Drywall metal studs typically cost $4-$15 each, while materials and labor for non-load-bearing metal-stud framing commonly total $4-$10 per square foot of wall area. Gauge, stud width, wall height, local labor rates, and whether the quote includes track, insulation, drywall, or demolition drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot metal stud | $4 | $7 | $15 | Price varies by width and steel gauge |
| 10-foot metal stud | $6 | $10 | $22 | Heavier gauges cost more |
| Track, 10 feet | $7 | $11 | $18 | Top and bottom plates are usually needed |
| Framing materials | $1.25 per sq ft | $2.25 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | Studs, track, fasteners, and ordinary waste |
| Framing installed | $4 per sq ft | $6.50 per sq ft | $10 per sq ft | Framing only; drywall finish is extra |
What metal drywall studs cost for a typical wall
For a standard interior partition, buyers often pay $4-$10 per square foot for metal-stud framing, including ordinary materials and installation. A simple 10-foot-long, 8-foot-high wall has 80 square feet of wall area, putting framing at roughly $320-$800. The estimate assumes straight, non-load-bearing construction, normal access, and no demolition or specialty fire-rated assembly.
A practical budget for a basic 80-square-foot framed partition is about $520, before drywall, insulation, painting, or electrical work. Lower prices are more likely on larger, open jobs in lower-wage markets; small projects often reach the high end because of setup and minimum labor charges.
Individual 8-foot studs generally run $4-$15, with common 3 5/8-inch, 25-gauge studs often around $5-$9. A 10-foot stud is commonly $6-$22. These are material-only figures; the contractor may quote by wall area or as a single project price rather than itemizing every stud.
Assumptions: Standard interior framing, U.S. midmarket pricing, normal access, and no structural engineering or finish work.
How stud gauge, track, and labor shape the quote
A framing estimate combines metal members, fastening supplies, installation labor, and sometimes delivery or disposal. The table shows typical ranges; local steel prices and contractor markup can shift them. Ask whether the quote covers both top and bottom track, corner framing, and waste allowance.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Studs, 25 gauge | $5-$10 each | Width, length, coating, and brand |
| Studs, 20 gauge | $9-$18 each | Heavier steel and longer lengths |
| Track, 10-foot piece | $7-$18 | Gauge, width, and specialty deflection track |
| Screws and anchors | $0.15-$0.60 per fastener | Substrate, corrosion resistance, and quantity |
| Framing labor | $45-$85 per hour | Market, crew experience, height, and layout |
| Delivery or small-job charge | $50-$250 per job | Distance, order size, and supplier minimums |
Contractors may calculate labor by area or time. A small uncomplicated partition can take a two-person crew about 4-8 hours, while multiple walls, openings, or difficult access can extend the schedule. For example, 12 crew-hours at a blended $60 per hour equals $720 in labor before materials and overhead.
Why wall height, gauge, and stud spacing change prices
Three specifications have a notable effect on both material quantities and labor: height, steel gauge, and spacing. A lower-cost 25-gauge stud is not always suitable when a wall is tall, heavily loaded, or subject to a required fire or sound assembly. The design and local code determine what is appropriate.
Common non-load-bearing interior studs are 25 gauge, often spaced 16 or 24 inches on center. Moving from 24-inch to 16-inch spacing uses roughly 50% more studs along a straight wall, although openings and corner details change the exact count. A 100-foot run at 16-inch spacing needs about 76 stud positions before adjustments; at 24-inch spacing, it needs about 51.
Walls above roughly 10 feet may require a heavier gauge, closer spacing, or a specified deflection detail, depending on the system and application. Upgrading from 25 gauge to 20 gauge can add several dollars per stud and may raise framing material cost by 20%-50%. Unusually tall walls or structural applications should be priced to the approved plans rather than a basic partition rate.
Stud width also matters. A 2 1/2-inch stud may suit a narrow partition, while 3 5/8-inch studs are a common interior choice. Wider members can increase the per-piece price, but may be needed for insulation, plumbing, or a specified wall assembly. Curved walls, numerous door openings, backing for cabinets, and concealed utilities add cutting and reinforcement time.
