Understanding the price of partition walls

Partition walls, also known as internal partitions, give you a simple way to reshape commercial and industrial spaces.

You could use them to create private meeting areas, reduce noise in busy offices, meet fire regulations or improve workflow.

And with so many benefits of partition walls, they’ve become a popular choice everywhere from offices and schools to healthcare facilities and retail units. 

The cost of partition walls in the UK depends on the material you choose and the complexity of the installation. Extra features like glazing, insulation and fire-rated doors can also increase price, though they’re usually more than worth it in the long run.

In this guide, we explore the main cost factors in UK wall partitions, complete with real-world examples that put those figures into context.

That way, you can plan for partition wall installation with total confidence in your budget.

For a precise figure, request a free no-obligation quote from CCL Interiors today.

 

Key factors affecting partition wall cost in the UK

Partition wall materials

Your choice of material has the biggest impact on the price of partition walls. We’ve picked out some of the most popular options to help you balance cost with features like acoustic performance, fire resistance, durability and style.

 

Stud and plasterboard partitions

This is the most budget-friendly and widely used system. It’s lightweight and quick to build with options for insulation to improve fire resistance or sound reduction. The versatility of stud and plasterboard partitions make them a popular choice for everyday projects.

• Choose when: You want a practical, affordable solution
• Popular for: Offices, schools, retail units
• Typical cost: £25–£45 per m²

 

Fire-rated plasterboard partitions

These look like standard plasterboard systems. But they use thicker boards and mineral wool insulation to slow the spread of fire. Fire-rate plasterboard partitions can provide protection for 30, 60 or 120 minutes depending on the specification and are often required in high-occupancy environments.

• Choose when: Meeting fire safety standards is a priority
• Popular for: Healthcare facilities, schools, factories
• Typical cost: £40–£70 per m²

 

Acoustic plasterboard partitions

Multiple layers of plasterboard, mineral wool and acoustic seals help to reduce sound transmission between rooms. So acoustic plasterboard partitions are an effective choice for busy spaces where privacy or noise control is important. They’re more expensive than standard plasterboard, but offer far better acoustic performance.

• Choose when: Controlling noise levels is essential
• Popular for: Call centres, classrooms, consultation rooms
• Typical cost: £45–£90 per m²

 

Demountable partitions

These modular systems can be dismantled and reassembled whenever layouts need to change. This flexibility makes them ideal for businesses with shifting requirements. Demountable partitions cost more upfront, but can save money in the long term by repurposing them when your workspace evolves.

• Choose when: You expect to reconfigure your space in the future
• Popular for: Large corporate offices, co-working spaces, training or conference facilities
• Typical cost: £100–£250 per m²

 

Solid core or timber partitions

Wood systems give your space a durable, premium look. Veneer and laminate finishes allow you to match your solid core or timber partitions to the rest of your interior design. They’re a common choice in high-profile areas where both aesthetics and durability matter.

• Choose when: Style and longevity are equally important
• Popular for: Boardrooms, reception areas, hospitality
• Typical cost: £100–£250 per m²

 

Glass partitions

Framed or frameless glass partitions let you keep natural light flowing through your space even when you divide it up. Single and double-glazed systems offer a sleek, modern appearance as well as acoustic separation. They cost more than plasterboard but deliver maximum visual impact.

• Choose when: You want a bright, open look that still creates private rooms
• Popular for: Meeting rooms, high-end offices, retail stores
• Typical cost: £150–£350 per m²

 

Movable or operable walls

Sliding or folding systems let you reconfigure large rooms quickly and often include strong acoustic performance. They require specialist installation and engineering, but offer the greatest versatility. This makes movable or operable walls especially valuable in spaces that serve multiple purposes

• Choose when: Flexible layouts are central to your space
• Popular for: Schools, conference centres, community halls
• Typical cost: £250–£600 per m²

 

Dig deeper: Do you need planning permission for a partition wall?

 

Installation complexity

The easier your partition walls are to install, the less you’ll end up paying for labour.

Setting up a simple stud wall in a rectangular room is quick and affordable. But taller partitions, irregular layouts or curved runs demand more reinforcement and precision, so they take longer.

Adding doors, glazing or integrated services like electrics and ventilation also increases the time on site. And special features like passive fire protection and acoustic systems require multiple layers and seals, which means extra labour.

If your project takes place in a live environment like an office, hospital or school, installers may need to work in stages or operate outside of normal hours. This too extends how long your interior fit-out will take.

Depending on these factors, labour typically ranges from £20–£40 per m² for installing wall partitions.

