How Much Does Metal Stud Framing Cost in 2025?

Metal stud framing costs $19,000 to $25,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home or an average of about $21,000. Your total cost depends on your location, the design complexity, and fluctuating markets. While wood framing is a traditional choice, especially for residential builds, metal is lighter, fire-resistant, environmentally friendly, and rotproof. It can withstand extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, and other natural disasters.

"Metal stud framing is a great alternative to wood,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, Iowa. “As prices fluctuate, evaluate the current difference between the two as it can change quickly."

Average Metal Stud Framing Cost

Metal Stud Framing Cost Factors

Key metal stud framing cost factors include the size of the building, thickness of the metal, labor, and other material costs. Framing often accounts for 15% to 20% of the cost to build a house. 

Building Size

The building size influences the cost of metal framing. The labor cost for metal framing is $5 to $10 per square foot, so expect to pay $10,000 to $20,000 to frame a 2,000-square-foot house for labor alone. Complex designs may require more studs and materials, which increases the price. 

• Mobile homes: DIY metal framing kits are available for small homes that run from $13,000–$21,000, including the trailer foundation. They come partially assembled in framing panels. Metal stud framing is essential for mobile homes to reduce weight and move easily.

• Multi-story houses: Steel beams can support more weight than wood, making steel framing a great choice for large open-concept homes. Contractors usually utilize structure supports such as I-beams, H-beams, and Z-beams and heavier gauge steel for support.

Cost 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. Lower gauges typically cost more. For example, the metal framing cost per linear foot using 20-gauge metal studs is usually lower than 16-gauge metal studs. 

Cost by Type

Steel stud prices range between $0.50 and $75 per linear foot. The overall cost of installing metal stud framing depends on the type of steel used and whether it’s cold-rolled light gauge steel or hot-rolled steel. Both types are resistant to rot, insects, and fire. Steel is flexible with incredible durability and longevity, and it doesn't swell, warp, or shrink. 

Cost per Square Foot

Metal stud prices range from $2 to $4 per square foot. For a typical 2,000-square-foot house, the cost of materials for the metal studs alone will set you back $4,000 to $8,000. You’ll also need to add the cost of additional materials, like screws, fasteners, and grommets. 

Steel prices fluctuate over time, causing material costs to rise or fall. This can greatly impact how much house framing costs for your project. Check with a professional or your local supplier to get current pricing. 

Additional Metal Framing Cost Factors

Aside from the size of the building and the choice of materials, several other metal framing cost factors can influence your final budget. 

Labor 

Some pros prefer working with metal studs for framing due to their shorter installation time. 

On average, local framing contractors charge $10 to $30 per linear foot or about $5 to $10 per square foot. However, the complexity of the project can significantly increase the cost. 

Permits

Local building codes and regulations have different requirements regarding permits for your project. Building permits cost anywhere from $450 to $2,850. Check with your state or local authority to ensure compliance, or ask your construction project manager to take care of all required permits on your behalf. 

Residential vs. Commercial Structures

Metal stud framing is suitable for residential and commercial structures, each using a different type of stud framing that fits the layout and the design:

• Apartment buildings: These residential buildings often utilize structural steel framing with heavy I-beams and load-bearing supports. Structural steel allows more design variation for both low-rise and high-rise buildings.

• Commercial structures: Metal stud framing for commercial structures ranges from $12–$40 per sq. ft. with insulation and wall coverings. Contractors utilize structural steel supports in combination with light gauge steel studs.

Steel Studs vs. Wood Cost

Steel framing costs an average of $2 to $4 per square foot. By comparison, framing a house using wood costs around $1 to $5 per square foot. With rising wood prices, steel makes an economically feasible option.

The labor cost for metal framing per square foot is similar to wood framing at around $5 to $10 per square foot. Some contractors prefer steel for its quick installation, which can reduce total labor costs. Hiring a carpenter costs $15 to $150 per hour. The cost of wood framing for a wall ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per wall.

Metal stud framing requires different materials than wood framing, including screws, electrical boxes, plastic grommets, and fasteners. Keep in mind that screws cost more than nails. 

Does Metal Stud Framing Increase Home Value?

Metal stud framing can positively impact your home’s value, particularly in regions prone to termites, moisture damage, or wildfires. Unlike traditional wood framing, metal studs offer superior fire resistance and don’t warp, rot, or suffer from insect infestations. These are all selling points that may appeal to safety-conscious buyers. Homes built with metal framing can command higher resale values in commercial-residential zones with strict fire codes.

The increased value from metal stud framing varies by market and may not be fully reflected in appraisals right away. Metal framing can cost as much as 20% more than traditional wood framing. Still, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance, better structural integrity, and lower risk of fire, moisture, or insect damage can make it an attractive feature. 

Budgeting for Metal Stud Framing

When hiring professional house framers for your construction project, there are ways to optimize costs without sacrificing safety or quality:

• Request several detailed quotes from licensed contractors, ensuring each bid includes the full scope of work and materials for an accurate comparison.

• Plan your layout carefully to minimize waste, designing room dimensions that align with standard metal stud lengths.

• Bundle your metal stud framing project with other construction work to negotiate package discounts.

• Ask about using lighter gauge metal studs for non-load-bearing walls where building codes permit.

• Maintain a flexible timeline, working around your contractor’s schedule to leverage for better pricing.

• Coordinate delivery schedules to avoid storage fees or multiple delivery charges.

• Request a payment plan based on reaching specific project milestones rather than paying a large upfront deposit.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.