Partition walls are an effective way to divide space in any room, creating separate areas for different uses. While open-plan living is still popular, the rise of people working from home has seen more people separating their rooms again to allow for some peace and quiet. They can be used to create a private workspace, a storage area, or even a playroom.

But how much does a partition wall cost to install? We’ll go through it in this guide, along with different types of stud partition walls and whether you need to seek planning permission.

How much does it cost to install a partition wall?

How much it costs to install a partition wall depends on the type of stud partition wall you need, how big it is and whether you want it soundproofed or not. The average cost of a partition wall per square metre is £60:

Job / item	Average cost
Timber frame stud partition wall with two-sided plasterboard	£55-£65 per sq. metre
Average timber stud partition wall installation	£800-£900
Carpenter hourly rate	£16-£40
Plasterer hourly rate	£15-£50
Painter and decorator hourly rate	£20-£40

These costs are taken from averages across the country. Tradespeople will charge different rates in different areas of the UK, with London and the south east being the most expensive.

HaMuch has a huge database of rates for carpenters all over the UK, and we’ve put them together in the table further down the page to give you a more accurate idea of labour costs in your area. Simply look for your town or city to see how much you should expect to spend.

What factors affect the cost of building a partition wall?

Materials

The materials used will have a big impact on the cost of a partition wall. Using timber or metal along with plasterboard is the most cost-effective. However, if you want a glass partition wall to let in light, the cost can be much higher – up to £2,700.

Additionally, if you require a soundproof partition wall, the cost will increase.

Wall thickness and stud placement

As you’d expect, the thicker your wall needs to be, the more it will cost. You’ll also need to consider the centres at which the studs are placed. Your carpenter will use more timber if they’re placing studs at 400mm centres than if they were placing them at 600mm.

Finishing touches

Once your carpenter has installed the stud wall, including adding coving and skirting boards, you’ll need a plasterer to skim the wall and a painter and decorator to paint it. Plasterers typically charge between £15-£50 per hour, while painters and decorators charge around £20-£40 per hour.

You may also want to engage an electrician to add new fittings like plug sockets and lighting to your partition wall. The typical rate for an electrician is £37 per hour.

Where you live

Perhaps the biggest impact on the cost of a partition wall is your location. If you live in an area with a high cost of living, like London or other major cities, the cost of installation will be more expensive. In contrast, if you live in a more rural area, carpenters will charge a lower hourly rate.

When planning to install a partition wall, it's essential to get several quotes from different carpenters. This will help you to get an idea of the average cost of installation in your area. Additionally, you can compare prices against HaMuch’s average prices below and choose a tradesperson that provides high-quality services at an affordable cost.

How to build a partition wall video

How much does it cost to build a wall divider?

A wall divider, or a room divider, is a type of movable partition wall. Unlike a standard partition wall, a room divider is usually shorter than the room height and may have foldable components.

You may not need a carpenter or other professional to help you build a wall divider. You can often buy them ready-made or in large parts that need minimal assembly. For example, a free standing office partition wall divider costs between £100-£400 depending on its size.

Decorative room dividers can cost as little as £50 up to £150. You can also buy room divider units that act as extra storage as bookcases or cupboards, and these can start from £150 up to £500.

Metal stud partition walls

Metal stud partition walls are a type of partition wall that uses metal studs instead of timber ones to support the wall. Metal stud partition walls are popular because they are strong, durable, and lightweight. They can be used in a variety of settings, including commercial buildings, apartments, and houses.

Metal stud partition walls cost around the same as a timber partition wall: between £55-£65 per square metre.

Can you get soundproof partition walls?

Yes, you can get soundproof partition walls. These walls are designed to reduce noise transfer between two areas, making them perfect for spaces like recording studios, offices and bedrooms.

The cost of installing a soundproof partition wall can be higher than a standard partition wall as they need thicker and more specialised materials, such as acoustic insulation and sound-absorbing panels. This can increase the cost of materials and labour.

Do you need planning permission for a partition wall?

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a partition wall in your home or business. Partition walls are considered internal structures, and as such, do not usually require approval from local authorities. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

If you are planning to install a partition wall that affects the structural integrity of your building, you may need approval from a building inspector. Additionally, if your new partition wall will separate a bedroom or room containing a toilet from another room, you’ll need to have improved sound insulation installed. 

It's best to check with your local building control before starting any construction work to ensure that you are following the necessary regulations – if you don’t, it can cost a lot to fix.

When you’re ready to get started with building a stud partition wall, post your job on HaMuch to get quotes from trusted carpenters in your area.

Estimates for common carpenter & joiner jobs;

Rates for other trades