When priced by the sq.ft., the average cost of roof framing ranges between $9 and $11 depending on the type of material, the type of roofing or trusses 1 used, and other factors. This includes the cost of the labor and materials. You can expect to spend between $3 and $9 per board foot on materials alone. This cost may be higher or lower depending on the job’s complexity because labor increases the costs. When you select the best framing option, look at the truss cost per sq.ft. to know your options based on the amount of framing you need to have done.
Roof Rafters vs Trusses Cost
The average cost of roof trusses ranges between $50 and $450 per truss or $9 to $11 per sq.ft., with installing trusses on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof costing between $13,500 and $16,500. For rafters, you can expect to spend an average of $7 to $16 per sq.ft., and $10,500 to $24,000 to install them on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof. While the majority of today’s roofs are built using trusses, most roofs were originally built with rafters. Rafters are large pieces of lumber that are constructed and fit on-site to form the roof. They offer customization and versatility but require an expert carpenter and command much higher prices than trusses because they require more labor to produce. Because they are built on-site, they take significantly longer to install, and it is easier to introduce errors into the building design when you build as-you-go with rafters as opposed to having preconfigured trusses that are built to specific standards and delivered in a complete piece.
Rafters allow for taller ceilings than some trusses, which can be beneficial if you plan to finish the attic. However, they produce shorter runs, meaning that the home will have interior load-bearing walls 2 and cannot support an open floor plan as easily. Trusses are factory-built using precision computer-aided technology, so there is less room for error. They are built in a controlled environment and can be installed in a day, resulting in fewer weather-related delays.
Trusses cost less to build and install. Many different types of trusses are available, including ones with up to 40-foot runs that are perfect for open floor plans. Using steel bracing makes it possible to create trusses that allow for cathedral ceilings, different roofing styles, and finished attics. In the table below, you will see a comparison of the average cost to install framing on the 1,500 sq.ft. roof used in the sample project, with materials and labor included.
| Framing Type | Cost for a 1,500 Sq.Ft. Roof (Installed) |
|---|
| Rafters | $10,500 - $24,000 |
| Trusses | $13,500 - $16,500 |
Roof Framing Cost by Material
The average cost of roof framing material varies. Most people spend $3 to $5 per board foot on wood and $7 to $9 per board foot on steel framing. The majority of roofing types are framed using wood trusses, with a few using wood with steel bracing. However, it is also possible to build larger roofs using steel framing. Steel framing provides more stability for longer runs and taller roofs. In a more basic roofing job, wood framing can get the job done for about half the cost. In the table and subsections below, we’ll go over both types of materials, their average costs, what each is best for, and other factors.
| Framing Material | Cost per Board Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Wood | $3 - $5 |
| Steel | $7 - $9 |
Wood Framing
Wood framing is an affordable option at $3 to $5 per board foot. It doesn’t offer as much durability or support as steel framing. Wood can be braced with steel to add extra structure and durability, but it is typically not ideal for longer runs or larger buildings. It will be much less expensive, making it great for basic projects with smaller budgets. Areas with temperate climates that are not subject to a lot of moisture or temperature extremes may be fine with wood framing. This decision is best left to the contractor who has the best knowledge.
Steel Framing
At the cost of $7 to $9 per board foot, steel framing can get costly, but it is sometimes necessary. Cathedral ceilings and other tall roofs and interiors require steel bracing as part of the roof even when using wood because they require additional stability. Steel could, therefore, be used to create stronger roofs with more elaborate angles and pitches, potentially using less material. If you plan to use the attic space, want to use less material, and have higher ceilings, a steel frame may provide the needed versatility. It offers a premium solution for roofing when it is desired or required.
Roof Trusses Price by Type
The average cost of roof trusses ranges from $50 to $450 per truss. This varies depending on the type of truss, its size, and the materials used to construct it. Certain trusses have different places based on the type of roofing you have. It will be important to discuss with your roofer which type of trusses fits your framing best. In the table and subsections below, you will see an average breakdown of the cost of trusses by type, for materials only, other factors to be considered in choosing the type of trusses for the framing job, and any necessary details.
| Truss Type | Cost per Truss (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Queen Post | $50 - $100 |
| Mono | $75 - $125 |
| Raised Tie | $100 - $125 |
| Fink | $100 - $270 |
| Prefab | $100 - $300 |
| Hip | $125 - $150 |
| Fan | $150 - $175 |
| Scissor | $200 - $300 |
| Attic | $200 - $300 |
| Cathedral | $250 - $400 |
| Half | $250 - $450 |
Queen Post Roof Truss
You can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per truss for the queen post roof truss. The queen post truss is used for additions and extensions to the home. It is a much shorter truss, only extending about 16 feet. This truss will be used on several different types of roofs but is typically only chosen for extensions and not for a full-scale roof replacement. In smaller homes, it may serve to fit the entire job, but usually, a more durable, longer truss with a better span and pitch is required for a full framing job.
