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Excellent acoustic performance is becoming increasingly important in offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and other commercial environments, but increasing wall thickness can reduce usable floor space and create complications around doors, services, and room layouts.
The sound insulation a partition achieves depends on its construction, board selection, insulation, junctions and installation quality, not on wall thickness alone. Here, we explain how dryliners and specifiers can improve commercial fit-out acoustic while keeping within the available wall depth.
Partition sound insulation is usually express in decibels (dB). The two ratings you’ll see most often are:
On-site results are often lower than laboratory figures, because sound finds it way around the partition through gaps and flanking paths. That’s why detailing and installation matter as much as the products specified.
There are several factors that influence sound insulation in commercial environments, and adding another layer to an existing wall isn’t always the best option when improving building acoustics. These include:
Adding another layer to an existing wall isn’t always the best option. The table below compares common ways to improve performance and their typical effect on wall depth.
Actual performance depends on the complete treated system. Check manufacturer’s data for the Rw of a specific build-up.
| Method | Effect on wall depth | What it improves |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic plasterboard in place of standard board | None when like for like thickness is used | Adds mass and damping to each face |
| Acoustic insulation in the stud cavity | None, fits withing the existing stud depth | Reduces cavity resonance |
| Sealing perimeters, sockets and services | None | Removes air paths that leak sound |
| Treating flanking paths (e.g. ceiling void barriers) | None to the wall itself | Stops sound bypassing the partition |
| Resilient bars or channels | Small increase on one face | Decouples board from framing |
| Additional board layers | Increases depth by board thickness per layer | Adds mass |
| Independent or twin framing | Significant increase | Fully separates each side of the wall |
Acoustic plasterboard can be used where improved sound insulation is required and it won’t necessarily increase the wall thickness. For example, higher density acoustic boards, using multiple layers where appropriate, and choosing a board specifically designed for acoustic performance can reduce the level of noise transferring through.
It’s important to use the complete specification system rather than assessing the board in isolation to ensure that everything works together effectively. At WF Supplies, we stock a dedicated drylining range including plasterboard, stud & track, insulation and wall lining, offering all you need to improve acoustic performance in commercial fit-outs.
Cavity insulation can be used to significantly improve acoustic performance without increasing the thickness of a wall. Use mineral wool or acoustic insulation between studs, fill the cavity appropriately, and match insulation thickness to the partition design.
To ensure your acoustic insulation works effectively, avoid creating compression or gaps during installation and be sure to combine insulation with suitable board and framing systems. It’s important to remember that insulation works as part of a sound insulation system and isn’t a standalone solution.
We stock acoustic partition insulation in several thicknesses, including 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100 mm options, so you can select the insulation option that’s right for the system you’re working with.
Separating elements of a partition can reduce the direct path for sound transmission. Depending on the system, this could involve resilient channels, acoustic hangers, independent or staggered framing, and resilient connections.
Be aware that some decoupling methods add depth. Resilient bars add as small amount to one face of the wall, while independent, twin or staggered stud framing usually increases overall wall thickness. Acoustic wall systems should be designed as complete systems rather than simply assembled from individual acoustic products.
To improve acoustic performance in commercial fit-outs, make sure you:
A high-performance specification can underperform if it isn't installed correctly, and this is particularly relevant to commercial fit-out acoustics, where numerous services and penetrations can compromise partition performance.
Achieving the required acoustic performance in a commercial environment requires planning. Before you start, consider:
1. The required acoustic rating (Rw or on-site DnT,w)
2. Available wall depth
3. Existing structural constraints
4. Fire and moisture requirements
5. Services and penetrations
6. Installation requirements
7. The manufacturer's tested system
Requirements vary by sector. In schools, for example, acoustic standards are set up government documentation such as: BB93. Read more in our guide to drylining for education buildings.
Your aim shouldn’t be to find the thickest or heaviest wall, but to choose a sound insulation system that achieves the required performance within the available space.
Through using acoustic plasterboard, cavity acoustic insulation, resilient systems, careful detailing, and correct installation, you can improve acoustic performance without increasing wall thickness. Whether you're working on an office refurbishment, retail project, or other commercial fit-out, choosing the right drylining and acoustic materials can help you achieve the required performance while making the most of available space.
You can improve acoustic performance without making a wall thicker through using acoustic plasterboard, cavity insulation, resilient systems, and improved detailing. The best approach for your drylining project depends on the specified partition system and required acoustic performance.
Specialist acoustic plasterboard can help to improve sound insulation, especially when it’s used as part of a properly designed partition system.
Yes. Acoustic insulation in the stud cavity absorbs sound and reduces resonance, improving sound insulation without adding to wall thickness. It works best combined with suitable boards and good sealing.
The most common causes are gaps at perimeters, unsealed service penetrations, back-to-back sockets, weak doors or glazing, and flanking sound travelling through ceiling voids, floors or adjoining walls.
Acoustic drylining means using drylining components and construction techniques designed to reduce sound transmission, such as acoustic boards, cavity insulation, and resilient systems. Ultimately, acoustic performance will depend on the complete wall build-up and installation.