Metal stud prices seem to be maintaining their current price point which is the lowest since the start of the pandemic. The NYSE American steel index is fluctuating between 2,000 and 2,100 in the last few week, which could hint at price hikes from the steel mills in a month or two.
18 gauge (43 mil) Metal Stud Prices Per Linear Foot
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-43 | $1.33 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-43 | $1.33 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-43 | $1.74 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-43 | $1.74 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-43 | $2.07 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-43 | $2.07 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-43 | $2.44 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T125-43 | $2.44 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-43 | $2.77 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T125-43 | $2.77 |
16 gauge (54 mil) Metal Stud Prices Per Linear Foot
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-54 | $1.64 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-54 | $1.64 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-54 | $2.16 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-54 | $2.16 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-54 | $2.57 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-54 | $2.57 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-54 | $3.04 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T125-54 | $3.04 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-54 | $3.46 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T125-54 | $3.46 |
14 gauge (68 mil) Metal Stud Prices Per Linear Foot
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-68 | $2.07 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-68 | $2.07 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-68 | $2.73 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-68 | $2.73 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-68 | $3.25 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-68 | $3.25 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-68 | $4.69 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T125-68 | $4.69 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-68 | $5.34 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T125-68 | $5.34 |
What should your metal stud buying strategy be?
Pricing is currently unlikely to go lower. If you have large projects upcoming it may be a safe bet to purchase a lot of steel right now or workout a deal with your supplier to have them hold inventory for you. However, I’m always of the opinion if you have no projects on the horizon you shouldn’t hold any inventory. Running lean and just in time manufacturing is always a good idea.
Metal stud framing vs Traditional Wood Framing Costs
As of August 2023, a 2 in. x 6 in. x 20 ft pressure-treated piece of structural wooden framing costs around $20.48, while an equivalent 20 ft. x 18 ga stud is priced at $34.8. If you’re looking for higher quality, now might be a good time to consider building a metal house. Wood is currently about 40% cheaper, even when using prefabricated lengths for materials. However, labor costs for metal framing are likely 10-20% higher. Metal becomes more competitive with wood when used in a prefabricated manner, such as pre-assembled wall panels, allowing us to build a house under $100 per square foot. Nevertheless, wood still offers a more affordable upfront cost for construction when suitable. It is cheaper and easier to work with, but it is prone to fire, rot, pests, warping, and shrinking. On the other hand, metal is straighter, more uniform, and resistant to rot, but it is more expensive and poses greater challenges during the construction process.