Prefabricated Walls: What They Are, How They’re Made, and When to Use Them

What’s the deal with prefabricated walls? If you’re in construction, you’ve probably heard the term thrown around more and more—and for good reason. As labor shortages and material delays continue to impact job sites, builders turn to faster, more efficient alternatives to stay on schedule and under budget. That’s where prefabricated wall panels come in. 

But exactly what are prefabricated wall panels? How do they compare to traditional framing methods? And are they actually cheaper in the long run?

In this guide, we’ll explain prefab walls, how they’re made, and why they’re becoming a go-to solution for modern builders. We’ll also explore how Zeeland Lumber & Supply’s own wall panel plant is helping contractors get the job done faster without compromising on quality.

What Are Prefabricated Panels?

Prefabricated walls, also known as prefab wall panels or manufactured wall panels, are complete wall sections built off-site in a controlled environment. These panels are constructed to a builder’s exact specifications and delivered to the job site ready for immediate installation.

With traditional stick framing, lumber is cut and assembled on-site piece by piece. Prefabricated walls arrive fully framed and often sheathed, streamlining the framing process and reducing overall labor needs. Watch the video below for a side-by-side timelapse of both approaches on real projects, underscoring the time savings of prefab wall panels.

How Are Prefabricated Walls Made?

Prefab wall panels are built in indoor facilities with advanced equipment and precision planning. At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we produce our panels in-house at our dedicated plant in northern Michigan.

Here’s how the process works:

• Engineered to spec: Each panel is designed according to the project’s floor plan and structural requirements.
• Built with optimized lumber: We use high-quality lumber and an optimized cutting process that minimizes scrap and waste.
• Assembled indoors: Panels are constructed in a climate-controlled facility, free from weather delays or outdoor limitations.
• Delivered just in time: Prefabricated panels are shipped directly to the job site and are ready for immediate installation.

This process ensures higher build quality and helps keep projects on track and on budget.

When to Choose Prefab Walls vs. Traditional Framing

Prefabricated wall panels are ideal for:

• Large-scale residential builds (subdivisions, multi-family housing)
• Repetitive commercial layouts (hotels, senior living facilities)
• Fast-tracked timelines where every day counts
• Regions with unpredictable weather or where job site delays are common
• Contractors navigating labor shortages

While traditional framing may still work for unique one-off projects or more minor renovations, prefab walls are an excellent choice when speed, consistency, and cost-efficiency matter most.

How Much Do Prefab Walls Cost?

One of the biggest questions we hear is: Are prefab walls cheaper than traditional construction? The answer depends on how you measure cost.

Here’s where prefab walls save money:

• Lower labor costs: Fewer crew hours are needed on-site
• Less material waste: Optimized cuts mean less scrap
• Shorter build cycles: Faster framing = quicker project turnover
• Reduced job site theft or damage: Materials are stored and built securely off-site

So, how much do prefab walls cost?

While prices vary based on project size, complexity, and materials, prefab wall panels will cost  more upfront per square foot than raw lumber. However, the overall project cost typically drops once you factor in labor savings, faster timelines, and fewer delays.

Common Applications for Prefabricated Walls

Manufactured wall panels are widely used in:

• Single-family home builds
• Multi-family housing developments
• Commercial buildings like offices, schools, and retail stores
• Agricultural and storage facilities
• Industrial spaces where speed and durability are essential

If you’re building something that needs to go up quickly and be built to last, prefab walls offer the perfect combination of convenience and performance.

Why Choose Zeeland Lumber & Supply for Prefab Wall Panels

At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we don’t just supply prefab wall panels—we manufacture them ourselves. That means you get:

• Custom or standard sizing for wall, floor, and roof components
• A range of sheathing options, including OSB, Huber Zip R, LP WeatherLogic, and more
• Panels built in climate-controlled facilities to your exact specs
• On-time delivery from a supplier who understands your schedule and needs

We work closely with builders to ensure every panel arrives when and where needed, helping you complete projects faster and more efficiently.

Is It Time to Make the Switch to Prefabricated Walls?

If you’re still stick-framing every project, now might be the perfect time to rethink your approach. Prefabricated walls offer profound benefits in terms of speed, consistency, labor savings, and overall cost-efficiency—without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’re building one home or one hundred, Zeeland Lumber & Supply is here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Have a project in mind? Want to explore what prefab wall panels could look like for your next build? Request a quote to get started!