Glass or plasterboard office partitions? Cost, acoustics and looks compared
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Office Partitions team
Short answer: Plasterboard stud partitions are usually the cheapest way to build solid rooms and give good sound insulation of around 42 to 48 dB Rw when insulated. Glazed partitions cost more but keep the office bright, with single glazing around 35 to 42 dB and double-glazed acoustic systems around 45 to 52 dB. Demountable systems cost a little more than plasterboard but can be reused if the layout changes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Plasterboard stud | Single glazed | Double glazed acoustic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost per linear metre | £120 to £250 | £300 to £550 | £500 to £900 |
| Typical sound reduction (Rw) | 42 to 48 dB | 35 to 42 dB | 45 to 52 dB |
| Natural light | Blocks light | Keeps light | Keeps light |
| Mess during installation | More, needs taping and decorating | Little | Little |
| Reusable if layout changes | No | Sometimes | Sometimes |
What the acoustic ratings mean
- Around 35 dB: normal speech can often be heard and partly understood next door
- Around 40 to 45 dB: normal speech is heard but mostly not understood
- Around 50 dB and above: suitable for confidential meetings when doors and ceiling voids are treated
A partition is only as good as its weakest point. Standard doors, gaps at the ceiling and sound travelling over the wall through the ceiling void can all reduce real performance well below the rated figure.
When to choose each
- Plasterboard for storage, comms rooms and solid private offices on a budget
- Single glazing for meeting rooms and offices where light matters more than privacy
- Double-glazed acoustic for boardrooms, HR and confidential meeting rooms
- Demountable for leased offices where the layout may change or walls must be removed at lease end
Related guides
- How much do office partitions cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
- Do office partitions need Building Regulations approval? Fire and safety rules explained
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