How much does metal framing material cost?

Estimating Metal Stud Framing Costs

The price to frame your house with metal studs will come down to the thickness of the metal, labor costs, and other materials.

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By Gauge

The cost of metal studs varies depending on the metal gauge, or the thickness of the metal. Most load-bearing walls require 16- or 18-gauge studs, while interior walls use 20- or 25-gauge metal studs. The lower the gauge, the thicker the studs are, so you’ll usually find that lower gauges cost more. For example, 20-gauge metal stud prices are usually lower than 16-gauge metal stud prices. 

By Type

Steel stud prices range drastically between $0.50 and $75 per linear foot, but the overall cost to install metal stud framing depends on the type of steel and whether you use cold-rolled light gauge steel or hot-rolled steel. 

Both types are resistant to rot and insects and are fireproof. Steel is flexible while giving incredible durability and longevity, and it doesn't swell, warp, or shrink.

Written by

Kristen Cramer

April 29, 2023

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Metal stud framing cost by size

Metal stud framing prices are $17 to $32 per square foot installed. Framing a 2,000-square-foot house with steel studs costs $34,000 to $64,000. Metal framing labor alone costs $7 to $15 per square foot. Metal stud prices are $0.50 to $6.75 per linear foot for 14- to 25-gauge steel.

Metal stud framing cost Home / building size (square feet) Average cost installed 500 $8,500 – $16,000 800 $12,800 – $25,600 1,000 $17,000 – $32,000 1,200 $20,400 – $38,400 1,500 $25,500 – $48,000 2,000 $34,000 – $64,000 2,500 $42,500 – $80,000 3,000 $51,000 – $96,000

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Average metal framing cost

The following table shows the average cost of metal framing for a 2,000-square-foot house, including labor and materials.

Average metal stud framing cost - ChartAverage metal stud framing cost National Average Cost $49,000 Minimum Cost $28,000 Maximum Cost $80,000 Average Range $34,000 to $64,000

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Metal stud prices by gauge

Metal stud prices are $0.50 to $6.75 per linear foot for materials alone, depending on the gauge and width. The steel gauge indicates the metal's thickness—the smaller the gauge, the thicker the metal.

• Thicker steel gauges of 14, 16, and 18 are best for exterior or load-bearing walls.

• Thinner steel gauges of 20, 22, and 25 are best for interior, non-load-bearing walls.

Metal stud prices by gauge Steel gauge Average price per linear foot* Wall type 14 $2.40 – $6.75 Exterior or load-bearing wall 16 $1.90 – $5.00 Exterior or load-bearing wall 18 $1.50 – $4.25 Exterior or load-bearing wall 20 $0.80 – $1.90 Interior, non-load-bearing wall 22 $0.65 – $1.60 Interior, non-load-bearing wall 25 $0.50 – $1.30 Interior, non-load-bearing wall

*Materials only. Not including delivery or installation.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) studs are for residential construction to frame walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. Hot-rolled steel beams—also called structural steel beams—are for large-scale construction like bridges, industrial buildings, and large commercial buildings.

A new house under construction with metal stud framing.

Metal stud framing cost calculator

Metal stud framing costs vary by the amount of labor needed, the installation location, and design type.

Metal stud framing cost factors Factor Average cost per square foot Materials $10 – $17  Labor $7 – $15 Total cost $17 – $32

Factors that affect the cost to frame a metal house include:

• Steel prices & gauge – Steel pricing fluctuates daily, affecting your total material costs. The steel gauge also impacts the cost, with higher prices for thicker-gauge studs.

• Home or building size – Larger structures require more materials and labor time, increasing costs.

• Number of stories – Framing costs are typically on the higher end of the range for homes with 2 or more stories. However, steel framing is ideal for multi-story homes because steel supports more weight than wood.

• Doors & windows:

  • The cost to frame a door opening with steel studs is $120 to $170 per interior door and $150 to $500 per exterior door, depending on the width.

  • The cost to install a door is $200 to $1,150 each for interior doors or $480 to $2,250 for exterior doors.

