Free Framing Estimate Template
A complete, line-item framing estimate you can preview below — pressure-treated plates, studs, headers, floor and ceiling joists, wall and roof sheathing, hangers and hold-downs, plus crew labor — with a plain-language guide to stud spacing, headers, notching and bracing.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| PT sill plates & sill seal | 72 lf | $396.00 |
| 2x6 studs @ 16" o.c. + plates | 1 lot | $1,860.00 |
| Headers & LVL beam | 1 lot | $1,240.00 |
| Engineered floor joists & rim | 320 sf | $2,240.00 |
| Roof rafters / trusses & 2x8 ceiling joists | 1 lot | $1,980.00 |
| 7/16" wall sheathing & 5/8" roof deck | 1,080 sf | $1,512.00 |
| Hangers, straps, hold-downs & fasteners | 1 lot | $680.00 |
| Framing crew labor | 96 hrs | $5,760.00 |
| Total | $15,668.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price framing work
- Take off lumber by component: plates by linear foot, studs by count (wall LF ÷ spacing + corners and openings), sheathing by sheet.
- Price hardware as its own line — hangers, straps and hold-downs on a modern job are a real cost, not a rounding error.
- Estimate crew labor in hours per square foot of framed area; additions and remodels run higher than new construction.
Framing building-code guide
The framing inspection is the last time everything is visible. Inspectors check spacing and species, header sizes, connections, notching and drilling, and the required bracing and blocking.
- Studs 16" o.c. is standard; 2x6 @ 24" o.c. is allowed for many one- and two-story bearing walls per Table R602.3(5)
- Double top plate with laps of at least 24in, or a single plate with an approved tie at each joint
- Sill plates on concrete must be pressure-treated (or naturally durable) and anchored per R403.1.6
- Header size comes from Tables R602.7(1)/(2) based on span, snow load and whether the wall is bearing
- Jack (trimmer) studs support the header; king studs run full height — both are required at each end
- Non-bearing interior openings up to 8 ft can use a single flat 2x4 header per R602.7.3
- Bearing-wall studs: notch max 25% of width, bored hole max 40% (60% if the stud is doubled and not more than two successive studs)
- Joists: holes no closer than 2" to top or bottom edge, max diameter 1/3 the joist depth; notches never in the middle third
- Engineered lumber (I-joists, LVL) follows the manufacturer's hole chart only — the IRC tables do not apply
- Every braced wall line needs the method and length required by R602.10 — continuous sheathing is the most common
- Fireblocking is required in concealed stud spaces at ceiling and floor levels and at 10 ft intervals horizontally
- Provide solid blocking at bearing points and at joist ends over supports
Code quick reference — Framing
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Stud spacing | 16in or 24in OC per load and species | IRC Table R602.3(5) |
| Notching / boring | Bored holes max 40% of stud depth, 5/8in from edge | IRC R602.6 |
| Nailing schedule | Sheathing 6in edges / 12in field | IRC Table R602.3(1) |
| Headers | Sized from span tables with king + jack studs | IRC Table R602.7(1) |
| Fireblocking | At soffits, chases and every 10 ft of concealed space | IRC R302.11 |
| Bracing | Wall bracing method and lengths per plan | IRC R602.10 |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Member thickness — Double top plate · king + jack studs at openings(1.50")
- 2 · On-center spacing — 16in OC(16.00" OC)
- 3 · Member length — Plate to plate(8' 0")
- 4 · Overall run — Total covered by this layout(8' 1 8/16")
- On-center spacing: 16.00" · 7 members
- Overall run: 8' 1 8/16" · Member length: 8' 0"
- Double top plate · king + jack studs at openings
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · WRB / housewrap — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.06")
- 2 · Structural sheathing — 7/16in OSB typical(0.44")
- 3 · Studs + blocking — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.50")
- 4 · Bottom plate + anchor bolts — 6 ft OC, within 12in of ends(12.00")
- WRB / housewrap: 0.06"
- Structural sheathing: 0.44"
- Studs + blocking: 0.50"
- Bottom plate + anchor bolts: 12.00"
- Total assembly: 13.00" (1' 1")
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Framing inspection scheduled before insulation or drywall.
- Hangers, straps and hold-downs fully fastened with the specified nails.
- Fireblocking and draftstopping installed and visible.
- Bearing points stacked from roof to foundation.
- Plumb, level and square checked before sheathing is closed in.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common framing estimating mistakes
- Missing the hold-downs and strapping the engineer specified, which stops the inspection cold.
- Under-counting studs at corners, tees, openings and gable ends — usually 10–15% more than the simple spacing math.
- Not including a line for temporary bracing, crane or boom-truck time, and jobsite cleanup.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IRC Chapter 6 guidance for stud spacing, header tables, notching limits, braced wall lines and fireblocking.
Framing estimate FAQ
What should a framing estimate include?
A framing estimate should list pressure-treated plates, studs and plates, headers and beams, floor and roof framing members, sheathing, connectors and fasteners, and crew labor hours, plus a milestone payment schedule tied to the framing inspection.
How far apart should studs be?
Sixteen inches on center is the common standard. The IRC also allows 2x6 studs at 24 inches on center for many one- and two-story bearing walls, subject to Table R602.3(5) and the loads on the wall.
How much of a stud can you notch or drill?
In a bearing wall you may notch up to 25% of the stud width and bore up to 40% of the width; a doubled stud may be bored up to 60% if no more than two successive studs are bored. Engineered lumber follows the manufacturer's chart instead.
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