What Is Wall Framing—and Why It Matters
Wall framing is the structural skeleton that makes your rooms straight, square, and strong. Good framing:
- Keeps walls plumb and true so plasterboard finishes beautifully.
- Transfers loads properly to beams, lintels and footings, stopping cracks and sag.
- Makes it easier to run services (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) without costly changes.
- Delivers better acoustic and thermal performance when paired with the right wraps, insulation and details.
At Ramcon Carpentry, we build frames that set up the rest of the trades to succeed—saving you time and money later.
2025 Cost Guide: What Should You Budget?
Costs below are indicative for Sydney metro and can shift based on site inspection, structural design, and finishes. Use this as a planning guide, then request a fixed quote.
| Scope | Typical Range (AUD) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Internal non-load-bearing walls (timber) | $75–$140 per m² | Stud walls, standard nogging, door openings, basic fixings |
| Load-bearing internal walls (timber) | $120–$220 per m² | Larger studs/LVLs as needed, bracing, fixings, coordination with engineer |
| New external framed walls | $160–$280 per m² | Sill/plate details, wraps, bracing, window openings, tie-downs |
| Structural beams/lintels install | $1,200–$4,500+ each | Supply/cranage as required, temporary props, fit-off |
| Wall removal + steel beam | $4,500–$12,000+ | Demolition, propping, beam install, make-good to framing |
| Complex geometry / curved walls | +15–35% on base | Custom set-out, extra labour, specialised fixings |
| Tight access / scaffolding / cranage | Case-by-case | Site logistics, safety, delivery sequencing |
Cost drivers to watch:
- Structure: Long spans, heavy loads, and open-plan designs mean bigger beams and LVLs.
- Access: Townhouses, steep sites, and limited parking increase labour and delivery time.
- Services: Plumbing stacks, large HVAC ducts, and smart-home cabling often need extra nogging and routes.
- Performance: Acoustic walls, thermal breaks, wraps and BAL requirements add material and labour.
- Program: Fast-track builds compress trades and may require overtime teams.
How Long Does Wall Framing Take?
- Small internal re-frame (1–3 rooms): 2–7 days
- Ground-floor re-plan + openings: 1–2 weeks
- Second-storey addition / larger reno: 2–4 weeks (depending on steel, inspections, and weather)
Critical path milestones
- Set-out to drawings (check levels, square, and datum).
- Frame build (plates, studs, noggins, bracing, openings).
- Structural steel (lintels/beams) and tie-downs.
- Pre-services check with electrician/plumber/HVAC.
- Certifier/engineer inspection (as required).
- Wraps/insulation and close-up readiness for plasterboard.
Approvals & Compliance
- Design & engineering: Load-bearing changes and beam installs usually need engineer’s details.
- Certification: Your private certifier or council may require inspections at key stages.
- Codes: We frame to the NCC (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards. In bushfire-prone areas, BAL ratings influence materials and details.
- Neighbour impacts: For boundary work or semi-detached homes, allow for fire-rated walls and access planning.