How much does it cost to frame a wall?
How much does it cost to frame a wall?
$25 – $64 cost per linear foot (framing + drywall)
$1,000 – $5,000 average total cost to build a wall
Cost to build a wall
The cost to build a wall is $25 to $64 per linear foot or $1,000 to $5,000 total on average, including framing and drywall. Framing alone costs $11 to $32 per linear foot, depending on the framing material, wall height, stud spacing, and whether it's an interior or exterior wall.
| Wall length | Average cost installed (interior)* | Average cost installed (exterior)* |
|---|---|---|
| 10' | $250 – $640 | $570 – $1,000 |
| 20' | $500 – $1,300 | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| 30' | $750 – $1,900 | $1,700 – $3,000 |
| 40' | $1,000 – $2,600 | $2,300 – $4,000 |
| 50' | $1,300 – $3,200 | $2,900 – $5,000 |
| 60' | $1,500 – $3,800 | $3,400 – $6,000 |
*Price includes framing and drywall.
Wall installation cost calculator
The following table shows the average cost to build a wall, including framing and drywall.
| National Average Cost | $3,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $250 |
| Maximum Cost | $6,000 |
| Average Range | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Costs to frame an interior wall per linear foot
Wall framing costs $11 to $32 per linear foot with installation, depending on the wall height, frame material, number of doors and windows, and how far apart the studs are. Prices are on the higher end of the range for framing with steel studs instead of wood.
Installing framing and drywall costs $25 to $64 per linear foot.
| Factor | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Wall framing only | $11 – $32 |
| Wall framing and drywall | $25 – $64 |
By adding a wall, you can free up space and use it as a spare room, den, bathroom, office, or mud room. Increasing the number of bedrooms in your home often increases the resale value.
Cost to frame a load bearing wall
Framing a load bearing wall costs $14 to $42 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Load bearing walls support the weight of the roof and ceiling and have more studs than non-load bearing walls, which increases material costs.
A steel beam costs $100 to $400 per linear foot with installation and can be used in place of a load bearing interior wall in many situations.
Framing walls with a door, window, or pass through
Framing a wall with an opening costs an extra $150 to $250 for each door, window, or pass through. Openings cost more than a blank wall because they require a wood or metal support beam on both the top and bottom.
Interior wall framing cost by material
Wood framing is the most common material used in home construction. Most homes use light structural timber from pine, fir, or spruce. Heavy timber and metal beams are more fire-resistant and durable but cost more than standard light timber.
| Factor | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Wood framing | $11 – $25 |
| Metal framing | $17 – $32 |
Cost to add a partition wall to divide a room
Adding a partition wall costs $3 to $18 per square foot with installation, depending on the size and type. Portable room dividing panels do not need to be professionally installed but are less durable than a permanent wall.
| Partition wall type | Cost per square foot (materials only) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent wall | $2 – $9 |
|
| Portable / sliding wall | $3 – $14 |
|
| Modular wall | $15 – $43 |
|
Cost to put up a wall by material
Standard drywall and wood studs are typically the cheapest wall materials. Brick, stone, and glass walls cost significantly more than average.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Drywall stud wall | $3 – $7 |
| Plaster stud wall | $4 – $14 |
| Glass wall | $30 – $140 |
| Wood paneling or shiplap wall | $3 – $11 |
| Brick or brick veneer wall | $8 – $18 |
| Stone or stone veneer wall | $15 – $75 |
| Concrete wall | $15 – $40 |
Adding drywall
Adding drywall costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, or about $14 to $32 per linear foot, depending on the ceiling height. Finishing drywall costs another $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot and uses gypsum mud and joint tape to create a smooth surface.
Cost of putting up a stud wall with plaster and lath
Plastering a wall costs $2 to $10 per square foot to add plaster and lath to an existing wall. Building a wall with studs and plaster costs $4 to $14 per square foot. Plaster costs more than drywall but is more durable and fire-resistant.
Installing glass walls
A glass wall costs $30 to $140 per square foot installed or $20 to $100 per square foot for materials alone. Glass walls are attractive, modern, and allow more light into the room, but they are also expensive and fragile.
Installing wood and shiplap walls cost
Shiplap costs $3 to $11 per square foot with installation or $240 to $1,700 for one interior wall. Wood or vinyl paneling can be used on interior walls but are more commonly used for exterior siding or in cabins.
Building brick, stone, and concrete walls
Brick, stone and concrete walls cost more than standard timber walls:
Concrete – Precast or poured concrete walls cost $15 to $40 per square foot with installation and are typically used in foundations or outdoor walls.
Brick / stone – A brick or stone wall costs $15 to $75 per square foot installed, depending on the style and location. An interior brick accent wall costs $8 to $18 per square foot.
Cinder blocks – A cinder block wall costs $15 to $30 per square foot with installation. This wall type is best suited to outdoor projects.
