Framing is the third-largest cost of building a house, at 16.6% of construction cost in NAHB’s 2024 survey, or $70,982 on average. That share is about $55,100 for a 2,000 sq ft home at the 2026 US median. Contractor estimates for framing labor and lumber alone are lower, at about $7 to $16 per sq ft.
The calculator’s stage chart shows the framing share for your own estimate.
How much does it cost to frame a house?
| Measure | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Builder average, framing stage | $70,982 (16.6% of construction) | NAHB 2024 |
| Trusses (part of framing) | $12,903 | NAHB 2024 |
| Sheathing | $6,513 | NAHB 2024 |
| Metal and steel connectors | $1,718 | NAHB 2024 |
| Contractor framing, labor plus materials | $7–$16 per sq ft (average $10) | HomeGrail 2026 |
| Framing labor only | $4–$10 per sq ft | HomeGrail 2026 |
The NAHB figure is higher because builders’ framing stage includes the whole structure: wall and floor framing, roof framing and trusses, sheathing, connectors and other structural items.
Framing cost by house size
| House size | At $7/sq ft | At $10/sq ft | At $16/sq ft | 16.6% of median build cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $10,500 | $15,000 | $24,000 | about $41,300 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $14,000 | $20,000 | $32,000 | about $55,100 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $17,500 | $25,000 | $40,000 | about $68,900 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $21,000 | $30,000 | $48,000 | about $82,700 |
The first three columns use HomeGrail’s labor-and-materials rates; the last column applies NAHB’s framing share to our $166 per sq ft US median.
Why does framing cost vary so much?
- Lumber prices: framing is the most volatile stage, because lumber prices move quickly.
- Design: complex roofs, tall walls, large openings and engineered beams add cost.
- Stories: a second story adds floor framing but reduces roof and foundation per sq ft.
- Material: steel and wood framing have comparable material costs, according to HomeGrail.
- Labor: framing crews’ rates vary widely by region.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to frame a house?
Usually a few weeks for a typical single-family home, depending on size, crew and weather.
Is framing the most expensive part of a house?
No. Interior finishes (24.1%) and plumbing, electrical and HVAC (19.2%) both cost more in NAHB’s survey.
More cost breakdowns
- Full cost breakdown by stage
- Foundation cost
- Framing cost
- Roofing cost
- Electrical wiring cost
- Material cost
- Land cost
- Septic system cost
- Well drilling cost
- Driveway cost
- House plans cost
Sources
- NAHB: Cost of Constructing a Home in 2024 (survey published January 2025)
- Pennsylvania Association of Realtors: summary of NAHB 2024 cost figures (dollar amounts per stage)
- HomeGrail: Cost to frame a house (updated January 2026)