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True Cost Guide | By Category | Walls & Ceilings > Install a Wall

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Wall?

National Average $1,782

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Typical Range $946 - $2,691

Low End $350

High End $6,600

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Costs to Build a Wall

Installing a new wall will run an average of $1,782 with a typical range of $946 and $2,691. Due to the complexities of some homes, the cost can
reach as high as $8,000. Installing walls seems easy to do but is ultimately a long, messy a air typically involving framing, electrical work and
drywall.

Though there are several types of walls including glass, brick, and temporary partitions, most projects involve wood or metal stud framing with
drywall (gypsum board). This project isn t usually a DIY job. For professional results, hire a carpenter to ensure correct installation and a beautiful
nish.

On This Page:
1. Costs to Frame Per Linear Foot
a. Framing a Load Bearing Wall
b. Wood vs. Metal
c. Walls with a Door, Window or Pass Through
2. Average Price by Material to Put Up New Walls
a. Stud Wall with Plaster & Lath
b. Drywall
c. Glass Walls
d. Brick, Stone & Concrete
e. Wood or Upholstery Paneling
3. Cost of to Add a Partition Wall to Divide a Room
a. Skyfold, Accordion & Other Types of Temporary Walls
 b. Commercial O ce Spaces
c. Half Walls How much will your project cost? Get Estimates Now
d. Building Exterior vs. In-House Walls
4. Construction Cost Considerations
5. FAQs
6. DIY vs Hiring a Carpenter

Costs to Frame an Interior Wall Per Linear Foot

Framing costs $7 to $16 per square foot to install top and bottom plates with studs. When including drywall, you ll spend $20 to $30 per linear
foot. Framing costs change slightly for load bearing walls, with the type of material used, and for door and window openings.

Framing a Load Bearing Wall

Framing load bearing walls can cost slightly more than non-load bearing ones because of stud spacing requirements load bearing walls need
more studs throughout. External walls need additional studs at the corners, plus insulation.

Walls supporting an entire oor plus a roof and ceiling made from 2x4 s requires spacing of 16 inches on center rather than 24 inches on center
thus increasing material costs by 30%. Loads over windows, doors and pass throughs require a beam for support, further increasing costs. Most
require minor electrical work to meet code requirements of switch and outlet spacing.

Wood vs. Metal Framing

Wood prices have recently risen to meet metal framing costs at $2 to $4 per square foot. Wood sits at $1 to $5 per square foot. Wood is easier to
work with and a better choice for those seeking a DIY solution. However, metal is quickly gaining popularity due to it s durability.

Walls with a Door, Window or Pass Through

Framing for a window or door opening costs $120 to $200 per opening. You ll need king and jack studs plus saddle (or sill) pieces all in addition
to the standard studs. For the doors and windows, expect to spend $50 to $500 in materials alone. A multiple window installation costs an average
of $5,000.

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Average Prices by Material to Put Up New Walls

Gypsum Board (commonly known by the trademarked name Drywall) makes up most walls. Other wall materials range from plaster, glass, brick,
stone and concrete.

Wall Costs by Material Type

Material Per Square Foot

Drywall $1.15-$2

Plaster $3-$5

Glass $25-$75

Brick $10-$14

Stone $8-$15

Concrete $3-$8

Stud Wall with Plaster & Lath Installation

Plaster installation prices range from $3 to $5 per square foot though it can be as high as $10 per square foot in some areas. Though Drywall is
by far the most common type of wall, plaster is handy for both curved interior walls and for decorative touches.

Drywall

Prices for hanging drywall run $1.15 to $2.00 per square foot of drywall. Gypsum board installation runs $40 to $60 per panel. A typical panel is 4
feet by 8 feet or 32 square feet. Interior walls framed with drywall run $20 to $30 per linear foot though actual costs will vary by region. Other
material costs include the following.

