. However, it’s important to note that steel prices can fluctuate, which can impact your overall metal framing cost per square foot. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s a good idea to check with your contractor or local supplier.
Labor Costs
Many professionals prefer working with metal studs because they allow for quicker installation times. On average, labor costs range from $6.50 to $13 per square foot or $13 to $39 per linear foot. Keep in mind that if your project is particularly complex, these costs can increase accordingly.
Metal Stud Framing Cost by Size
Metal stud framing now ranges from $22 to $42 per square foot installed. So, if you’re framing a 2,000-square-foot house with steel studs, you can expect the costs to fall between $44,200 and $83,200. For labor alone, the price has risen to $9 to $19.50 per square foot. The cost of metal studs themselves varies from $0.65 to $8.75 per linear foot, depending on whether you’re using 14- to 25-gauge steel.
These updated figures reflect the increased costs due to market fluctuations and rising material prices, ensuring you have a more accurate budget estimate for your project.
Home / Building Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost Installed |
500 | $11,050 – $20,800 |
800 | $16,640 – $33,280 |
1,000 | $22,100 – $41,600 |
1,200 | $26,520 – $49,920 |
1,500 | $33,150 – $62,400 |
2,000 | $44,200 – $83,200 |
2,500 | $55,250 – $104,000 |
3,000 | $66,300 – $124,800 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Frame a Metal House
Several key factors influence the cost of framing a metal house:
- Steel Prices & Gauge: Steel prices can fluctuate daily, impacting your material costs. The gauge of the steel also plays a significant role; thicker-gauge studs are more expensive, but they offer greater strength and durability.
- Home or Building Size: Larger structures naturally require more materials and labor, driving up costs. The bigger the building, the higher the overall expense.
- Number of Stories: Multi-story buildings typically have higher framing costs due to the increased complexity and need for additional support. However, steel is an excellent choice for multi-story homes as it supports more weight than wood.
- Doors & Windows:
- Framing Doors: The cost to frame a door opening with steel studs ranges from $156 to $221 per interior door and $195 to $650 per exterior door, depending on the size and width.
- Installing Doors: Expect to pay between $260 and $1,495 per interior door and $624 to $2,925 per exterior door for installation.
- Framing Windows: Framing a window opening with steel studs costs between $156 and $520 per window, depending on size.
- Installing Windows: Window installation typically costs $520 to $845 per window, including both labor and materials.
- Pre-Built Panels vs. On-Site Framing: Pre-built steel frame panels, manufactured according to your blueprints, can be assembled on-site in just 2 to 3 days. This contrasts with the 30 to 60+ days often required for traditional wood framing.
- Steel Beams: Installing a steel I-beam, which can replace a load-bearing wall, costs between $130 and $520 per foot.
- Finishing:
- Insulation: Insulating your metal-stud frame will cost between $1.30 and $5.85 per square foot installed. Rigid foam board insulation is ideal for exterior walls, while fiberglass batts or spray foam are better suited for interior walls.
- Hanging Drywall: The cost for hanging drywall on metal studs ranges from $1.95 to $4.55 per square foot, including both labor and materials.
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Metal Framing Labor Cost
When it comes to metal framing, labor costs typically range from $9 to $19 per square foot, accounting for about 25% to 45% of the total project cost. This includes the expense for framing the metal studs as well as any additional professional services you might need:
- General Contractors: These professionals usually charge between $65 and $195 per hour, or 12% to 25% of the overall construction costs. Their role is crucial for managing the project and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Structural Engineers: Hiring a structural engineer will generally cost between $130 and $286 per hour, or 2% to 6% of the construction costs. They are essential for inspecting the structural integrity of the framing and providing necessary approvals.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Metal Stud Framing?
When planning a construction project that involves metal stud framing, it’s crucial to understand the various factors that can impact the overall cost. From the size of the building to the specific materials used, each element plays a role in determining your final budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key factors to consider.
Size of the Building
The size of your building is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost of metal stud framing. Larger buildings naturally require more materials and labor, which increases the total expense. Contractors typically charge between $6.50 and $13 per square foot for labor, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the design. For example, a straightforward rectangular building might be more cost-effective to frame than a structure with numerous angles, curves, or intricate architectural features. Additionally, the height of the building can also impact costs, as multi-story structures require more substantial supports and additional safety measures during construction.
Mobile Homes
For those considering mobile homes, DIY metal framing kits are an increasingly popular option. These kits range from $16,900 to $27,300 and often include essential components like the trailer foundation. The appeal of metal stud framing for mobile homes lies in its ability to significantly reduce the structure’s weight, making it easier to transport and more fuel-efficient. These kits typically come partially assembled, with framing panels that simplify the construction process, allowing homeowners to save on labor costs while still achieving a durable and reliable structure.
Multi-Story Houses
When it comes to larger, multi-story homes, steel framing offers unparalleled benefits. Steel beams, such as I-beams, H-beams, and Z-beams, are crucial for providing the necessary support for homes with expansive open-concept designs. Unlike wood, steel doesn’t warp or shrink, ensuring that your home remains structurally sound over time. Moreover, steel can support heavier loads, which is particularly important in multi-story homes where upper floors add significant weight. This makes steel framing not only a practical choice but also a long-term investment in the durability and safety of your home.
Residential vs. Commercial Structures
The type of structure you’re building—whether residential or commercial—also has a major impact on the cost and type of metal stud framing required. Each setting has unique demands that influence the choice of materials, labor, and design.
