What type of wall system should one use to divide their interior space, visually and acoustically? The choice becomes a balance of perceived need, projected use of the space involved, operational needs and – YES – Price. What will it cost? This article will present various wall systems and the several factors that will impact on final installed costs and provide a comparative view of features, benefits and YES – Price.
What factors determine and influence final installed pricing?
- Panel Construction: Aluminum (lighter but more expensive) or steel framed products, steel, gyp or mdf skins, finishes (many options), types of acoustic seals (many options) etc. all affect final pricing. Glass walls are typically more expensive than solid.
- Wall type: Single panel, Paired panel, continuously hinged, Electrical, or manual – all affect final pricing. There are many stacking options that affect pricing. Paired panel, straight line center stacking is most cost effective. Electric continuously hinged most expensive. Electric, automatic, or semi-automatic systems add considerable cost.
- Dimensions: Larger – (size and weight, length & height) wall systems typically cost more due to increased material requirements, special handling, equipment rental, special installation skills and technicians.
- Finish: Standard vinyl’s (most cost effective), fabrics and carpets (both more aesthetically appealing but more expensive) cost less than special finishes (such as plastic laminate, wood veneers etc.). Consider alternative finishes to reduce costs.
- Acoustic Quality: Various STC values are offered. From low 40’s to mid-50’s. The lower the STC the lower the cost. Low 50’s are most cost effective. The value of high STC values is controversial. Increasing the STC by 1 point can be costly. 50 to 54 maximum is all that is required. STC’s +/- 1 are considered equal.
- Installation: Affected by location, on site obstacles, tight spaces, ceiling height, electrical requirements, Distance to site from distributor office.
- Labor costs: Regional labor rates, union (higher) or nonunion, skilled installers are more expensive. Project timeline - rush projects may require overtime.
- Location of project (Regional costs): Regional labor rates and material rental costs impact pricing. Major metro areas are the costliest.
- Rental Equipment: Projects often require the need for cranes, special hoisting equipment, cherry pickers, welding equipment etc.
- Distributor Mark-up: Profit and overhead costs vary by distributor. Projects in major metro areas typically require higher markups.
- Manual or Electric: Manual is significantly less costly than electric. Automatic, semi-automatic & vertical lift walls are the costliest.
- Freight: The farther away from the manufacturing facility the higher the cost. Varying fuel costs and transportation regulations affect pricing.
Types of Wall Systems.
The most common types of interior wall systems are shown below. The descriptions are general and vary significantly based on factors like material quality, installation complexity, location, and competitive nature of the market. They are guidelines that are designed to provide a preliminary evaluation and generic comparison of the values, use and composition of wall system types. These descriptions and pricing requirements are general estimates only and should be verified by determining accurate pricing for the walls of your choice from a local installing distributor of these products.
Weighted Pricing Factor. This is a comparative price option designed to approximate the up or down cost of the various systems. Let us assume you have a price (supply only or supply and installed) on one of the “wall types” listed below.
To determine an alternate price for a different wall system:
- Multiply the price you have by the “pricing factor” (PF) of the alternate wall system on which you want a price.
- Divide this number by the “pricing factor” (PF) of the wall for which you have a price.
- You will then have a price on the new wall system.
For example, if you have a price on a “Vertical Lift Wall System” of $40,000 and you want a price on an “Overhead Supported Acoustic Glass Wall System”, multiply the $40,000 by the Pricing Factor (PF) for the Overhead supported Glass Wall System” (2.8) and divide the result by the Pricing Factor (PF) for the “Vertical Lift Wall System” (4.0) for which you have a price, and the approximate revised price is produced.
New Price = ($40,000 X 2.8) / 4. = $28,000.
Wall Type (WT): Gypsum Board Partitions.
Pricing Factor (PF): .67
- Most cost effective. Durable. Variable acoustic qualities.
- Fire rated available. Required in all projects. Cannot be relocated or modified.
