Wood vs ICCF Cost Comparison
The Perfect Block™ Insulated Composite Concrete Form (ICCF)
Here’s a side-by-side labor comparison of traditional wood framing vs. framing with The Perfect Block™ (ICCF), focused on residential construction and based on average U.S. costs as of 2025:
Labor Cost Comparison: Wood Framing vs. The Perfect Block™ (ICCF)
| Category | Wood Framing | The Perfect Block™ (ICCF) |
| Typical Crew Needed | 3–4 carpenters or framers | 2–3 laborers or block installers |
| Avg Journeyman Rate | $30–$50/hr | $25–$40/hr |
| Labor Intensity | High — many steps (layout, cutting, nailing, bracing) | Lower — fewer components, minimal tools needed |
| Install Speed | Slower on walls with corners and elevation changes | Faster — 4′ blocks stack quickly, fewer joints |
| Framing Cost (Labor Only) | $6–$12/sf of wall area | $4–$8/sf of wall area |
| Extra Steps Required | Bracing, sheathing, fire blocking, insulation | None — ICCF is form + insulation + fire barrier |
| Training Requirements | Standard framing knowledge | 1–2 days of ICCF install training |
| Waste | High – offcuts and damaged wood | Low – cut blocks to fit on-site |
Thermal Efficiency Moderate – requires extra layers of High – No thermal bridges, no drafts, material to enhance efficiency Perfect for high efficiency Mini-splits
Key Advantages of ICCF with The Perfect Block™:
- Fewer trades needed upfront — no separate insulation crew or sheathing crew
- Faster dry-in time for entire structure
- Simplified training for general laborers (don’t need carpenters)
- Reduces rework due to warping, splitting, or settling of wood
Conclusion: An often-overlooked benefit to choosing to build with The Perfect Block™
In the end, the result is more than just a finished structure — it’s an ICCF home designed to endure. Unlike traditional wood-framed houses that are vulnerable to fire, high winds, floods, termites, and the relentless wear of time, an ICCF home offers unmatched resilience. With its reinforced concrete core and insulating composite shell, this building isn’t just built for today — it’s built for generations to come. While wood homes may last decades under ideal conditions, an ICCF home stands ready to face the threats of Mother Nature head-on, potentially lasting for millennia. The choice is clear: build with permanence, build with protection, build for increased property value, build with ICCF.
