Prices for 3 5/8 inch metal studs vary by length, gauge, and market conditions. The keyword 3 5/8 Metal Stud Price reflects typical ranges buyers see when budgeting for non-load bearing interior framing. The main cost drivers are material thickness (gauge), length, regional steel prices, and installation labor. This article presents practical pricing in USD with low, average, and high ranges and concrete per-unit figures.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 5/8 in Metal Stud, 10 ft | $7.50 | $9.50 | $12.50 | Common length; base for walls |
| 3 5/8 in Metal Stud, 12 ft | $9.00 | $11.50 | $15.50 | Longer runs; bundle pricing may apply |
| Gauges (0.014 – 0.018) | $0.15/ft | $0.25/ft | $0.40/ft | Higher for thicker gauge |
| Labor to Set Stud per 10 ft span | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Framing crew costs |
| Delivery/Lead Time | $25 | $60 | $150 | Distance dependent |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard galvanization, normal access, no special fireproofing or corrosion protection.
What Buyers Usually Pay For 3 5/8 Inch Metal Studs
Typical total pricing ranges from about $7.50 to $15 per 10-foot stud depending on gauge and length. For most interior framing in U.S. buildings, the 3 5/8 in metal stud is used for partition walls with standard 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch gypsum board. The average price per stud tends to hover around $9.50 to $12.00 for 10-12 ft lengths when bought in small quantities. Expect higher costs when ordering in bulk or when gauge increases from 0.014 to 0.018 or when a longer length is required.
Major Cost Components in a 3 5/8 Metal Stud Quote
Costs break down into four to six core elements. Details below show typical USD ranges per project stage.
- Materials: 3 5/8 in steel studs by length and gauge.
- Labor: on-site framing, alignment, and temporary bracing.
- Delivery/Disposal: shipping to job site and any clean-up of packaging.
- Permits or Inspections: usually minimal for straightforward interior framing.
- Waste/Offcuts: minor cost for trimming and scrap handling.
- Overhead/Profit: varies by contractor and project size.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $7.50 | $9.50 | $12.50 | 10 ft, 0.016-0.018 gauge |
| Labor | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Per 10 ft span |
| Delivery | $25 | $60 | $150 | Regional pricing |
| Permits | $0 | $0-$25 | $50 | Usually low |
| Waste/Disposal | $0 | $5 | $15 | Scrap handling |
How Size and Gauge Drive the Price
Gauge choice directly changes material cost per foot. A typical 3 5/8 in stud uses either 0.014, 0.016, or 0.018 gauge steel. Moving from 0.014 to 0.018 adds roughly $0.10-$0.25 per linear foot in many markets. Length increases per-stud price because longer runs require more material, and bundles with 12 ft members often carry a small discount versus 10 ft when purchased in complete packages. For interior partitions, 10 ft is common; 12 ft reduces joint frequency but can raise waste if the project calls for many short runs.
Impact of Region and Market on Steel Stud Costs
Regional factors can swing the price by noticeable margins. Coastal markets often show higher prices than inland areas due to logistics and regional steel costs. Expect per-stud prices to vary by roughly 5% to 15% between regions, with urban centers clustering at the higher end. In rural areas, discounting for volume may offset some freight impacts, especially when suppliers offer regional mill-direct pricing. Seasonal demand and supplier capacity can also shift quotes by 3% to 10% in tight markets.
Material and Finish Choices That Change Costs
Standard cold-rolled mill steel is the baseline. Special finishes or corrosion-resistant coatings add cost per foot and may require longer lead times. If a project requires fire-resistive assemblies or enhanced thermal performance, additional components like studs with thermal breaks or protective coatings may be needed, adding roughly 10% to 20% to the stud price itself, plus any associated labor. For typical interiors, plain galvanized 3 5/8 in studs suffice and keep the price near the base ranges.
Labor and Installation Time for 3 5/8 Studs
Labor costs reflect crew size, local wage rates, and the framing complexity. Estimating about 1.5 to 2.0 studs installed per minute for a skilled crew is common in standard drywall-ready framing. A routine 1000 sq ft partition wall project might include 400-600 studs and associated bracing, pins, and corner studs. Time-on-site scales with layout complexity, door openings, and embedded mechanicals. Labor rates typically range from $2.50 to $7.50 per 10 ft span, depending on region and contractor.
Ways to Reduce 3 5/8 Metal Stud Costs Without Compromising Structure
Careful scope control and timing can lower overall bills. Start by batching material orders to unlock bulk pricing, confirm standard lengths (10 ft or 12 ft) to minimize cut waste, and avoid premium finishes unless required. Consider substituting standard galvanization for alternative coatings only where corrosion risk is low. Schedule framing during periods with lower labor demand and request firm quotes that include delivery windows and minimum charges. Simple adjustments to interior layouts can also cut the total count of studs needed.
Real-World Pricing Scenarios by Project Scope
Scenario A: Small office remodel, 6 partition walls totaling 120 studs at 10 ft, 0.016 gauge. Projected material cost around $1,140-$1,440; labor about $300-$540. Scenario B: New build interior with 600 linear ft of 12 ft runs, 0.018 gauge, bulk purchase. Total material cost near $7,000-$9,000; labor $2,000-$3,000; delivery $100-$300. Scenario C: Quick turnaround job in a high-cost region requiring 12 ft studs with fire-resistance ratings, galvanization and premium coatings. Material $8,500-$12,000; labor $3,500-$6,500; coatings and permits add $1,000-$2,500. Each scenario reflects typical regional variance and project scale, helping buyers benchmark bids against real-world quotes.
Unit Pricing Matrix for Quick Compare
Use this compact view to compare bids side by side. All figures assume standard 10 ft and 12 ft lengths with 0.016-0.018 gauge.
| Length | Gauge | Price Per Stud (Low) | Price Per Stud (Average) | Price Per Stud (High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 0.016 | $7.50 | $9.50 | $12.50 | Common interior use |
| 12 ft | 0.018 | $9.00 | $11.50 | $15.50 | Slight premium for length |
| Framing Labor | – | $0.25/ft | $0.45/ft | $0.75/ft | Labor per linear foot |