What three metal-stud framing quotes can look like
These examples use framing-only prices and count wall area by one face, a common estimating convention. They do not include gypsum board, taping, paint, insulation, permits, or electrical work. Compare the stated scope and measurements before treating two totals as equivalent.
| Project | Approximate scope | Labor and materials | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closet partition | 12 feet long by 8 feet high; 96 sq ft | 6-8 crew-hours; about $2-$4 per sq ft materials | $400-$850 |
| Basement room walls | 160 linear feet by 8 feet high; 1,280 sq ft | 60-90 crew-hours; about $1.50-$3.25 per sq ft materials | $5,500-$11,500 |
| Tall commercial partition | 100 linear feet by 12 feet high; 1,200 sq ft | Heavier framing; about $2.50-$5 per sq ft materials | $7,000-$14,000 |
The closet example may have a higher per-square-foot rate because mobilization is spread over a small job. The basement estimate assumes accessible, mostly straight walls. The taller commercial wall uses a higher allowance for steel and labor, but a final design may require additional bracing, engineering, or specialty track.
How metal stud prices compare by U.S. region
Material prices are influenced by supplier availability and freight, while installed rates track local wages and demand. In many lower-cost rural or Southern markets, a straightforward framing bid may land 10%-20% below a national midmarket estimate. Major coastal cities and high-cost metro areas can run 15%-35% above it, especially for small jobs or union commercial work.
Use local labor and delivery quotes rather than applying one national per-square-foot figure without adjustment. A contractor in a dense downtown area may include parking, elevator time, restricted delivery windows, or building access coordination. Rural projects can have lower hourly rates but higher delivery charges when the supplier is distant.
For a basic 80-square-foot partition estimated at $320-$800 nationally, a lower-cost area might come in near $270-$640, while a high-cost urban location could approach $370-$1,080. These are planning adjustments, not guaranteed local prices; steel gauge and project minimums can outweigh regional differences.
When removal, openings, or fire-rated details add expense
Demolition and disposal are usually separate from the price of new framing. Removing an existing partition may add about $1-$4 per square foot, depending on whether it contains drywall, insulation, wiring, tile, or other difficult materials. Hauling or a dumpster can add $150-$600 for a small residential project, with larger jobs priced by volume and local disposal fees.
Each doorway, niche, or pass-through needs additional layout, track cuts, and framing. A basic framed door opening can add roughly $75-$250 in labor and material; reinforced jambs or unusually wide openings cost more. Backing for wall-mounted cabinets or fixtures may add $25-$100 per location, depending on the support method and access.
Fire-rated or sound-control walls can require multiple layers, sealants, resilient channels, mineral wool, or specific stud assemblies. Framing upgrades alone may add $1-$4 per square foot compared with a basic partition, but the complete assembly cost depends on all specified layers. Confirm whether the quote covers only metal framing or the full tested wall system.
Metal studs versus wood framing for interior walls
Metal studs can be competitive with wood when straight, light-gauge framing is readily available, particularly for basements or commercial interiors. A basic metal-stud frame commonly costs $4-$10 per square foot installed; comparable wood framing often falls around $5-$12 per square foot, though local lumber prices and crew rates can reverse the comparison.
Material-only comparisons should include track, fasteners, blocking, and waste—not just the price of each stud. Metal does not warp or shrink like lumber, but cabinets and heavy fixtures may need planned backing. Wood is often easier to cut and fasten in small residential projects, while metal can offer consistent dimensions and may be required or preferred in some building types.
Neither material should be selected on price alone for load-bearing or specialty walls. Fire resistance, moisture exposure, acoustic performance, structural loads, and local code requirements affect the permitted assembly. Get comparable bids that specify gauge or lumber grade, spacing, wall height, openings, and whether backing is included.
How to lower the metal-stud framing price without cutting corners
Keeping wall layouts straight and consolidating small framing tasks can reduce setup time. If several partitions are planned, having them framed in one mobilization may avoid repeated minimum charges. Clear the work area, confirm dimensions and door locations in advance, and arrange material access where possible; avoid changing openings after track and studs have been installed.
Request quotes using the same wall lengths, heights, stud spacing, gauge, opening count, and finish scope. Ask for separate line items for framing, demolition, delivery, backing, and disposal. The cheapest bid is useful only if it includes the same specifications and required details. A written scope also makes it easier to identify an unusually low allowance or missing material.
Do not automatically specify heavier steel everywhere, but do not downgrade gauge or spacing below the plans or applicable code. For a small repair, replacing damaged framing may cost less than rebuilding an entire wall if the remaining assembly is sound and the repair meets requirements. Compare the repair scope with replacement, including drywall removal and patching.
Finally, check whether the project needs inspection or a permit before work begins. Requirements vary by municipality and may depend on whether a wall is structural, changes egress, or alters electrical or plumbing systems. Permit and inspection charges can range from about $50 to several hundred dollars; a contractor should identify whether those fees are included or billed separately.