Special screws - $25 per 1,000

 Joint compound or "mud" - $6 per 3.5 quart pail
How
Joint tape - $5 for 500 feet. much will your project cost? Get Estimates Now
Pricing remains about the same regardless of framing material or pass throughs.

Drywall is the most common type of wall. Ensuring you get enough to cover all of your walls and possibly ceilings will be a bulk of the price to
install. Drywall is heavy installation usually requires at least two workers.

Glass Walls

You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 per square foot for a tempered glass wall installation. Adding a glass door adds another $1,000
to $3,000 or more. Labor rates run anywhere from $35 to $150 per hour. Prices vary wildly between one location and another.

For smaller walls or to ll openings in bathrooms, glass blocks are a more economical solution. Glass blocks cost an average of $750. Always get at
least three quotes before choosing an installation contractor.

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Brick, Stone & Concrete Walls

Brick and stone costs run an average of $4,400 for both solid and veneers. Poured concrete walls cost an average of $5,000.

Interior Wall Installation Costs by Material

Material Per Square Foot

Brick $14

Brick Veneer $10

Stone $8-$10

Stone Veneer $11-$15

$3-$7 (+$1 for exposed nishes

Concrete
like polishing & stamped)

Wood or Upholstery Paneling

Wood, vinyl and upholstery paneling are cost-e ective ways to personalize the design of your home.

Wood paneling - $7 to $35 per square foot.

Wood Flooring and Siding styles like tongue and groove and shiplap siding cost between $2.50 to $7 per square foot and are quickly
becoming a popular way to create accent and feature walls.
Vinyl panels - $20 a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet. They re cheap and easy to clean making them great nishes for basements, laundry rooms and
garages.

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Average Cost to Add a Partition Wall to Divide a Room

Skyfold, Accordion, Panel & Other Temporary, Commercial Of ce Walls

O ces, event centers, conference rooms, hotels and most other large commercial venues make use of moveable and retractable walls. There are
many brand options to choose from for premade and temporary walls. Speak with your local contractor for the best option for your project

Skyfold $ varies Fully automated accordion style walls that fold into the ceiling. Skyfold walls are custom designed for each application
with numerous features and designs. Contact a professional contractor for rates for your project.
Everblock Systems - $4 per block with a 26 pack for $150 - are very similar to large Lego blocks for use in both commercial and residential
settings.
Loftwall - $35 to $50+ per square foot. O ering modular and moveable walls for professional and home use. They o er standalone and
fastened options in metal, melamine and acrylic.
Custom Built $400 to $3,500 Besides premade walls, temporary walls can always be created with a simple 2x4 or 2x2 frame and some
type of paneling. A DIY job can run as little as $150 for supplies.

Half Walls

Half wall pricing depends on the type of materials used. Since most are drywall nished, you ll spend about $10 to $20 per linear foot. They
extend only part of the way from the oor to ceiling, creating a visible boundary without impeding light or air ow.
Most interior half walls have some type of nished top ledges usually nished wood or a railing. In large, open spaces, you ll often nd them
How
between two support pillars dividing themuch will your
space without project
losing any cost?
of the visual appeal ofGet Estimates
an open concept. Now

Types of Half Walls:

Half walls are used along stairs, in bathrooms, and in open concepts to distinguish between the kitchen, dining and living areas.
Pony walls are non-load bearing. They are generally 3 feet tall.
Stem walls are usually referred to as short, concrete wall that connects the concrete footings of a home to either the oor joists or the
concrete slab.
Cripple Wall sometimes referred to as a sleeper wall, it is a short, load-bearing wall found in slab construction.
Attic Knee Wall any wall in the attic running from the oor to the roof rafters. These walls are usually under three feet tall and are nished
to create useable attic space.
Retaining or Sleeper Wall Sleeper walls in the US are generally considered a cripple wall.

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Building Exterior vs. In-House Walls

Though framing costs are almost identical for both interior and exterior walls, all other aspects of nishing them is di erent. Exterior load-bearing
walls use house wrap and insulation and usually include windows, doors and some type of siding.