 

Other factors that affect the cost of partition walls

Material and labour account for most of your budget. But extra features can raise the price further.

 

Finishes

Enhancing the appearance of your wall partitions with specialist finishes changes how much you can expect to pay.

A simple paint job won’t change the cost much. But veneers, laminates and specialist hygienic coatings all add to the total.

That said, these options are certainly worth considering if you need a more polished or functional finish.

• Standard painted plasterboard: Minimal cost impact
• Veneer or laminate finishes: £20–£50 per m²
• Specialist hygienic coatings: £10–£25 per m²

 

Doors and glazing inserts

Businesses often request doors and glazing to make partitions more practical and attractive.

A basic timber door is fairly cheap. But fire-rated or acoustic doors cost several times more.

Similarly, while glazing inserts provide natural light, they also require additional framing and finishing.

• Standard internal doors: £150–£300 each
• Fire-rated or acoustic doors: £400–£800 each
• Glazing inserts in plasterboard: £250–£600 per panel

 

Insulation

Adding insulation improves fire resistance and acoustic performance.

While it raises the material and labour costs, it’s often essential in offices, schools and healthcare facilities.

Choosing the right specification at the outset avoids the need for costly upgrades later on.

• Acoustic or fire-rated mineral wool: £5–£15 per m² of partition

 

Find out more: Partition wall vs load-bearing wall: A comprehensive guide

 

Typical costs and price breakdown

Looking at the cost per square metre of materials, labour and additional features doesn’t always give you a clear idea of the full cost of your project. So here are four real-world examples that show how different choices add up.

 

Small office refurbishment

• Venue: 6-person office in a converted commercial building
• Typical size: 20 m²
• Recommended materials: Stud and plasterboard partitions with basic insulation
• Why these materials: This option offers an affordable way to divide space while keeping the finish professional and functional. The added insulation improves privacy by cutting down sound transfer between the new rooms
• Cost estimate:
  • Materials: £25–£45 per m² → £500–£900
  • Finishes: Paint finish → £100–£200
  • Installation (labour + fixings): £20–£30 per m² → £400–£600
• Total cost: £900–£1,400

 

Corporate meeting rooms

• Venue: 50-person office adding glazed meeting rooms
• Typical size: 50 m²
• Recommended materials: Frameless glass partitions with aluminium framing
• Why these materials: Using glass creates a bright and modern atmosphere that makes full use of natural light. The aluminium framing adds strength and stability without losing the sleek appearance needed for client-facing areas
• Cost estimate:
  • Materials: £200–£300 per m² → £10,000–£15,000
  • Doors and framing: £1,000–£1,500
  • Installation (specialist glazing labour): £30–£40 per m² → £1,500–£2,000
• Total cost: £11,500–£17,000

 

School classrooms

• Venue: Secondary school refit
• Typical size: 100 m²
• Recommended materials: Acoustic plasterboard partitions with mineral wool insulation
• Why these materials: High acoustic performance helps to control noise, which is essential for concentration in educational spaces. Mineral wool insulation boosts this soundproofing further, ensuring each classroom feels self-contained
• Cost estimate:
  • Materials: £50–£80 per m² → £5,000–£8,000
  • Doors and glazing panels: £1,000–£1,500
  • Installation (labour + acoustic detailing): £25–£35 per m² → £2,500–£3,500
• Total cost: £7,500–£11,500

 

Multi-purpose hall

• Venue: Community centre with movable wall
• Typical size: 80 m²
• Recommended materials: Operable acoustic wall system
• Why these materials: A movable wall provides the flexibility to divide or open the hall depending on activities and group sizes. Strong acoustic ratings also mean different events can take place at the same time without interference
• Cost estimate:
  • Materials: £300–£500 per m² → £24,000–£40,000
  • Tracks, seals and accessories: £0–£2,000
  • Installation (specialist labour): £40–£60 per m² → £3,200–£4,800
• Total cost: £27,200–£44,800

 

Get an accurate quote for partition wall cost in the UK

The final cost of partition walls depends on the material you choose, the complexity of the installation and any extra features you request.

The figures in this guide help you make a reliable estimate. But only a site survey from a trusted and experienced commercial fit-out contractor will give you an exact price.

At CCL Interiors, we have more than 50 years of experience delivering partition walls and complete fit-outs across the UK and Ireland. Our team has a proven track record in the commercial, residential, hospitality and leisure sectors. And we combine competitive prices with the highest standards of workmanship and safety to give you the best possible service.

Get your free no-obligation quote from CCL Interiors today and take the first step toward creating a safe, beautiful and functional space.