Apartment Buildings
Apartment buildings, particularly those with multiple floors, often utilize structural steel framing. This method involves the use of heavy I-beams and load-bearing supports that provide the strength and stability needed for both low-rise and high-rise buildings. Structural steel framing allows for greater design flexibility, enabling architects to create innovative and visually appealing spaces. Additionally, steel’s fire-resistant properties make it a safer option for densely populated buildings, offering peace of mind to developers and residents alike.
Commercial Structures
For commercial buildings, metal warehouse framing cost is a significant factor, and metal stud framing offers a versatile and efficient choice. The cost, including insulation and wall coverings, typically ranges from $15.60 to $52 per square foot, depending on the complexity and specifications of the project. Commercial structures often require a blend of structural steel supports and light gauge steel studs, which together provide the necessary strength while allowing for quicker construction times. This combination is particularly useful in commercial settings where time is money, and getting the building operational as quickly as possible is a priority. Additionally, the durability and low maintenance requirements of metal stud framing make it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize long-term operational costs.
Steel Studs vs. Wood: Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of steel studs to traditional wood framing, you’ll find that steel framing typically costs between $2.60 and $5.20 per square foot, while wood framing ranges from $1.30 to $6.50 per square foot. Given the fluctuations in wood prices, steel framing is becoming an increasingly attractive and economically viable option.
Labor costs for both materials are fairly comparable, typically ranging from $6.50 to $13 per square foot. However, some contractors prefer working with steel due to its quicker installation process, which can help reduce overall labor expenses. Hiring a carpenter to work on a wood-framed project can cost anywhere from $19.50 to $195 per hour, with the total cost of framing a wall in wood ranging from $1,300 to $7,800 per wall.
It’s important to note that metal stud framing requires different materials than wood framing. This includes specific items like screws, electrical boxes, plastic grommets, and fasteners. One thing to keep in mind is that screws, which are essential for metal stud framing, generally cost more than nails used in wood framing. This difference in materials can slightly increase the overall cost, but it’s offset by the benefits of using steel, such as durability and ease of installation.
DIY Metal Framing vs. Hiring a Contractor
Tackling metal framing as a DIY project is best left to those with experience and the right tools. Working with steel studs isn’t as straightforward as wood framing; it requires specialized components and equipment to cut and securely fasten the studs. Even if you have the skills, you should factor in the extra costs for these tools and supplies, which can add up quickly.
Custom DIY steel frame kits are gaining popularity, but they’re typically only practical for smaller projects like a home addition, shed, or garage. While these kits can be a cost-effective option for minor builds, it’s important to remember that most warranty agreements require professional installation. This means you’ll likely need to hire a residential framing contractor to ensure the job is done correctly and that your warranties remain valid. Hiring a pro might seem like an added expense, but it can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run, especially on more complex projects.
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Conclusion
The cost of metal stud framing for a 2,000-square-foot home typically ranges from $24,700 to $32,500, with an average cost of around $27,300. This variation is influenced by factors such as gauge thickness, location, and design complexity. Metal stud framing offers several benefits, including durability, fire resistance, and environmental friendliness. It is particularly advantageous in regions prone to severe weather conditions. For accurate budgeting, consider the fluctuations in steel prices, labor costs, and the specific needs of your project. Ultimately, metal framing is a reliable and modern choice for both residential and commercial construction.
FAQs
Framing a 2,000-square-foot home with metal studs typically costs between $24,700 and $32,500, with an average cost of around $27,300. The final cost can vary based on factors such as location, design complexity, and current market conditions.
Several factors impact the cost of metal stud framing:
- Steel Prices & Gauge: Fluctuations in steel prices and the gauge (thickness) of the metal studs play a significant role in cost. Thicker, load-bearing studs are more expensive.
- Home or Building Size: Larger buildings require more materials and labor, increasing costs.
- Number of Stories: Multi-story structures need additional support and complexity, affecting the cost.
- Doors & Windows: Costs vary based on framing and installation of doors and windows.
- Pre-Built Panels vs. On-Site Framing: Pre-built panels can reduce construction time compared to traditional on-site framing.
- Finishing: Additional costs for insulation, drywall, and other finishing touches.
Metal studs generally cost between $2.60 and $5.20 per square foot. This can vary based on the type of steel and market conditions.
Labor costs for metal stud framing range from $9 to $19 per square foot. This includes both framing and any additional professional services required, such as general contractors and structural engineers.
- Light Gauge Cold-Rolled Steel: Costs between $0.65 and $1.95 per linear foot. Typically used for load-bearing walls and available in gauges like 16 and 18.
- Hot-Rolled Steel Beams: Costs between $19.50 and $97.50 per linear foot. Suitable for both residential and commercial structures.
Metal stud framing generally costs between $2.60 and $5.20 per square foot, while wood framing ranges from $1.30 to $6.50 per square foot. Although metal framing can be more expensive due to material costs, it offers durability and low maintenance benefits.
- Framing Doors: Costs between $156 and $650, depending on the door type (interior or exterior).
- Installing Doors: Costs between $260 and $2,925, including labor.
- Framing Windows: Costs between $156 and $520 per window.
- Installing Windows: Typically costs $520 to $845 per window.
Metal stud framing offers several benefits:
- Durability: Resistant to fire, rot, insects, and extreme weather conditions.
- Environmental Impact: Metal is recyclable and often considered more environmentally friendly than wood.
- Longevity: Metal does not warp, shrink, or swell, providing long-term structural stability.
DIY metal framing is best suited for those with experience and the right tools. For larger or more complex projects, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper assembly and to maintain warranty coverage.
- Insulation: Costs between $1.30 and $5.85 per square foot installed.
- Hanging Drywall: Costs range from $1.95 to $4.55 per square foot, including labor and materials.
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Process To Get the Metal Stud Framing Cost Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get the metal stud framing cost estimate report.