- Labor intensive to install. Messy. Metal studs and drywall.
- Load bearing. Versatile. Customizable.
Wall Type (WT): Portable or Modular Walls
Pricing Factor (PF): .80
- Lightweight freestanding panels. Easily installed.
- Very cost effective. Very flexible. Limited acoustics.
- Limited acoustics, visual appeal, or durability.
- Used wherever temporary division is required.
Wall Type (WT): Overhead Supported Acoustic Solid Movable Partitions
Pricing Factor (PF): 1.0
- Used in large spaces that require flexible configurations. All sizes
- Provide visual and acoustic privacy. Various finishes, materials.
- Many options. Sometimes it is complex and expensive to install.
- Hotels. Convention centers, Educational & Religious.
- Store at either or both ends of run or remote.
Wall Type (WT): Floor Supported Solid & Glass Operable Partitions
Pricing Factor (PF): 1.1
- Similar panels as on overhead systems but supported by floor slab.
- Requires recessed floor track and overhead guide track.
- Primary use is residential exterior doors – usually glass.
- Rarely used in commercial applications.
Wall Type (WT): Solid Demountable Walls
Pricing Factor (PF): 1.6
- Cost effective. Good acoustics. Easy to install.
- Minimal maintenance. Durable. Demand across all markets.
- Variety of finishes. Many options.
Wall Type (WT): Sliding Partitions – Solid & Glass
Pricing Factor (PF): 1.8
- Panels that “slide” laterally on track. Easy opening and closing.
- Balance flexibility with aesthetics. Moderate acoustics.
- Requires precise installation and maintenance.
Wall Type (WT): Glass Demountable Partitions.
Pricing Factor (PF): 1.8
- Natural Light, modern, aesthetically appealing, high initial cost
- Susceptible to breakage. Special installation techniques.
- Regular cleaning. Expensive. Office Buildings major market.
Wall Type (WT): Non-Acoustic Overhead Supported Glass Partitions
Pricing Factor (PF): 2.5
- Aesthetically pleasing. Natural light. Easy to clean. Fragile
- Expensive. Non acoustic. Frameless. Modern appearance.
- Office cubicles. Conference rooms. Limited privacy.
Wall Type (WT): Overhead Supported Acoustic Glass Operable Partitions
Pricing Factor (PF): 2.8
- Aesthetically pleasing. Natural light. Good acoustics.
- Call centers. Office buildings. Conference Rooms.
- An alternative to a solid moveable wall but costs more with less acoustics.
Wall Type (WT): Semi- Automatic Solid & Glass
Pricing Factor (PF): 3.0
- Flexible. Easier to install and more cost effective than fully automatic systems.
- Manually set in place with automatic seals and closures.
- Easier to operate than all manual systems. Expensive. Maintenance required.
- Multi-purpose rooms. Corporate meeting rooms. Electrical needs.
Wall Type (WT): Vertical Lift Systems – Solid & Glass
Pricing Factor (PF): 4.00
- Retracts into a ceiling cavity. Maximizes use of room space.
- High end clean appearance. Excellent acoustics. Expensive.
- Complex installation. High maintenance. Limited heights.
- Hospitality. Convention & conference centers. Boardrooms.
Wall Type (WT): Automatic Systems – Solid & Glass
Pricing Factor (PF): 4.00
- Highly flexible. Programmable. Easy to operate. Most expensive product.
- Complex installation. Electrical needs. Motorized – all panels and components.
- Versatile environments. Field technical issues. Special technicians are needed.
- Convention Centers. High end corporate offices.
Choosing the correct wall system for your needs, one that meets your requirements and standards as well as meeting your budget, aesthetic desires, functionality, and acoustics is a complex decision. This article has provided you with a general overview of various wall systems as well to compare costs. But it is essential that you follow up with experienced professionals to determine the wall that is the best fit for your specific project. Then you will be able to make an informed decision.