  • The cost to frame a window opening with steel studs is $120 to $400 per window, depending on the size.

  • Window installation costs $400 to $650 per window, including labor and materials.

• Pre-built panels vs. on-site framing – Many companies offer steel-frame panels manufactured in their facility according to the blueprints. Crews assemble the panels on-site in only 2 to 3 days, compared to the 30 to 60+ days it takes to frame a wood house.

• Steel beam – A steel I-beam costs $100 to $400 per foot installed and can replace a load-bearing wall.

• Finishing:

  • Insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot installed. Rigid foam board insulation—also called extruded polystyrene or XPS—is ideal on the exterior of a metal-stud frame. Fiberglass batts or spray foam work best in interior walls.

  • Hanging drywall on metal studs costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of surface area, including labor and materials.

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Metal framing labor cost

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Metal framing labor costs $7 to $15 per square foot, making up 25% to 45% of the total project cost on average. In addition to framing labor, you may need a general contractor to oversee your project and a structural engineer to inspect it:

• General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of construction costs.

• Structural engineers charge $100 to $220 per hour or 1% to 5% of construction costs.

Commercial metal framing cost per square foot

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Commercial metal framing costs $12 to $40 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the building size and number of stories. Metal framing with cold-rolled steel studs and hot-rolled structural steel beams is common for large office buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial buildings.

Steel vs. wood framing cost

Metal stud framing costs $17 to $32 per square foot, compared to $11 to $25 per square foot for wood framing. Despite its higher cost, steel framing provides better value due to its durability and resistance to fire, rot, and insects.

The cost to frame a house with wood studs is $22,000 to $50,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot home, while framing a wall costs $1,000 to $5,000.

Metal stud vs. wood stud framing cost Factor Metal Wood Cost per square foot $17 – $32 $11 – $25 Pros

• Quicker & easier to install
• More durable & long-lasting
• Fire-resistant
• Not prone to rot, termites, or moisture damage
• Less prone to warping or cracking
• Longer warranty & lower insurance costs
• More environmentally friendly

• Usually cheaper (depending on current lumber prices)
• Easier for more contractors to handle since it’s more common

Cons

• Usually more expensive (depending on current steel prices)
• Less insulating than wood
• Can rust over time
• More difficult to cut on-site

• Requires more maintenance & pest control
• More prone to rot, termites, or moisture damage
• More prone to warping or cracking
• Not fire-resistant

Steel studs contain a minimum of 25% recycled materials.

Metal stud framing FAQs

What is metal stud framing?

Metal stud framing is a construction method that uses cold-formed steel components, including studs and tracks fastened with screws. Metal framing lasts longer and is suitable for houses or commercial buildings.

Is metal stud framing cheaper than wood framing?

Metal stud framing costs more than wood framing due to the higher material cost for steel versus lumber. However, steel studs are more durable, easier to install, and resist fire, moisture, and termites better than wood studs.

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Where to buy metal framing studs

You can buy metal framing studs from local building suppliers, online steel suppliers, or home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards.

Getting estimates from metal framing contractors

When hiring a metal framing contractor near you, remember to:

• Obtain estimates from at least 3 contractors. Confirm the bids include comparable materials.

• Look for contractors certified by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA).

• Select licensed, bonded, and insured contractors who have been in business 5+ years.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project begins.

• Never pay in full before the work begins.

• Don't make the final payment until the project is complete and has passed all inspections.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been in business?

• Can I see a list of references?

• How many homes have you framed with metal studs?

• Will you handle the project yourself or hire subcontractors?

• Which steel gauge will you use for my project?

• Will you frame the house from scratch on-site or assemble it from prefabricated panels?

• Does the estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup?

• What unexpected costs might come up during the project?

• Which insulation type do you recommend for my metal-framed home?

• Can you add wood blocking in places where I’ll need to nail into the wall to hang pictures?

• Will you handle the permit process?

• How long will the project take?

• Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?

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