How Much Does a Timber House Frame Cost? [2024]

House frames can be built from a variety of materials, including steel and concrete - but timber remains one of the world's favourites. More cost-effective than these other materials, timber is also considered the most environmentally friendly building material and is a flexible option if last-minute changes need to be made on site.

If you are thinking about costs, expect to pay from $1480 per square metre for a timber frame house.

Prefabricated timber wall frames

In Australia native hardwoods were used by the early settlers to build timber house frames. The tradition continued well into the 20th century, until our native forests were depleting too rapidly due to increased demand. As a consequence, imported and plantation grown pine came into common use after methods of treating pine to prevent termite infestation were developed.

While house frame and truss construction has been standardised to adhere to Australian standards, the way they are built has changed. In the past, builders ordered sawn and dressed timber, had it delivered to the site and built homes from the ground up. This has given way to custom prefabricated timber wall frames and trusses, which are delivered directly to your building site.

Timber construction benefits

Wondering what the various benefits are for building with timber? Here are some, including:

• Fewer trades are required, as a timber build generally only requires a carpenter and painter
• Less downtime due to wet weather, unlike concrete and brickwork which is weather dependant
• Streamlined, simple construction process when compared to brickwork
• Environmental benefits, with timber framed buildings having 60 per cent lower embodied energy than a brick veneer home

Getting approval for your job

Even though you are building with timber, your plans need to be submitted to council for approval. Depending on your project a Development Application (DA) and/or Construction Certificate could be required. Once these are approved you can then arrange for builders to tender on your job. The approval process also differs from council to council, and could take anywhere from 30 days to 100 days. The best way to ensure that your application will be processed quickly is to have all the right information and documentation in your initial submission. Your builder, architect or building designer can also help with this process.

How much does a timber house frame cost?

As a guide you can expect your total costs for a major building project to be:

• 50% for materials
• 35% for labour
• 15% for council fees and permits

A timber frame house can help you save anywhere from 10 percent to 20 per cent over a a steel framed house. While other factors such as the type of insulation and siding you choose help determine the price difference between a brick and timber framed house, expect to pay:

• $1480 per square metre for a timber frame house

For comparison you can expect other materials to cost anywhere from:

• $1200 to $1600 per square metre for brick veneer
• $1300 to $1680 per square metre for full brick

Who can take on my job?

For this type of project you are likely to require the services of a licensed builder and/or a qualified carpenter - preferably who have experience working with timber frame houses. All states require these trades to be licensed - so do your homework and check their backgrounds before you hire anyone.

Hiring a builder

When it comes time to hiring a tradie or business make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you appropriately qualified and registered or licensed?
• Do you hold valid insurance (professional indemnity and public liability insurance)?
• Do you have experience in residential projects?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long will my job take?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

After you have drawings and a firm idea of the material costs for your home addition, you can get quotes from local builders or carpenters. This will give you a good idea of what your final project costs will be. Find out more on how to design a timber frame house here.