A Guide to Partition Walls

You may be wondering, why bother with a guide to partition walls? Well, it’s a no-brainer that public settings can get noisy. Loud commotions, people having conversations, phones ringing, you name it. These noises can negatively impact productivity, more so, when collaboration is important. 

Here’s where partition walls come into play. They are a great way of infusing visual separation and division, thus creating a conducive and more structured environment. Regardless of whether it’s a temporary or permanent solution, a partition wall is just what the doctor ordered to silence external noises and provide a private desk space that’s ideal for meetings, recharging, and much more.

And the doctor may have indeed ordered them; in 2020, clients were adding partition walls everywhere to be used as sneeze guards, to help prevent Covid-19 germs from being spread.  

Hotel Lobby with Partition Safety Walls

Hotel Lobby with Partition Safety Walls

With that being said, if you’re interested in dividing your space, this ultimate guide to partition walls is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about partition walls, so it's easier to make an informed decision.

placey lyft partition wall system

Example of Partition Walls in Office Setting

What is a Partition Wall? 

Partition definition: it is defined as a room divider or wooden partition wall constructed from a sturdy material such as glass, bricks, or wood studs, whose sole purpose is to be a room divider and separate one room from another. 

It’s also the go-to for properly sub-dividing a large space. A partition wall can be designed as a non-load-bearing or load-bearing wall. 

  •  Non-Load-Bearing Wall: It’s typically located inside a property and doesn’t support a building’s structural weight. So, it doesn’t take on any additional weight. Synonymous with ‘curtain walls,’ non-load-bearing walls are solely used to divide rooms and typically don’t serve any other purpose. You can easily spot them by keenly observing the rafters and joists in your basement or attic. If they run parallel to the wall, there’s a high likelihood they’re non-load-bearing walls. With this type of partition wall, the world is your oyster because they’re not responsible for a property’s gravitational support.
  • Load-bearing Wall: Also referred to as a building’s internal wall, it is structural and does carry any weight. Contrary to the non-load-bearing counterparts, it’s erected to deliver structural support to a commercial or residential property. Slicing or removing one load-bearing wall is enough to bring down an entire structure.
    • Therefore, ensure you grasp the difference between the two to avoid unintentionally jeopardizing the stability of your property’s structure.  If the joists or rafters in your attic or basement run perpendicularly to the wall in question, then those are most likely load-bearing walls. 
gravitee partition wall features

Partition Walls

These walls could be fixed, foldable, or collapsible types. For aesthetic purposes and functionality, partition walls may be designed in different shapes such as heavy, light, thick, or thin. Their requirements revolve around the design of a building and the materials used for its construction. 

Types of Partition Walls 

Buildings have a boatload of rooms, courtesy of partition walls. For room service and privacy, you can build a divider wall as the most ideal option, and it can be built to serve a wealth of purposes. It can be designed in various shapes and types. Based on the building requirements, design, and materials, partition walls come in different types, as discussed below. 


Applications of Partition Walls 

A partition wall is effective in dividing space and is applicable in different settings, as discussed below. 

Conferences 

Partition walls are ideal for exhibition and conference centers. They allow a vast assortment of events and tradeshows to occur concurrently. They can reduce or expand the available space to create a suitable environment for courses, discussions, and meetings. 

Hospitals 

Confidentiality and privacy are paramount in hospitals and other high-traffic settings. Therefore, partition walls are the Holy Grail that permits medical personnel to divide the available space to give patients the dignity they deserve. Moreover, some walls are a breeze to clean, thus making them a sanitary option. 

Hotels 

The function rooms in hotels are typically used for shindigs, corporate events, or receptions, all of which can be noisy and disturb residents and staff members. Partition walls allow hotels to comfortably host such gatherings while still operating normally without disrupting others. 

Offices 

If space is at a premium in your workspace, a movable and multipurpose partition wall will conveniently allow the reconfiguration of areas as deemed necessary. Furthermore, it’ll permit meetings to occur concurrently, deliver privacy, and keep noise at a minimum. 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the importance of social distancing in curbing the spread of COVID-19 cannot be emphasized enough, which includes working from home. 

Therefore, if you want to get employees back in the office, it’s essential to prioritize their well-being and diminish the risk of spreading the virus by implementing the same social distancing; this can be achieved using partition walls. 


