Partial Wall Versus Partition

Permanent Structure

• A partial wall is a permanent structure in a room design. Even though a partial wall does not run the full length of a room, it is still an immovable wall that requires construction if you want to remove or replace it. Partial walls are frequently found in living spaces that do not require a formal doorway. For example, entrances to kitchens, hallways, living rooms and dining rooms are usually defined by partial walls. A partial wall is usually constructed with drywall and looks like the rest of the walls in your home.

Removable

• A partition is a temporary wall that allows you to separate one room into two rooms or divide a space into smaller sections for multiple activities. Cubicles found in an office space are often enclosed with partitions to divide work areas. Other examples of partitions include room dividers, bookcase dividers, shelving units and removable tension-set pressurized walls. Partitions are nondamaging temporary walls that do not require construction for installation. Partitions are removable.

Privacy

• Depending on your need for privacy, a partial wall allows you to keep areas of one room separate from other areas or adjoining rooms. The solid structural foundation of a partial wall provides privacy and soundproofing qualities. However, unless you have doors installed at the end of your partial wall, privacy is limited. A room partition offers some privacy because it extends the full length, and usually the height, of the room. Partitions are usually made from lightweight materials that are not soundproof.

Expense

• Since a partition does not require construction or contract labor, it is usually less expensive to purchase and install a partition than it is to install a partial wall in your home or office. However, if you can do the labor yourself and you already own construction equipment, supply costs are relatively inexpensive for a partial wall. Tension-set pressurized partitions tend to be more expensive than room dividers, bookcase partitions and room-separating shelves, but they are generally less expensive than building a permanent partial wall.