Interior wall framing and building cost factors in a house
| Type | Interior/Exterior | Additional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Load bearing (extra studs & bracing) | Both | $3 – $10 per square foot |
| Wall insulation costs | Both | $1.00 – $4.50 per square foot |
| Siding cost | Exterior | $3 – $13 per square foot |
| Window installation prices | Exterior | $400 – $1,000 each |
| Door installation cost | Both | $225 – $1,900 each |
The following factors affect overall building costs:
Contractors – A framing carpenter charges $20 to $60 per hour, depending on their experience level and the job complexity.
Electrical work – An electrician charges $50 to $130 per hour and may be necessary for jobs like adding wiring and installing outlets or fixtures.
Plumbing work – A plumber charges $45 to $150 per hour. You'll need a plumber to add or alter any pipes behind the drywall.
Blocking / bracing – Blocking, also called bracing, raises costs slightly because it adds horizontal studs to prevent buckling and reduce the spread of fires. Blocking is used mostly in walls that are 10+ feet tall.
Siding – House siding costs $3 to $13 per square foot or $4,300 to $15,800 total, depending on the home size and materials used. Vinyl and wood are the most common, affordable options. Stone and brick siding cost more than average.
Soundproofing – Adding soundproofing costs $10 to $30 per square foot installed or $1,400 to $4,300 for an average sized room, depending on the method used.
Permits – A building permit costs $500 to $2,000 for large construction projects like adding or removing a load-bearing wall. Always check local regulations to see if a permit is required.
Adding a closet – Building a custom closet costs $25 to $35 per square foot or $1,500 to $4,500 total. Customizing an existing closet costs $70 to $270 per linear foot
Cleanup and debris removal – Many contractors include cleanup costs in their labor fee, while some charge a separate fee.
Labor cost to frame a wall
The labor cost to frame a wall with wood is $7 to $13 per linear foot. Contractors charge more in labor for multiple wall openings or load bearing walls.
| Factor | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Materials and equipment | $4 – $17 |
| Framing labor | $7 – $13 |
| Total cost | $11 – $30 |
Cost to move or rebuild a wall
Wall removal costs $500 to $2,000 for a non-load bearing wall or $4,000 to $10,000 for a load-bearing wall on the first floor. Moving a wall involves demolishing an existing wall and rebuilding it in a new location.
Interior wall finishes
Interior wall finishes add texture, detail, and character to a plain wall:
Texturing walls – The cost to texture drywall is $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot or $450 to $1,000 for an average sized bedroom.
Crown molding – The cost to install crown molding is $7 to $16 per linear foot, depending on the material. MDF, vinyl, and foam molding costs less than traditional wood or plaster molding.
Trim – Interior trim costs $4 to $10 per linear foot installed, depending on the material and location. Trim is used to border doors, windows, and walls.
Interior home painting – The average cost to paint the interior of a house is $1 to $3 per square foot or $350 to $850 per room, depending on the room size.
Wallpaper – Wallpaper costs $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the material, pattern, and texture.
Built-in bookshelf – Built-in bookshelves cost $300 to $850 per linear foot or $2,000 to $7,500 total on average.
Cost to put an arch in a wall
Putting an arch in a wall costs $1,000 to $5,000 with installation, depending on the size and location. DIY arch kits cost $50 to $1,200, not including drywall, spackle, or paint.
Fire separation wall cost
A fire separation wall is made from 1/2" to 5/8"thick gypsum board that slows the spread of fire until the fire department arrives. Most contractors use this drywall during construction, especially on ceilings and garage walls. Older homes built in the 1960s or earlier may not have fire-rated drywall.
Wall framing FAQs
What is wall framing?
Wall framing is the structural support that makes up the walls and doorways of a home, including studs and lintels. Framing is usually constructed from wood, but metal is also a popular choice.
What is the cheapest way to build an interior wall?
The cheapest way to build an interior wall is with light structural timber and drywall. Heavy timber or metal beams cost more but may be necessary for load-bearing or exterior walls.
How long does it take to build an interior wall?
Framing an interior wall takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the wall size, accessibility, and job complexity.
When is blocking required in wall framing?
Blocking is required for walls higher than 10 feet to slow the spread of fire and prevent bending or buckling. Blocking is also used for attaching handrails or cabinets.
Who builds walls?
Framing contractors and carpenters build walls. A handyman can also frame walls but may not have the same level of experience.
Finding and hiring a wall building contractor
Before hiring a framing contractor or wall builder near you, remember to:
Get at least 3 detailed estimates to compare.
Have a carpenter or framer take measurements in person.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded company that's been in business for 5+ years.
Get a contract and warranty in writing before they start framing.
Avoid the lowest quote, which may indicate low-quality work.
Never pay in full before work begins.
Questions to ask
Asking the following questions can help you find the best contractor:
How many wall framing projects have you worked on?
Can you give me references with contact information?
Do you have a portfolio with photos I can see?
Do you charge a fee for in-home estimates? If so, do you apply it to the total price?
Does this estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
How long will the project take?
Can I stay in my home during construction?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?