Gtravitee partition wall meeting areas


Learning Centers 

Educational institutions typically use movable wall partitions to divide a classroom into various groups. Concertina walls are usually the go-to option. They’re not only impressively user-friendly but also affordable. 

How to Choose the Best Partition Wall 

To permit an informed decision, consider the following buying factors before you decide on a partition wall. 

Aesthetics 

Visual appeal is one of the major concerns when selecting a partition wall. Aesthetics are part and parcel of business branding. An eye-catching and professional office leaves a memorable impression on customers. 

So, paying attention to how every partition can enhance your workspace is essential. When it comes to aesthetics, the key questions to consider are: Do you prefer a more spacious and exposed workspace? Do you gravitate more towards chic or traditional aesthetics? 

For compartmentalized and conventional workspaces, wood partition walls are more suitable. But glass and aluminum provide a more open and contemporary appeal. 

Flexibility 

Wood partitions deliver superior robustness compared to the glass or aluminum counterparts. The density of these dividers makes them more ideal for permanent solutions because they offer less mobility. Repositioning or relocating these walls to cater to organizational requirements can usher in a problem. 

Aluminum or glass partition walls provide superior flexibility and can easily be disassembled to cater to changing needs and requirements. They can be dismantled for the development of new spaces and the creation of an area that’s geared towards increased productivity. 

Economical Value 

Partition walls are usually pocket-friendly. Their portability, practicality, and economical value make them ideal to restructure different environments. It’s their affordability and mobility that makes them perfect for space reconstruction. 

Partition walls give rise to new spaces without shutting down for extended periods or demolishing existing walls. Instead, they can be put up in a few hours, thus lowering the financial effect on a business and saving time. 

Privacy 

Before selecting a partition wall, factor in the visibility. In some settings such as hospitals and certain regions of an office, utmost privacy may be important. It’s for this reason that you should opt for walls that deliver increased concealment. 

So, aluminum walls with integral blinds, frosted glass partitions, or solid wood walls are your best bet. But it all boils down to your preferences along with the level of privacy you want to achieve.

 

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Partition Walls

A partition wall delivers expediency as it yields an immediate outcome that responds to changing specifications of public settings. It enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of space, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Now that you know the different types of walls available and the important buying factors to consider, the ball is in your court. But we're on your team too!  Just drop us a line or give us a call if we can help walk you through the many choices in how to use Partition Walls in your office, store, or trade show.


retail displays with partition walls


Partition Wall FAQ

Still have questions about partition walls? Look through the answers we have to some of the more commonly asked questions. 

What are the more notable features of glass partition walls?

Glass partition walls are well-known for their versatility of use and their essential architectural lines.

Can you soundproof glass partition walls?

You can soundproof glass partition walls if you choose a double-pane glass for soundproofing and noise insulation. 

What is a drywall partition?

A drywall partition is commonly used in office settings as well as residential buildings because it is incredibly easy to install. It is a system made of durable galvanized steel and uses gypsum boards as a surface material. Compared to wood boards, gypsum is safer and more fire-resistive, which is good for a wall partition. 

Can room dividers block sound?

Room dividers aren't that effective at blocking sound because of how they are constructed. The wall partition system doesn't typically cover the height of the room they are placed in, and they can't be installed in the same way that curtains can be installed. To block any sound, you will need to purchase curtains. 

How thick is a partition wall?

The average partition wall thickness can vary but is typically between 6 and 15 centimeters. Hollow brick partition systems are constructed in almost the same manner as a structural load-bearing wall is constructed.

What is a partition stud?

A partition stud is an easy way to divide a room and is a temporary wall and portable structure that can be removed when used for a particular area changes. 

Is a portable partition worth the investment?

While they can't block sound, a portable partition can still help lessen the noise, and since it is portable, it is easy to move and store when it is no longer needed. It is a great option if you are looking to divide up rooms or spaces in your home or office temporarily.

What is a frameless glass wall system, and how does it work?

Frameless means that the partition system's glass panels don't have a vertical frame and are made with a single sheet of glass that is mounted to the slimline top and horizontal bottom rails. They are ideal for an office space that begs for both form and function. A frameless glass wall system is a metal channel that is fastened to the floor and ceiling, and this is what holds the glass panels in place.