The cost to build a partition wall usually ranges between $970 and $3080. This can go higher or lower depending on the size of the wall, the materials used, the features of the wall, the contractor’s rate, and more.
To help you get a better estimate of the possible cost of your partition wall, here’s a an in-depth discussion of each of the price factors.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Partition Wall
Size of the Wall
The size of the wall is one of the biggest determining factors of the overall cost of building a partition wall. The bigger the wall, the more resources are needed, the longer it is to build, and the higher the cost.
A partition wall generally costs $3 to $18 per square foot to build and install. Hence, a typical 50-square-foot full partition wall can cost you about $150 to $900.
Materials
Drywall
Drywall, also known as gypsum boards, is the most commonly used material for partition walls because of its relatively easy installation process and affordable price. They’re DIY friendly and can be easily modified.
Partition walls made of drywall typically cost $1.5 to $3 per square foot.
Wood
Wood is another material widely used for partition walls. It provides a natural and traditional finish to the space, perfect for people who want a more cozy and homey-looking property.
This can be quite harder to install for people who don’t have experience in carpentry compared to drywall. It’s also quite expensive, as supply is pretty limited.
You can expect to pay around $10 to $40 per square foot if you plan to use wood for your partition wall.
Plaster
Plaster is often mistaken for drywall due to its similarity in appearance. However, the two are completely different materials.
Plaster was more commonly used in the past, as they tend to be more fragile than other materials. However, some still prefer them over drywalls since they are fire-resistant.
A plaster wall can cost anywhere between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most durable and fire-resistant materials you can use for drywall. It also absorbs more heat, which helps stabilize indoor temperature and provides good sound insulation.
However, concrete walls can be pricey, as they’re usually more complicated to install. You’ll spend about $10 to $60 per square foot if you decide to use concrete for your wall.
Glass
Glass partition walls were more common in offices in the past, but they’re steadily gaining popularity among homeowners. They’re perfect for houses that have an open concept and for people who love natural light.
Options like frosted glass and textured glass are also available for people who like the modern and sleek aesthetic provided by glass but don’t want to sacrifice their privacy.
Glass partition walls typically cost around $25 to $75 per square foot.
Stone
Similar to concrete, stone also provides great fire resistance, high thermal mass, and great sound insulation. It’s also highly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear that drywall and plaster may not handle.
That said, you’ll have to prepare strong structural support, as stones are very heavy. Hence, building one is best left to the care of professionals rather than trying to build one on your own.
Using stone for a partition wall can cost anywhere between $15 and $80 per square foot, making it one of the most expensive materials you can use.
Brick
Brick partition walls are best for spaces that want a classic and rustic aesthetic. They also provide almost the same sound and thermal insulation and durability as concrete and stone but at a much lower price.
A brick wall can cost you anywhere between $5 and $45 per square foot.
Wall Type
Permanent
Permanent partition walls are the most common type of wall, especially for residential homes. They’re built to stay in one place and cannot be easily moved or modified after installation.
They are built inside the building, so they may take a bit more time and effort compared to other partition wall types.
These walls are typically the most affordable option among the three, costing about $2 to $9 per square foot. That said, you may need to spend a lot on labor fees due to the complicated building method.
Movable
Movable partition walls, also known as sliding walls, can slide, fold, or be rearranged to create separate spaces inside a building. They’re commonly used in commercial spaces, conference centers, and universities.
These walls allow you to divide an area into smaller rooms without taking away the opportunity to use a large room for big events.
They’re lightweight and not too thick to ensure easy sliding and moving. Due to this, they also don’t provide the best sound insulation compared to permanent partition walls.
Movable partition walls are just slightly more expensive than permanent walls, costing anywhere between $3 and $14 per square foot. However, installation costs may be cheaper than permanent walls, depending on how big the walls are.
Demountable
Demountable partition walls, also known as modular walls, are prefabricated walls that offer a flexible and efficient way to separate spaces.
They are composed of panels that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured to fit your space without major construction work, making them extremely popular choices for office spaces.
They tend to have higher upfront costs, but they are expected to save one money over the lifespan of the walls. They’re often made from durable materials and carefully engineered, so they don’t need much maintenance.
Moreover, since they’re faster to install, businesses can start using their office buildings a lot sooner and not give up possible income.
Demountable partition walls typically cost $15 to $43 per square foot. The installation cost of these will be considerably lower than other types of walls, as they’re usually faster and easier to install.
Wall Features
There are several features that can be added to enhance the functionality and visual appeal of a partition wall. That said, these features tend to increase the cost of building one, so expect to pay more if you incorporate a lot of features.
Some features that are common in partition walls are doors and windows. Built-in shelves and storage are also getting more and more popular, and they can be costly due to additional materials and labor.
Insulation
Adding insulation on partition walls increases the upfront cost since you’ll have to buy more materials and the installation process will take longer. The increase in cost depends on the type of insulation you’ll choose.
Insulation rolls are among the most commonly used insulation materials for both commercial and residential spaces. These are typically made of fiberglass or mineral wool and are among the cheapest insulation options.
A single roll that covers a 40 to 75 feet area typically costs $20 to $90 or $0.50 to $1.70 per square foot.
Another material you can use for insulation is rock wool or mineral wool. These are made from natural minerals and provide great sound and thermal insulation.
Rock wool typically costs $0.60 to $2.10 per square foot, depending on the size, thickness, and quality.
Costing $1 to $5 per square foot, insulation boards can be quite expensive. However, they tend to provide better insulation compared to the two we’ve mentioned earlier.
Finishing Touches on the Wall
Finishing touches on the wall, like plastering, paint, moldings, wallpaper, and other architectural designs, can also affect the cost of a partition wall.
Painting the wall alone can cost you about $3 to $6 per square foot, including labor. The final cost will depend heavily on the type of paint used, as there are standard and premium paints.
Wallpapers, on the other hand, cost $4.45 to $10.31 per square foot, depending on the material and design. Textured wallpapers may also cost more, so it’s best to get a quote from different suppliers.
Plastering can also increase the overall cost by $2 to $10 per square foot, while molding can cost you $7 to $16 per linear foot. This process is often done to even out the wall and make it easier for paint and wallpaper to be installed.
Some may also choose to add trims to their doors and windows, which can increase the cost by $0.50 to $10 per linear foot. These are more of an aesthetic choice, which you may choose not to do if you want to save money.
Labor
Labor is typically the most expensive part of building a partition wall. The experience and expertise of the worker, the amount of work needed to be done, and the hours it takes to build the wall can all affect the total cost.
Carpenters and construction workers usually charge $21 per hour. Building a permanent partition wall can take a couple of days, so the cost will naturally be high.
Additionally, you’ll have to hire the help of a professional electrician if you want to put light switches or outlets on the wall. This can cost you about $45 to $200 per hour.