Exterior vs. Interior Wall Costs and Considerations

Type Interior/Exterior Additional Cost

Load Bearing (requires

Both +$1 to $2 per square foot
extra studs & bracing)

House Wrap Exterior +$0.50 to $1 per square foot

Insulation Exterior +$0.50 to $1.50 per square foot

Wood & Vinyl Siding Exterior +$2 to $10 per square foot

Stone & Brick Siding Exterior +$6 to $30 per square foot

Windows Exterior +$1,000 to $5,000 per project

Doors Both +$1,000 per door

Drywall Interior Only +$1 to $2 per side

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Construction Cost Considerations

Beyond straightforward labor and materials, other considerations like wall nishes, size of the project and electrical and plumbing installation can
all a ect price.

Paneling and Texturing

Texturing is fast fading out of style but it s still a quick and cheap way to nish a wall. 500 square feet will run about $550, or just over $1 per
square foot. You also have the option to install paneling at $5 to $25 per square foot. Choose vinyl or wood paneling depending on your homes
aesthetics.

Size

Bids are determined based on the size of the project. Bigger spaces mean more materials and longer work time for professionals, all of which can
increase the price to install a wall.

Electrical & Plumbing Considerations

Electrical work costs about $300 for the project or somewhere between $50 to $100 per hour with the rst hour slightly higher at $150. Outlet and
switch spacing, and placement are governed by building code. Most walls will need some minor electrical work included.

If you re installing walls for a new kitchen or bath, you ll need to hire a plumber. Plumbing rough -in costs run between $350 to $1,750. Most
small projects will fall on the lower end of that range.

Red Tape

The National Association of Home Builders attributes an estimated 25% of new home construction costs to complex regulator policies. Part of
those costs include building permits averaging $1,000 per new home build. For simple interior walls, you can expect to pay closer to $100 to $300
in permits depending on your location. These prices vary greatly from state to state. Despite location, permits are required for almost all stages of
construction, even if you need to knock down the old walls rst.
Cleanup
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Installation pricing almost always includes cleanup. Wall installation is a messy job and something that your pro should clean up before leaving.
It s smart to double check that your contractor includes cleanup in the bid.

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FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Put an Arch in a Wall?

A wall arch costs between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the arch size and whether it is purely aesthetic or load bearing. For very large projects,
budgets will run considerably higher.

What are the Best Dividing Walls for Basements or Garages?

The best dividing walls depend on your use. If you want a permanent wall, spend the $20 to $25 per linear foot for a stud and drywall- nished
look. It will be slightly less than a nished interior wall with only one side of the wall covered in gypsum board and only two layers of tape and mud
applied.

For permanent walls between garages and homes, code requires the use of a re wall usually ½-inch or 5/8-inch re rated gypsum board. You ll
spend about 20% more on for this type of wall cover. Sheetrock makes Firecode Core and Fireguard both rated with di ering thicknesses.

What are the Costs and Factors for Building a Demising or Party Wall?

Demising walls, also known as a party or common wall, cost as much as any other interior wall or about $20 to $30 per linear foot. A demising wall
separates tenant spaces from shared areas. They are typically found in commercial spaces like a shopping mall.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove & Replace or Move a Wall?

The cost to remove a wall falls anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the size of the wall and whether it was load bearing.
Removing or moving load bearing walls is labor intensive and requires shifting the load to another support during construction.

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DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

It s almost always a good idea to hire a contractor for building walls of any type. Though it may seem a straightforward job, you need to consider
all code requirements, permitting, electrical and plumbing installation, load bearing needs, and nish work. Without that consideration,
constructing one could diminish the value of your home.

Improperly installed walls are possible structural issues causing massive and costly damage to your entire home. Fire and ood hazards from
improperly installed plumbing and electrical work pose serious safety concerns and lead to thousands in damage.

Before starting any building project, get a professional consultation they re usually free opportunities to understand all the requirements for
your project and weigh contractor costs against DIY ambitions.

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