A Financial Guide for Structural Framing

Structural framing is one of the key components of building a new home and plays a crucial part in the strength and durability of the structure as a whole. The type of frame chosen can, and will, have a significant impact on overall construction costs. Naturally, custom framing costs more per square foot than a prefab.  

How does the selected framing material affect construction costs? What are the main cost-defining factors? What are the additional costs to consider? This financial guide answers all these questions and more to help you plan your project thoroughly and with expert know-how.

How to Calculate Framing Costs (Per Square Foot)

Framing costs vary significantly based on the materials used, design complexity, and structure measurements. Here’s a rundown of different framing materials and their average price range.

Standard Timber Framing

Timber frames make for a warm aesthetic and are often used when building properties with attics. They can be built with either mass timber, glued-laminated timber, or cross-laminated timber. Glued-laminated timber, or glulam, is favoured for its strong dimensional stability and heavy load-bearing capacity, whereas cross-laminated timber provides great structural resistance due to its criss-cross layering. 

However, wood does mandate regular maintenance to prevent termite or pest infestations, mould, and moisture-related damage, which, in turn, increases the cost of upkeep, long-term. As such, consider timber framing treatments and renovation costs.

• Mass timber: This type of framing is favoured on account of its robusticity and natural-looking aesthetic. Prices range from $60–$150 per square foot.

• Glued-laminated timber: Glulam framing provides increased load-bearing resistance and superior dimensional stability, albeit more expensive. Prices range from $50–$160 per square foot.

• Cross-laminated timber: This sort of engineered wood can be used for single-home projects as well as high-rise buildings. This material is priced at around $50 per square foot.

Steel Framing

Steel frames are known for their robusticity and lightweight compared to timber frames. They’re commonly used for modern and industrial construction projects. While more expensive upfront and mandating a specialized installation method, they provide superior durability coupled with little necessary maintenance. Steel framing doesn’t incur much upkeep costs given that it is:

• Weatherproof

• Termite-proof

• Rot-proof

Steel frames are particularly well-adapted to long-spanning structures, including those designed to withstand extensive loads. Prices range from $70–$200 per square foot.

Concrete Framing

Concrete frames are extremely long-lasting and fire-resistant, making them ideal for buildings requiring great structural stability. While often pricier to install given the sheer weight of the frame, as well as its installation complexity, it still provides exceptional weather and insect resistance. Note that it requires little maintenance, and while initial costs are rather steep, the latter is offset by its longevity and low maintenance needs, which translate into significant long-term savings.

This type of frame is very resilient and provides excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation. Prices range from $70–$150 per square foot.

Prefabricated Framing 

Prefabricated frames are growing in popularity thanks to their affordable price point and quick installation process. This sort of framing is often used for residential and commercial projects, reducing construction timelines. Factory-made according to detailed specifications, thereby limiting the margin for construction errors and ensuring meticulous accuracy. Given their quick build and reduced construction waste, prefabricated frames allow for budget optimization while ensuring a reliable and long-lasting structure.

Prices range from $50–$150 per square foot, making for a cost-effective option compared to traditional, timber or steel, framing. 

What Factors Affect the Cost of Framing?

Residential framing costs are contingent on several factors:

Materials

The materials used during a frame-building project play a crucial part in defining overall costs. Mass timber, glulam timber, steel, and concrete have respective costs per square foot and specific advantages. 

Frame-Specific Characteristics

Design complexity, including trusses, spans, rafters, and other structural components, can be a cost-increasing factor. For example, a glulam frame provides great resistance and design flexibility, yet is more expensive than a traditional mass timber frame.

Roof Measurements

The sheer size of the frame, determined by the house’s measurements, directly impacts costs. The bigger the square footage, the higher the material and labour costs.

Roof Design

More complex, intricate roof designs need more materials and labour, which can, in turn, increase overall framing costs. Steel frames, for example, can be designed to withstand long spans and innovative architectural concepts, but at steeper per-square-foot costs. 

Labour Rates

Labour expenses vary based on the region of residence, project complexity, and the hired general contractor’s skills. Typically, labour costs vary between $45–$105 per hour based on location and job complexity.

State of Construction Site

The state of the construction site, which includes access, topography, and local weather forecast, can also affect overall framing costs. A hard-to-access worksite or harsh weather conditions may necessitate the use of special building techniques or additional machinery, thus incurring additional fees.

What Are the Additional Costs to Consider?

Delivery Fees

Construction material transportation also incurs significant fees, especially if the worksite is far from suppliers. Delivery fees, on average, can range from 5–15% of overall material costs. 

Installation Fees

Installation fees include labour (all hired people) and the necessary equipment to assemble and erect the frame, ensuring structural integrity. Complex and tall structures mandate more time and resources. Installation costs can range from $2–$20/square foot.

Maintenance Fees

Some frames, especially those made of timber, call her regular maintenance to prevent damage caused by insects, moisture, and bad weather. Maintenance fees can include wood treatments, regular inspections, and necessary repairs.

How Much Does It Cost to Frame a 12x12 Room?

A 12 by 12 room has 144 square feet of space, so depending on the chosen material for the interior walls, you should be able to gauge the costs based on the above-mentioned factors, whether you're designing a custom frame or a standard-issue one.   

Our Advice to Make an Informed Decision for Your House

Choosing the right frame for your new home will typically be based on several factors, including your budget, aesthetic preferences, and worksite-specific factors. By considering the above-mentioned material-specific price tags, installation fees, and potential additional costs, you can make a well-informed decision that meets both your needs and financial resources.

Check out our House Framing Handy Reference Guide to Success.