Mono Truss Prices
The average mono truss prices range between $75 and $125 per truss, depending on the exact materials used, the size of the truss, and what features it has. A mono truss is designed to be used in certain homes where a flatter truss is needed to get a finished look that is appealing and meets the roofing design. Mono trusses are generally used in combination with other trusses as part of framing jobs, although they can also be used on their own.
Raised Tie Roof Truss
Raised tie trusses typically cost $100 to $125 per truss, depending on the size, exact features, and materials used. If you want a high ceiling, consider a raised-tie truss. This is an economical way to add height to your interior without making the roof pitch too high. The internal tie or support is much higher than in other trusses, giving you room to raise the ceilings. These trusses can be used alone or with other styles to create a combination roof design.
Fink Roof Truss
You will spend $100 to $270 on fink trusses, one of the most popular options. The fink is one of the more economical forms of trusses and can span up to 30 feet in width. The pitch is no more than 5½ inches per foot, making it easy to roof. This style can make up a gable roof, one of the more common types you see in homes. It is also used in combination roofs with other truss styles to create a unique finished look and meet all the design requirements.
Prefab Roof Trusses Cost
Prefab trusses are often the most common kind used on the job today. They cost between $100 and $300 each, depending on the materials, size, durability, and other features. Prefabrication saves labor costs and a lot of onsite construction time, which can help reduce the overall project costs. Some people also like prefab frames because they can then pay a cheaper labor crew to install the frames than to have someone custom build framing on site.
Hip Roof Trusses
If you consider hip trusses, you can expect to spend $125 to $150 per truss. These trusses are essential for those who have this type of roofing. It is a more elaborate truss that uses more lumber. Because of the cost of the lumber and not the actual labor, these trusses often cost more than other styles. If your home has a large roof, you can expect to spend a lot more on these trusses than those who have smaller roofs, but there is no other option for hipped roofing.
Fan Roof Truss
The average cost of a fan roof truss is $150 to $175 per truss because these are much larger than the average truss. If your home is extremely large, then opt for a fan truss. This is similar to the fink in style since it is triangular. However, it is much larger and holds more weight. It makes up common roofing types, such as gables. These are larger and use heavier materials, making them more durable and costly both in materials and installation labor.
Scissor Roof Truss
The scissor roof truss costs between $200 and $300, depending on the pitch, size, materials used for construction, and other factors. Scissor trusses are often used for attics, cathedral ceilings, and A-frame style homes. These trusses are shaped exactly like they sound, an upside down pair of scissors. The frames are mixed with other types of framing in a complete job, but entire sections or rooms within a building can be framed with this roof truss option.
Attic Truss Pricing
You will spend $200 to $300 on these trusses. Attic trusses have a higher price because they have to leave room for attic space, so they must be larger, more durable, and accommodate a span with enough space for the room. Several combinations of trusses can be used in this design, but the attic truss itself will be one of the most expensive parts of the job. These are similar to cathedral trusses and may also be made of premium materials because of their durability requirements.
Cathedral Truss Prices
These trusses have an average cost of $250 to $400. The cathedral truss is similar to the attic truss and is designed for cathedral ceilings and vaulted spaces. Their exact cost varies depending on materials, durability, and whether they are prefabricated or require any special construction considerations. These trusses need to hold more weight across a longer span, so they are typically a lightweight material designed to balance weight effectively.
Half Truss Prices
If you choose to install a half truss framing system, you can expect to spend $250 to $450. These smaller versions of trusses are prefabricated and brought onsite, assembled once they all arrive. This is a nice medium between fully prefab roofing and framing and custom building framing on site, which is why the price falls in the middle of the road. Half trusses are usually used in combination with other truss installations, depending on the roof design.
