How to Choose the Right Materials for Building Partition Walls

Why the Right Material Choice Matters

There is a common misconception that the choice of material for partition walls is not important since they do not “carry” the building like external walls. In reality, partition walls affect daily comfort, for example:

• Ensuring privacy through sound insulation;
  
• Resistance to moisture in bathrooms, utility rooms, or kitchens;
  
• Structural load capacity (e.g., for wall-mounted cabinets, sanitary fixtures, shelves);
  
• Weight (which affects ceilings in multi-storey buildings);
  
• Adaptation to electrical and plumbing installations.
  

Choosing the wrong material can later result in high additional costs, reduced comfort, or even structural problems.

Common Materials for Partition Walls

Aerated Concrete Blocks (e.g., Ytong)

• Lightweight and easy to work with, ideal for quick construction;
  
• Suitable for dry rooms – bedrooms, children's rooms, hallways;
  
• Easy to groove for electrical wiring;
  
• Lower sound insulation, not suitable between noisy rooms (e.g., living room and bedroom);
  
• Popular choice in renovations.
  

Ceramic Bricks (e.g., Porotherm)

• High strength and excellent acoustic properties;
  
• Moisture-resistant – also suitable for bathrooms;
  
• Heavier and more difficult to handle;
  
• Ideal where heavier elements will be mounted on the wall.
  

Concrete Blocks

• High strength and load-bearing capacity;
  
• Not suitable for interior partition walls in living areas due to weight and poor thermal insulation;
  
• Typically used in technical rooms, garages, or basements.
  

Plasterboard and Fibre Cement Boards

• Quick dry-construction installation;
  
• Excellent for lofts, timber constructions, and lightweight partition walls;
  
• Lower load capacity – reinforcement needed for hanging elements;
  
• Great solution for renovations without overloading the ceiling.
  

Costs of Building Partition Walls

According to the construction price list from Numiq, the cost of building partition walls with a thickness of 12.5 cm is €12.50/m² excluding materials. This thickness is standard for most non-load-bearing partition walls in apartments and houses, providing an optimal balance between space efficiency and strength.

Additional masonry work includes:

• Wall mesh application – €9.60/m²;
  
• Surface priming – €1.20/m²;
  
• Coarse lime-cement plaster – €9.90/m²;
  
• Patching and minor adjustments – from €8.50/m².
  

For a full installation including finishing work, the total cost per square metre can range from €35–60, depending on the scope, material, and local conditions.

Factors Affecting Price

• Room shape and complexity – irregular layouts require more cutting and adjustments;
  
• Number of openings (doors, windows, niches) – increases difficulty;
  
• Site access and logistics – limited access (e.g., apartments without a lift) increases build time and cost;
  
• Additional acoustic or fire-resistance requirements – increase the final cost.
  

Partition Walls vs. Load-Bearing Walls

While constructing load-bearing walls focuses on thermal insulation, load capacity, and weather resistance, partition walls are purely internal and focus on sound comfort, practicality, and interior adaptation.

However, this does not mean that partition walls are technically simple – due to electrical installations and frequent modifications, they are often highly stressed elements.

Choose Partition Materials by Function, Not Just Price

Although building partition walls may seem simple, the quality of execution significantly affects comfort and usability. Consider where the wall will be located, the load it will bear, and the level of comfort you expect.

If uncertain, consult professionals at Numiq, who can assist with material selection, cost calculation, and precise execution according to the latest standards.

A good partition wall doesn’t just divide space – it improves living quality. Choose wisely, based on needs, not just price.