Stud Framing Calculators
- Studs for a Wall: Computes the number of studs (e.g., 2x4s)
needed to build a wall based on the length of the wall and spacing. - Stud Cost for a Wall: Computes the cost of studs in a wall based on the number of studs needed to frame a wall and the unit price of a stud.
- Blocking for a Wall: Compute the number and length of blocking boards.
- Studs for a Room: Computes the number of stud boards required to frame a room based on the length of the four walls. Note: the stud count includes the extra studs at the corners where the walls meet.
- Stud Cost for a Room: Computes the cost of stud boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and and on the unit price of the boards.
- Plate Boards for Room: Computes the number of top and bottom plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and whether the top plate is doubled or single.
- Plate Boards Cost for a Room: Computes the cost of plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and whether the top plate is doubled or single and on the unit price of the boards.
- Room Framing Cost: Computes the cost of studs and plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and and on the unit price of the boards used for studs and plates.
The following sections provide pricing information for both 2x4s and 2x6s. Note: 2x4s are the most commonly used studs for framing. However 2x6s can be used to provide more strength on excessively heavy load bearing walls, and to provide more depth for thicker insulation.
2x4 Price Survey
The 2x4 Lumber Pricing table contains recent lumber prices for 2x4 of a variety of lengths with prices from Lowes, Home Depot, Menards and potentially other stores based on their web sites. This table is a repository of pricing data for common lumber (2x4's) as surveyed from the websites of major lumber retailers in the United States.
- 2x4 Price Survey Date: 4/10/24
- 2x4 Price Survey Store: Menards
- 2x4 Price by Length:
- Price of a 925/8" 2x4 : $3.65
- Price of an 8' 2x4: $3.65
- Price of a 10' 2x4 : $6.34
- Price of a 12' 2x4 : $7.72
- Price of a 16' 2x4 : $10.84
All prices are in U.S. dollars and based on searches of nationally advertised prices from the provider's web sites. Search string: "kiln dried 2x4 lumber" is used in the retailer's website.
The term two by four (2x4) refers to the rough cut dimensions of construction grade lumber. However, the typical 2x4 purchased at a lumber yard is actually `1 3/4`" x `3 1/2`". Nonetheless, the term 2x4 persists.
These values can be used in the Stud Framing Calculator.
NOTE: Local pricing should ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be used! These price points are for estimation convenience only, and there is no guarantee on the prices of the product nor of their availability at the stated price.
2x6 Price Survey
The 2x6 Lumber Pricing table contains recent lumber prices for 2x6 of a variety of lengths with prices from Lowes, Home Depot, Menards and potentially other stores based on their web sites.
This table is a repository of pricing data for common lumber (2x6's) as surveyed from the websites of major lumber retailers in the United States.
2x6 price survey:
- 2x6 Price Survey Date: 4/10/24
- 2x6 Price Survey Store: Menards
- 2x6 Price by Length
- Price of an 8' 2x6: $6.98
- Price of a 10' 2x6: $10.53
- Price of a 12' 2x6: $11.52
- Price of a 16' 2x6: $14.62
All prices are in U.S. dollars and based on searches of nationally advertised prices from the provider's web sites. Search string: "kiln dried 2x6 lumber" is used in the retailer's website. The term two by six (2x6) refers to the rough cut dimensions of construction grade lumber. However, the typical 2x6 purchased at a lumber yard is actually `1 3/4`" x `5 1/2`". Nonetheless, the term 2x6 persists. These values can be used in the Stud Framing Calculator and the Joist Framing Calculator.
NOTE: Local pricing should ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be used! These price points are for estimation convenience only, and there is no guarantee on the prices of the product nor of their availability at the stated price.
Framing Calculators:
- Pole Barns: Calculates the materials for a pole barn including concrete in the pears, posts, girts, trusses, purlins and metal for the roof and siding.
- Simple Building Calculator: This provides material estimations functions and data for a stick-built building from the bottom (footers and foundation) up through framing, siding and roofing. This is useful for a cabin, tiny-house or even a backyard shed.
- Joists: Calculates the number and length of joists for a deck or floor.
- Stud Framing: Calculates the number of studs, plate boards and blocking (2x4s, 2x6s) needed to frame a wall or room.
- Trusses and Rafters: Calculates the number of trusses and the lengths of rafter boards for various shaped roof structures including gable, gambrel, hip roof, pyramid and shed roof.
- Purlins and Girts Calc: Computes the number of purlins and girts needed for a wood framed structure of different shapes (gable, gambrel, hip roof, dormers)
- 4x8s: Calculates the number of 4x8s needed for roofing, sheathing, subfloors, forms for poured concrete for various shaped buildings.