Average Cost of Roof Trusses by Size
You can expect to spend between $30 and $270 per truss based on their size. There are several sizes of trusses, and they will have different prices. Prices differ because of the size, materials needed, and the durability that the truss provides. For example, while cheaper on average, an 18-foot truss will not provide the same support as a 40-foot truss. In the table below, you will see a breakdown of the average costs of trusses based on their size, as represented by the most common sizes.
| Truss Size | Cost per Truss (Materials Only) |
|---|
| 10 Feet | $30 - $90 |
| 16 Feet | $50 - $100 |
| 18 Feet | $50 - $175 |
| 20 Feet | $60 - $180 |
| 24 Feet | $72 - $216 |
| 28 Feet | $84 - $252 |
| 30 Feet | $100 - $270 |
New Roof Framing Cost by Type of Roof
You can expect to spend $75 to $400 per truss on roof framing depending on the style of the roof, the complexity of its design, its overall size, and other factors. The type of trusses used and the materials needed depend on the type of roofing that you have. In the table and subsections below, you will see a breakdown of the average cost for framing based on roofing type, the trusses required, and what each type of roofing requires.
| Type | Cost per Truss (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Gambrel | $75 - $125 |
| Mansard | $75 - $400 |
| Flat | $100 - $150 |
| Gable | $100 - $175 |
| A-Frame | $200 - $300 |
Gambrel Roof Frame
The average gambrel roof truss prices range between $75 and $125 per truss, depending on the type used. On a Gambrel roof, the side pitches are nearly vertical in their design, making it easy for people to finish the attic. These roofs are popular in the New England region. The top sections of the roof have a more moderate pitch. To create this roof, you may need a combination of trusses, including a mono and low-pitch fan. The exact number and style of trusses depend on your roofing design.
Mansard Roof Frame
The average cost of trusses for a Mansard roof range from $75 to $400 per truss. This will depend on the material of the truss, the style and size, and other factors, including whether the trusses are prefabricated. These roofs are very uncommon but highly decorative. This four-sided roof has a double slope on each side. The lower slope is extremely steep, almost concave in appearance. Like the gambrel, you can have a finished attic and need a combination of trusses, including the mono. If you use attic or cathedral trusses, you will incur a premium cost.
Flat Roof Frame
The average flat roof truss prices range between $100 and $150 per truss, depending on which types of trusses or framing are used. Flat roofs are less common in residential homes than in commercial buildings. They do not use the same system for framing but can use a lattice truss if necessary. These are inexpensive to build and install but require a lot of maintenance because they do not allow easy drainage. Their use may be limited in areas where excessive rainfall or moisture is an issue.
Gable Roof Frame
You can expect to spend about $100 to $175 per truss, according to the average gable roof truss prices. This depends on the exact style of the truss since multiple will be needed and what it is constructed from. This type of roofing is one of the most common and can be cross, open, or closed, and has one or more gables with a moderate pitch. These roofs are economical because they are low maintenance and easy to install. There are several trusses available to support this type of framing.
A-Frame Roof Cost
The average cost of A-frame roof trusses ranges from $200 to $300 per truss. This depends on the exact type and size of truss needed and the final design of the roof. An A-framed roof extends to the ground, giving the home the shape of a capital A. These roofs are extremely difficult and expensive to build, with a very steep pitch. However, they allow snow to slide off, so they do not need to bear much weight. You need to use a steep-scissor truss, and the walls of the home must bear the weight of the roof.
Labor Cost to Frame a Roof
Labor is typically charged by the hour at a rate of around $25 to $35 an hour for a total of about $2,500 to $3,000 of the $13,500 to $16,500 cost range. Labor is one of the smallest portions of the cost to build a truss roof. Material costs, including the factory assembly ($10,400 to $13,000), the cost of the crane ($500 to $700), and other incidental costs ($80 to $200), make up the bulk of the project costs. Keep in mind that very tall buildings, large properties, and complex roofs cost more because they involve more material and labor. Costs also increase for roofs with a very steep pitch and those needing premium materials, such as steel braces.
When using a truss roof, the framing process is fairly simple. The trusses are ordered about three to four weeks before they are needed. They are factory-built and assembled with computer-aided technology to the exact specifications of your home and roofing size. They will be delivered to the site on a flatbed truck. A crane is needed to lift the individual truss pieces into place, where they will be balanced and nailed into the frame of the home. The entire process can be done in less than a day once the trusses arrive, which is the biggest benefit of using this roofing system.
