Cost of Building a Wall Near You
The average cost to install a wall depends on where you are. Here are the average prices in different cities across the board to help you understand how the cost near you compares to other locations.
| City | State |
|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $1,760 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,700 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $2,560 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,000 |
| New York, NY | $2,280 |
| Tampa, FL | $1,540 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,730 |
| Manchester, NH | $1,500 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $2,250 |
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Wall Per Material?
The cost to install a wall varies depending on the material of the wall. Walls come in a wide range of materials, from brick, plaster, stone, and concrete.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $1 – $3 |
| Plaster | $3 – $10 |
| Glass | $25 – $75 |
| Concrete | $5 – $12 |
| Wood | $10 – $40 |
| Stone or stone veneer | $10 – $80 |
| Brick or brick veneer | $5 – $45 |
Drywall
Drywall is the most common material for walls, consisting of boards made from material bonded to a gypsum plaster core. The price of building drywall runs between $1 to $3 per square foot. A typical panel is 4 feet by 8 feet or 32 square feet. Interior walls framed with drywall cost $20 to $30 per linear foot.
Drywall sheets can be used for both your walls and ceilings (and can be built simultaneously). Drywall is heavy, and installation usually requires at least two workers.
Plaster
Plaster is great for curved interior walls and decorative touches to get older house styles or textures. Expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot for plaster walls, though it can sometimes get as high as $10 per square foot.
Glass
Expect to pay $25 to $75 per square foot for a tempered glass wall installation. You will pay an extra $1,000 to $3,000 or more to add a glass door, depending on the location.
Stone
Stone walls are mostly used for outdoor walls and are great for building retaining walls.
For indoor walls, veneer stone is lighter and more cost-effective. The cost to install a stone wall can be anywhere from $10 to $80 per square foot.
Brick
Brick is used for both indoor and outdoor walls. Brick walls cost about $5 to $45 per square foot. You’d use a thin veneer brick for interior brick walls, which runs $5 to $15 per square foot.
Concrete
Building a concrete wall costs $5 to $12 per square foot. They’re durable and easy to maintain. And unlike other materials, concrete walls never rot when exposed to moisture.
Wood
Wood paneling costs $10 to $40 per square foot. Wood upholstery or paneling is a great and cost-effective way to personalize the design of your home. You can hide flaws in the walls, exposed cables, and wiring with wood paneling.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wall Per Function?
Whether you want to install a partition wall for privacy or a load-bearing exterior wall, the function of the wall you build determines the final cost.
Exterior vs. Interior Walls
While framing is almost the same for both interior and exterior walls, some other aspects of finishing an exterior wall will be different. Building an exterior wall will require additional insulation, load-bearing elements, and doors or windows.
Walls with windows or doors requiring a beam for support will increase costs. Some walls also need plumbing or electrical work, which will add to the final price.
While insulating load-bearing walls can cost $1 to $5 per square foot, studs and bracing can cost $1 to $2 per square foot.
Partition Walls
The cost to add a partition wall depends on the type and size. They come in different materials, including glass, panels, and half walls that don't reach the ceiling.
| Partition Wall Type | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Glass walls | $25 – $75 |
| Panel walls | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Drywall half wall | $10 – $20 |
Load-Bearing Walls
Framing load-bearing walls can cost slightly higher than non-load-bearing ones because they need more studs throughout. External walls need additional studs at the corners plus insulation, increasing material costs by 30%.
Installing a Wall Cost Breakdown
When estimating the cost of building a wall, you’ll need to consider several factors, including the size of the wall, materials, and the addition of doors or windows.
Permits
Structural changes in your home require a building permit. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for a permit to build a simple interior wall, but it can vary significantly depending on what you're building and your location.
Materials
The material you use to finish the wall makes a huge difference in the final cost. Interior walls are often built from various materials such as wood, drywall, and insulation.
Framing
The cost to frame a wall is a major factor in determining the cost of building a wall in your home. Different framing materials and whether the walls are indoor or outdoor are elements to consider.
The cost to frame an interior wall is $7 to $16 per square foot, while framing exterior walls can cost $2 to $5 per square foot.
Doors, Windows, and Pass-Throughs
Walls with openings such as windows, doors, or pass-throughs can cost an additional $120 to $200 per opening. An opening needs studs and beams to carry the weight of the wall. In addition, you’ll pay $300 to $1,000 for the trim, frame, sill, doors, windows, and other materials.
Arched Walls
An arch may cost $1,000 to $5,000 to install, depending on the size and whether the wall is load-bearing. Larger arches or rooms with arches at every opening will cost more.
Electrical and Plumbing
Most of the walls in your home contain some electrical wiring, which powers your outlets and lighting. You may have to hire a local electrician to add electrical work such as a light switch or a power outlet when building a wall, which can increase the total cost. A licensed electrician may charge a flat rate for their services or $50 to $100 per hour.
If you're adding a wall in the bathroom or kitchen, you’ll also need to hire a local plumber, who can charge $350 to $1,750.
Additional Costs
Some additional factors might count to the final cost of building a wall.
Soundproofing: It can cost an extra $400–$600 for a standard-size room.
Texture: Adding texture is a quick, easy way to finish an interior wall. The cost to texture is $1 per square foot.
Paneling: If you want to install paneling, you can pay $5–$25 per square foot, depending on the material you choose.
Trims: Additional decorative features such as trims will also add to the final price.
Can You Install a Wall Yourself?
You might think building a wall is a simple project, but it isn't a DIY task. Find a local drywall contractor to ensure correct installation according to local codes, proper plumbing and electricity, and a beautiful finish.
Tips to Reduce Costs While Installing a Wall
Building a wall can get pricey, so here are some money-saving tips to follow when building a wall:
Use recycled materials.
Interview potential professionals and use these tips to hire the best contractor based on their portfolio and references. They’ll get the job done fast and in the best quality possible.
Use economical materials such as plaster or drywall.
