How Much Does It Cost To Frame An Interior Wall?

Interior wall framing cost

When calculating the cost to frame an interior wall, there are a few things you'll need to include. Basic labor to frame a wall ranges between $126 and $303 per hour on average for a 100-125 square foot wall. This job should take approximately 4-5 hours to complete for a wall of this size. You'll also need to calculate the cost of materials. The materials should include the lumber, connectors, and all fasteners required. For a 100-125 square foot room, prepare to pay between $120-$140 for materials. Some contractors may also charge you a separate fee for equipment allowance which includes the use of a framing nailer, miter saw, and an electric planer. The cost of consumables (nails, etc.) is usually extra. Equipment allowances vary per company, but it's best to budget between $25 and $50 for this charge. A room of this size at this cost should be between $2.20 and $3.90 per square foot to frame an interior wall.

What is house framing?

The process of house framing involves several separate processes that are all assembled together to create a finished home. Most buildings are framed in sections, with each one joined together to form the "shell" or footprint of the home. Most contractors use wood to frame a home, but metal is quickly becoming a popular choice, too. The framing process requires several different skilled workers including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and more. Each skill provides a different benefit and works in conjunction to complete the framing of a house. When building a wall, you'll need it to be professionally framed in order to ensure a safe addition or update to your home.

Cost to frame a wall

Basic framing involves planning and precision in order to ensure that the wall is stable and secure. The cost to frame a wall is less expensive than the total cost to completely build a wall from start to finish, which may include insulation, electrical work, and drywall. Framing an interior wall involves installing new studs, door and window openings, and connecting all of the pieces together. Prepare to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot to frame an interior wall. This cost will depend on how many openings the wall needs, how many corners it has, the height of the wall, and the thickness of the wood used for framing.

Cost to frame a wall per square foot

Wall framing is typically priced per square foot. Prepare to pay between $7 and $16 per square foot to frame a wall from top to bottom including labor, plates, and studs. However, drywall will add another $20 to $30 per linear foot to your cost. The price for an interior wall framing job will increase if it's a load-bearing wall. It may also depend on the type of material you use and how many doors and window openings you need to be framed.

The following table shows the average cost per linear feet:

Cost to build an interior wall

From start to finish including framing, it can cost $1,797 to build an interior wall, on average. On the low end, it may cost approximately $939 to $2,695 to build a new wall, but it may go as high as $8,000. The process to build an interior wall is time-consuming, messy, and may require the help of several trades including electricians and drywall installers. You can also expect to pay more if you want a special wall made of glass or brick. It's wise to consult with a professional contractor before you decide to build an interior wall. They can recommend the right materials, size, and more to ensure that the job goes smoothly.

Reasons to add an interior wall

There may be several reasons why you want to add an interior wall to your home. Some of the most common reasons include:

Dividing a room

If you have an open floor plan and would like to split it up, framing a new interior wall can help "break up" the space. Many homeowners choose this option if they want to keep their dining room separate from the living area, for example. A structural engineer is not typically required when dividing an existing room.

Creating a bedroom

Whether your kids are back from college or you've always wanted a separate guest room, a new interior wall can create an instant bedroom. Most building codes require bedrooms to have a closet, so be sure to factor this into your cost when framing an interior bedroom wall. A standard closet is 2-by-3 feet, but you can add a larger closet if you have enough square footage.

Closets

You may want a larger master closet, or you might want to add a pantry to your kitchen. Framing a closet is a common project that homeowners choose when asking to frame an interior wall. A simple reach-in closet will cost less than a walk-in closet or closets with special shelving and organizational systems and storage.

Electrical work

If you want to have more outlets in a room or you need electricity run in a specific part of the home, framing a wall is a good option. The electrician will run the wire inside the wall, then the proper insulation, drywall, and outlets will be added to complete the job. Plan to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for an electrician to install electrical work in a new interior wall.

Wall insulation cost

There are different types of insulation you can use to insulate your new wall. The most common choices include:

Spray foam

This highly effective insulation does a great job of sealing gaps and leaks in walls. The cost ranges between $0.35 to $0.55 per board foot for open-cell spray foam and between $1 and $2 per board foot for closed-cell spray foam.

Blown-in

Made of cellulose, blown-in insulation has been in use for decades. This type of insulation should cost no more than $500 for an entire wall or room.

Fiberglass batts

This is the cheapest form of insulation, and you can find it at most hardware stores. It typically costs between $0.64 and $1.19 per square foot. While you can easily add this insulation yourself, plan to pay between $150 and $300 additional if you hire a professional.

Wall framing cost factors

Just like any home improvement project, there are several factors involved when determining the cost to frame and build an interior wall:

Removing a wall

If you need to remove an interior wall, the cost can range between $220 and $300 for about 300 square feet. If the wall is load-bearing, it will cost more.

Texturing

Adding texture is a fast, easy way to finish an interior wall. The cost to texture 500 square feet should be about $550, which comes to just over $1 per square foot. If you want to install paneling, it can cost anywhere from as low as $5 to as much as $25 per square foot, depending on the type of paneling you choose.

Size

Of course, a larger room or wall means more materials and more labor, so prepare to budget more if you need to frame a large interior wall.

Electrical and plumbing

Plan to pay around $300 more if you want to include electrical work in your new wall project. Almost any wall requires at least a minor amount of electrical work. For new bathrooms or kitchen updates, you will need to hire a plumber to perform a rough-in, which ranges between $350 and $1,750, on average.

Permits

Almost any structural change to your home will require a building permit. Plan to pay between $100 and $300 for a permit to frame a simple interior wall but be aware that this cost can vary greatly depending on your location.

Cleanup

Types of woods for framing

Solid wood is typically used for framing, and it typically costs between $1 to $5 per square foot. This cost usually depends on the type of wood used. Metal framing costs more, ranging between $2 and $4 per square foot, but many homeowners prefer metal due to its durability. Here are a few of the different types of wood used for framing:

Light structural lumber

This wood type is usually used to construct residential single-family homes. The wood is milled from spruce, fir, or pine trees that are sawn and machine-planed to different dimensions.

Heavy timber

Most heavy timber is used to build post-and-beam or timber-frame homes. Due to its larger dimensions, heavy timber can support heavier loads and stretch across longer spans. It's also fire-resistant, which makes it a good option if that is a concern.

Finger-jointed lumber

This type of wood is also known as end-jointed or end-glued wood. It's made by taking short, dry pieces of wood that are machined on each end and joining them together with a structural adhesive.

Basement framing

If you want to finish a basement, framing is required before installing drywall. This process involves measuring and setting up wood frames and wall studs that outline the walls and any openings to other rooms in the basement. Plan to pay for the cost of wood or timber for the frames as well as hardware, insulation, and drywall. Your cost will depend on how many walls you need, and it typically comes to around $1 per square foot for the framing alone. This cost does not include drywall or insulation. On average, it should cost approximately $812 to $1,554 to frame a 300 square foot basement including the cost of labor, materials, and equipment.