Garage Roof Framing
The average costs for garage roof framing will be the same as they are for home roof framing, with the average costs ranging from $3 to $9 per board foot for materials alone, as well as $25 to $35 per hour for labor. Costs depend on which type of roofing you’re installing and the climate where you live. If you need to support the weight of snow, for example, you will need a heavier roof with trusses closer together. If, however, you can install a lighter roof, you may spend less on framing because you need fewer trusses.
2022 Notice: The Effect of the Pandemic on the Construction Industry
The construction industry took a big hit during the pandemic, along with many other fields. In particular, supply chain and labor shortages have combined to cause a major increase in the cost of materials and labor. This is in addition to many delays in both securing materials and getting your project underway.
The materials that most roofs are framed in are lumber and steel. Both these materials have seen very volatile pricing over the last two years. Lumber is currently up nearly 16% over the previous year, while steel is up 123% in costs.
While many homes and structures can be built from other materials like insulated blocks to help keep costs down, roofs generally cannot. This means that roof framing is one of the most impacted sectors of the construction industry. If you are building a new home or addition or considering reframing your roof, consider signing a contract sooner rather than later to help lock in costs and line up a contractor for the work before their schedules become too full.
Cost to Change a Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof
Raising a roof pitch costs $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the complexity of the change taking place. You will typically have to remove the flat roof and its frame entirely and then rebuild or install prefabricated trusses to frame the new pitched roof in the appropriate design and style. The total cost depends on the style you choose, how much framing is required, and the demolition and prep costs for your project. You should talk to a contractor about raising a roof pitch to ensure that you make the right choice for your roof.
Cost to Replace Roof Framing
The average cost to replace roof framing is $11 to $15 per sq.ft., which is just the cost of a new installation plus the added costs of removing the old framing and prepping the structure for the new roof. Although the jobs are the same, the replacement requires demolition first before work begins. This means that the labor costs will typically be much higher than they would be from a new installation. It will be a good idea to talk to your contractor about the cost to replace roof trusses versus a new construction project to make sure that you’re getting an accurate estimate.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Roof Designer
You might choose to hire a roof designer at a rate of $50 to $100 per hour to help you design the framing for your roof. This is usually preferred by those who have a more complex design or need something that is customized for their installation. A roof designer is a professional who knows how to create the perfect style that fits a home’s aesthetics without going outside of your budget. They will match truss types to roofing types to ensure the best framing possible.
Disposal Fees
One of the additional costs associated with roof framing is the disposal fee, which ranges from $70 to $200, depending on how much excess material or waste needs to be disposed of during and after the project. Disposal fees could vary from one contractor to another and may be lower for companies that can bring their own dumpster to the site than for a company that hauls everything to the landfill and charges you for those services. Ask the contractors what you can expect regarding disposal fees and include that in your estimate.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Service bundling. In most cases, roofs are framed in new construction or a new space addition. By bundling services together, you may be able to negotiate a better price. Speak to your builder or roofer to find out what discounts may be available.
- Larger trusses. Any truss span over 40 feet in length requires heavier timbers or steel beams, which raises the costs of the project significantly. Material costs may double in this case.
- Permits. You need a permit to frame a roof, but this is usually rolled into the permit required for new construction or the roof itself. If you are unsure, talk to your builder or roofer.
- DIY. Unless you happen to be a certified and trained roofer, roof truss framing should not be done by yourself. This job takes trained professionals along with specialty equipment and is not safe to perform by anyone without experience.
FAQs
- How much does roof framing cost?
The average cost of roof framing ranges from $13,500 to $16,500, depending on the size of the roof, the framing used, and other features.
- How much do framers charge?
You can expect to spend $25 to $35 per hour for roof framing services.
- How do I estimate the cost of framing?
Typically, you can estimate the cost of framing based on the type of framing you anticipate using and the square footage of roofing that needs framing.
- How much does it cost to reconstruct a roof?
The average cost to reconstruct a roof is about $16,000 to $24,000, depending on the size of the roof. This cost includes the demo of the old roof and building a new frame on top of the home.
- What two ways can you frame a roof?
The two basic ways to frame a roof are to use rafters, which are hand-built on-site, or trusses, which are factory-made and delivered.
- Are trusses cheaper than rafters?
Typically, trusses are significantly cheaper than rafters for materials and labor.
- How much are timber-roof trusses?
Most trusses are sold at the cost of around $3 to $9 per board foot. That cost may be higher or lower, depending on the material.
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