How much does it cost to build a partition wall?
How much does it cost to build a partition wall?
$3 – $18 average cost per square foot
$300 – $3,600 average total cost (100 – 200 SF)
Partition wall installation cost
Building a partition wall costs $3 to $18 per square foot installed, depending on the size, material, and labor costs. Portable partition walls cost $3 to $14 per square foot for materials only and don't require professional installation. Interior partition walls are used to divide rooms and are often decorative.
| Partition wall size (square feet) | Average total cost installed |
|---|---|
| 50 | $150 – $900 |
| 100 | $300 – $1,800 |
| 150 | $450 – $2,700 |
| 200 | $600 – $3,600 |
| 250 | $750 – $4,500 |
| 300 | $900 – $5,400 |
Partition wall cost per square foot
A permanent partition wall costs $2 to $9 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the type and size. Portable and modular walls cost more than permanent walls because they come in a wider variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and designs.
| Partition wall type | Material price per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent wall | $2 – $9 |
|
| Portable / sliding wall | $3 – $14 |
|
| Modular wall | $15 – $43 |
|
*Not including installation
Movable wall cost
A moveable wall costs $3 to $14 per square foot for materials only. These walls don't need professional installation but do not have the soundproofing or fire-resistant qualities of a standard wall. Movable, sliding, or portable walls are often made of canvas, wood, fabric, or acrylic.
Modular wall systems cost
Modular wall systems cost $15 to $43 per square foot and are most commonly used in office buildings. A modular wall is made of prefabricated posts and panels that fit together and can be easily moved or added.
Make a partition wall more functional by adding shelves or spaces for storage cubes.
Partition wall construction cost calculator
The cost for a partition wall depends on the material and whether professional assembly is used.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $9 |
| Installation labor & supplies | $1 – $9 |
| Total installed cost | $3 – $18 |
The following factors affect construction costs:
Type / complexity – A decorative or custom wall costs more than standard drywall, especially with storage or shelving.
Adding a door – An interior door costs $226 to $824 installed, depending on the type and size. Walls with a door cost slightly more to build because they need more support.
Electrical vs. no electric – Adding an electrical outlet costs $150 to $350 with installation.
Repairs – Drywall repairs cost $200 to $750, depending on the type, location, and extent of the damage.
Labor cost to build a wall partition
The labor cost to build a partition wall depends on the material and contractor type:
Carpenter – A framing carpenter charges $20 to $60 per hour, depending on their experience level.
Electrician – An electrician charges $50 to $130 per hour and may be necessary for jobs like adding wiring and installing outlets or fixtures.
Framing cost – Framing a wall costs $11 to $32 per linear foot, depending on the wall height, frame material, and whether you add a door or window.
Drywall – Adding drywall costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot with installation, or about $14 to $32 per linear foot, depending on the ceiling height.
Insulation – Insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot installed, depending on the type and R-value. Fiberglass and blown-in insulation are the cheapest insulation options, while spray foam costs the most.
Permit – A building permit costs $500 to $2,000 for large construction projects like adding a load-bearing wall. Check local regulations before work begins to see if a permit is required.
Partition wall material prices
A partition wall made of wood studs and drywall is typically the cheapest. Brick and glass walls cost significantly more than average.
| Material type | Material cost per square foot | Installed cost per square foot | Details / Pros/cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick wall cost | $2 – $6 | $8 – $18 | Versatile and more soundproof than drywall |
| Studs & plaster | $2 – $9 | $4 – $14 | Harder to install than drywall but is more fire-resistant and durable |
| Glass | $20 – $100 | $30 – $140 | Expensive and breakable but attractive and modern |
| Studs & drywall | $2 – $3 | $3 – $7 | Most common option, usually fire-resistant but not very durable |
| Shiplap cost | $2 – $7 | $3 – $11 | Affordable, but drywall is recommended underneath for fire resistance |
Glass wall cost
A glass wall costs $30 to $140 per square foot installed or $20 to $100 per square foot for materials alone. Modern glass walls allow more light into a home and make a space feel bigger than a solid wall.
Half wall cost
A half wall costs $10 to $20 per linear foot with installation. Half walls—also called pony walls, stem walls, or knee walls—are commonly used to divide kitchens and living spaces without completely separating them into two rooms.
Interior partition wall finishing costs
The following factors affect finishing costs:
Wall paneling / texture – Shiplap costs $3 to $11 per square foot with installation or $240 to $1,700 for one interior wall. The cost to texture drywall is $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot or $450 to $1,000 per room.
Crown molding – Crown molding costs $7 to $16 per linear foot, depending on the material. MDF, vinyl, and foam molding are cheaper than wood or plaster.
Trim – Interior trim costs $4 to $10 per linear foot with installation, depending on the material and location. Trim is used to border doors, windows, and walls.
Painting – Interior home painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot or $350 to $850 per room, depending on the size.
Wallpaper – Wallpaper costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed, depending on the material, texture, or pattern.
Partition wall FAQs
What is a partition wall?
A partition wall is a small, non-load bearing wall that separates a room or part of a room from another. Partitions are sometimes used purely for decoration and are typically 1.5" to 4.5" thick, depending on the material.
What is the cheapest way to build a partition wall?
The cheapest way to build a permanent partition wall is with standard drywall and wood studs. Portable partitions are also cheap, but they aren't as soundproof or fire-resistant.
Do you need a permit to build a partition wall?
Some local building regulations require a permit to build a permanent partition wall. Portable room dividers do not require a permit because they're considered furniture.
Can you hang a TV on a partition wall? {can}
You can hang a TV on a partition wall if it is secured by studs, toggle bolts, or anchors. Hollow, unsupported drywall usually cannot support the weight of a TV.
Getting estimates from partition wall builders
Before hiring a local drywall installer or wall builder near you, remember to:
Get at least 3 written estimates to compare.
Have a carpenter or framer take measurements of your home in person.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded company with 5+ years of experience.
Get a written contract and warranty before the work begins.
Avoid the lowest quote, which may indicate low-quality workmanship.
Never pay in full before the project begins.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can help you find the best contractor:
How many partition walls have you built?
Can you give me references from comparable jobs?
Can you show me a portfolio with pictures?
Do you charge a fee for in-person estimates? If so, is it included in the total price?
Does my estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
How long will this project take?
Can I stay in my home while you're working?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?