How Much Does It Cost to Frame and Build a Wall?

Cost to Frame an Interior Wall per Square Foot

Framing a wall generally costs $7 to $16 per square foot when installing top and bottom plates with studs. This figure is for the framing only and can increase to $20 to $30 per linear foot with the inclusion of drywall and electrical work to finish the wall.   

Framing a Load-Bearing Wall

In general, framing a load-bearing wall costs slightly more than a non-load-bearing one because load-bearing walls require more studs throughout. Walls supporting an entire floor (plus a roof and ceiling) made from two-by-fours require stud spacing at 16 inches on center (or 16 inches from each other) rather than 24 inches on center. This difference increases material costs by 30%.

Wall Installation Costs by Material 

The most common interior wall material is drywall, which is a panel made of gypsum plaster that’s covered with heavy paper. Other wall materials include plaster, glass, brick, concrete, and stone. Each of these unique materials comes with a unique cost.

Drywall

Drywall currently costs $2 per square foot. Interior walls framed with drywall run $20 to $39 per linear foot. Keep in mind that actual costs vary by where you live, as well as the type of drywall you choose—drywall prices range from $12 to $90 per panel, depending on their size, thickness, and added features.

Stud Wall With Plaster and Lath Installation

Plaster is a common material for curved interior walls and decorative touches like panels and various wall designs. Installation prices range from $3 to $5 per square foot. That said, the price can go as high as $10 per foot in some areas.   

Glass

A tempered glass wall installation currently costs from $25 to $75 per square foot. Adding a glass door will tack on another $1,000 to $3,000. Labor rates range from $35 to $150 per hour for installation.

Brick, Stone, and Concrete

Traditional brick walls cost anywhere from $27 to $45 per square foot, while thin brick veneer costs between $5 and $15 per square foot. Natural stone walls cost from $25 to $80 per square foot, while stone veneer costs just $10 to $25 per square foot.

Wood or Upholstery Paneling

Wood paneling costs $7 to $35 per square foot. Vinyl panels currently cost $20 per 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet.

Average Partition Wall Costs

The cost to add a partition wall varies depending on the type and size of the wall. 

Half Walls

A half wall is a partition used in bathrooms, along stairs, and in open concepts to create distinct kitchen, dining, and living areas. There are several different types of half walls, including pony walls, stem walls, and knee walls. While pricing depends on the type of materials used, most are drywall finished. You can expect to pay about $10 to $20 per linear foot.   

Commercial Office Walls

Offices, conference rooms, event centers, and other large commercial venues generally use moveable, retractable walls. While there are many brand options to choose from, some of the most common types include Skyfold, EverBlock Systems, and Loftwall.

The cost of Skyfold walls vary—it’s best to contact a professional contractor near you for rates. For EverBlock systems, you can expect to pay $4 per block with a 26 pack for $150. Loftwall currently costs between $35 and $50 per square foot. Custom-built walls can run as little as $150 for supplies, though this will depend on the company.  

Exterior Wall Installation Cost

Exterior load-bearing walls use insulation and house wrap, a synthetic material that’s used to protect the framing. These types of walls usually include windows, doors, and some type of siding. Load-bearing walls (complete with extra studs and bracing) cost between $1 and $2 per square foot. 

You can also expect to pay between $2 and $15 per square foot for wood and vinyl siding and between $9 and $30 per square foot for the cost of stone and brick siding. Doors generally cost $1,000, and windows average between $300 and $1,200 per project. 

Wall Building Cost Considerations

Aside from labor and materials, you’ll have to factor in the cost of electrical and plumbing installation, wall finishes, and the size of the project for an accurate pricing assessment. 

Paneling and Texturing

Texturing currently costs $550, or just over $1 per square foot. Paneling installation costs anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot. 

Size

Bigger spaces inevitably mean more materials and higher labor costs. Because the costs to frame a wall and build a wall both tend to be by square foot, the larger the square footage, the higher the cost. Similar factors like the density of the wall will also play a role. 

Electrical and Plumbing Considerations

The average electrician charges from $50 and $100 per hour (with the first hour slightly higher at $150). Outlet and switch spacing and placement are governed by the building code. Most walls will need some minor electrical work. 

If you’re installing new walls for a bath or kitchen, you’ll need to contact a local plumber to inquire about costs. The cost to install new plumbing tends to run from $350 to $1,850. 

Alternatively, you may decide to hire a general contractor to tackle all your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work if you’re doing a large addition or remodel project. Hiring a general contractor typically costs 10% to 20% of your total construction project price on average.

Red Tape

Structural changes in your home require building permits. For a simple interior wall, you’ll likely pay close to $100 to $300 in permits (depending on your location). Prices vary widely from state to state, but if you’re working with a general contractor near you, they should have a handle on permits.   

Cleanup

Your contractor should include the cleanup in the project's total cost, but it’s a good idea to double-check that this is the case. Wall installation is a messy process. 

Wood vs. Metal Framing

Metal framing currently costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Wood costs from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Walls With a Door, Window, or Pass-Through

Framing for a window or door opening costs anywhere from $120 to $200 per opening. You’ll also need jack studs and saddle pieces in addition to the standard studs. For doors and windows, you can expect to spend around $50 to $500 on materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor to Frame a Wall

Installing a wall is no simple task, so it’s best to leave this job to the pros. There are many factors to consider, including permitting and code requirements, load-bearing needs, and electrical and plumbing installation. And if a wall is incorrectly installed, this could pose serious safety concerns and lead to costly damage.