A partition wall is used to divide a portion of a room from another. It is a non-load bearing wall, which means it does not offer any support to the structural weight of the building. It serves no other purpose besides dividing a room and can be constructed using different types of materials. A partition wall is ideal when you want to divide an area of your home into separate rooms or spaces. Different types of partition walls may vary in terms of durability, strength, and aesthetic appearance. This article looks at the top seven types of partition walls you can use to separate rooms in your home.
- Glass Partition Wall
A glass partition is usually made up of glass sheets or hollow glass blocks. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are often made of translucent glass. Square blocks are the most popular type used for glass partitions with a wooden frame holding the sheets in place. If the wall is tall, it will be placed in a bed of cement-lime mortar and later reinforced with metal. Glass partition walls are resistant to moisture and work effectively to reduce noise and keep out pests.
- Wood Partition Wall
Wood partition walls are set in wooden frames anchored to the floor and attached to a sidewall. It can be covered with either plaster or boards on both ends to create a solid partition. Partition walls made of wood are easy to construct and are very light in weight, which makes it easier to install. However, they are prone to insect infestation and rot which could also lead to mold growth. They can also flare up quickly since wood is not resistant to fire.
- Hollow Partition Wall
This type of partition wall is made up of hollow blocks that have been molded out of clay, concrete, or terracotta. Hollow partition walls are often powerful, economical, rigid and fire-resistant, which means they are ideal for the longevity of the structure. The thickness of hollow partition walls may vary between 6 to 15 centimeters and have great sound insulating properties.
- Concrete Partition Wall
A partition wall made of concrete offers a high level of durability compared to wood. Plain concrete partition is ideal but if you want a stronger wall, you can opt for a reinforced concrete partition. They are cast monolithically together with the intermediate columns to make them secure and rigid along its length and height. Mild steel bars can be set between the wall thickness as a reinforcement and the entire partition is usually 10 cm thick.
- Brick Partition Wall
A brick partition wall is made with bricks set as stretchers in cement mortar. The size of a brick partition wall can vary between 10cm and 20cm thick and can be plastered on the sides. If constructed properly, brick partition walls can last for a long period and can benefit from its fire-resistant qualities. A reinforced brick partition wall is similar to using a plain brick but is much stronger because of the added reinforcements. It is used when the partition wall is designed to support other loads that are superimposed, or when you require a better longitudinal bond.
- A Metal Lath Partition Wall
A metal lath partition wall is thin, strong, and durable. They are made of small steel bars set about a foot apart vertically to be fastened top and bottom. Metal lathing is stretched on both sides and wired to the steel bars. Afterward, a heavy coat of hard plaster is applied on the side to reinforce the partition. A hard setting plaster is used to give stiffness to the partition wall, which makes it resistant to fire outbreaks.
- Gypsum Board Partition
This type of partition wall is often called plasterboard, wallboard, or drywall. It is different from plywood, fiberboard, and hardboard because of its paper facers and non-combustible core. Gypsum wallboards are suitable for different types of interior décor as it creates a continuous surface when fastener heads and joists are covered with a joint compound system. They are flexible in terms of refurbishment and modifications and have a smooth finish with aesthetically beautiful surfaces.
Choosing the right partition wall for your home is all about your lifestyle and personal preferences. You can also weigh the benefits and downsides of each type of partition wall to find one that is more suitable for you. Regardless of the choice you make, different types of partition walls offer exquisite styles and creative designs that can be customized for any home.