Metal stud prices had been on the rise since October 2023; however, this month they’re trending down or leveling out. This is due to Steel Mills like Nucor dropping their prices on future orders. Mills raised their prices, expecting great demand in January, which didn’t happen. The market is currently in a downward cycle.
Structural Metal Stud Prices Per Linear Foot
14 gauge (68 mil)
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-68 | $2.16 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-68 | $2.16 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-68 | $2.82 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-68 | $2.82 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-68 | $3.35 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-68 | $3.35 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-68 | $3.96 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T200-68 | $3.96 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-68 | $4.50 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T200-68 | $4.50 |
16 gauge (54 mil)
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-54 | $1.64 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-54 | $1.64 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-54 | $2.14 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-54 | $2.14 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-54 | $2.54 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-54 | $2.54 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-54 | $2.99 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T200-54 | $2.99 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-54 | $3.39 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T200-54 | $3.39 |
18 gauge (43 mil)
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S162-43 | $1.36 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T200-43 | $1.36 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S162-43 | $1.76 |
| 6″ Track | 600T200-43 | $1.76 |
| 8″ Stud | 800S162-43 | $2.08 |
| 8″ Track | 800T200-43 | $2.08 |
| 10″ Stud | 1000S162-43 | $2.45 |
| 10″ Track | 1000T200-43 | $2.45 |
| 12″ Stud | 1200S162-43 | $2.78 |
| 12″ Track | 1200T200-43 | $2.78 |
Drywall Metal Stud Pricing Per Linear Foot
20 gauge (23 mil EQ20)
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S125-23 | $0.61 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T125-23 | $0.55 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S125-23 | $0.80 |
| 6″ Track | 600T125-23 | $0.75 |
25 Gauge (18 mil)
| 3 5/8″ Stud | 362S125-18 | $0.51 |
| 3 5/8″ Track | 362T125-18 | $0.47 |
| 6″ Stud | 600S125-18 | $0.67 |
| 6″ Track | 600T125-18 | $0.62 |
Areas we are competitive based on shipping.
We primarily supply cities on the Gulf Coast: New Orleans, Houston, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Sarasota, Miami, and Tampa. However, we have also completed projects in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. Here are some estimates for a full semi-trailer load (47,000 lbs.) to these locations.
- Houston, TX $750
- Beaumont, TX $550
- Corpus Christi, TX $1250
- San Antonio, TX $1250
- Waco, TX $1200
- Austin, TX $1150
- Baton Rouge, LA $400
- Lafayette, LA Free
- Lake Charles, LA $450
- New Orleans, LA $550
- Shreveport, LA $700
- Mobile, AL $650
- Tampa, FL $1950
- Pensacola, FL $850
- Tallahassee, FL $1300
- Orlando, FL $2000
- Sarasota, FL $2100
- Miami, FL $2500
What should your metal stud buying strategy be?
Metal prices are currently falling, so if you can hold off on ordering for big projects, there is a likely chance you can get a better or the same deal in a few weeks.
Metal stud framing vs Traditional Wood Framing Costs
As of February 2024, a 2 in. x 6 in. x 20 ft pressure-treated piece of structural wooden framing costs around $16.78, while an equivalent 20 ft. x 18 ga stud is priced at $35. If you’re looking for higher quality, now might be a good time to consider building a metal house. Wood is currently about 50% 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.
Ideal use for light-gauge steel wall panels
The ideal use for light gauge steel wall panels is mid-rise buildings up to 10 floors. They can be built cost-effectively using 100% steel.
Additional Recourses
Metal Stud Manufacturing: Light-gauge steel roll-forming
Metal Stud Framing Subcontractors in Louisiana/South Texas 2023