The Pros and Cons of Different Office Partition Materials

Since office partitions (partitions meaning divider) have long-lasting effects and affect the noise level, productivity, and even the neatness of your workspace, you must choose the correct office partition materials. 

By making an informed choice, you can transform your office into a more comfortable place where creativity abounds and great ideas flow.

 

What Are Office Partition Walls Made from?

Depending on the end goal, office partition walls can be made from various materials. If you aim to increase privacy, for example, more opaque materials such as brick or wood would be preferred above glass partitions.

 

How to Build a Partition Wall

If you’re looking to get creative with the furniture in your office by using existing items to corden off designated spaces, be our guest! 

If, however, you need installation assistance for either permanent or temporary partition walls, don’t hesitate to contact Office Fitout Professionals for a professional opinion. 

 

What Are The Types of Partition?

Different materials have different defining qualities and functions. Let’s take a look at the different types of partition and the pros and cons of each.

 

Acoustic Material Partitions

The noise level in your office will directly affect productivity. To reduce noise in your office space, acoustic partitions made from fabrics like cotton or polyester can dampen sound. Acoustic room dividers have sound reflective and absorbing properties that make a room or area soundproof.

Pro: Soundproof

Con: Not always visually pleasing

 

Wicker Dividing Walls

Wicker is not only durable but also visually impressive. These partitions create private sections in an office while drawing attention away from less aesthetically-pleasing areas. Wicker office partitions are a design investment.

Pro: Stylish

Con: Highly flammable

 

Polycarbonate Partitions

Polycarbonate office partitions are easy to keep clean and have a sleek, modern appearance. They’re fully waterproof and can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth. These partitions are particularly well suited to specialist hygiene environments.

Polycarbonate office partitions are also easy to store and super light, with sound-dampening qualities. 

Pro: Easy to use

Con: May have a harsh and uninviting feel

 

Fibreglass Sheets

These sheets are constructed with a unique fabric material made of fibreglass and possess exceptional acoustic properties and a tidy appearance. You can also use push pins on fibreglass partitions just as you would on a traditional bulletin board. 

These partitions come in various colours, and you can easily print business logos onto the material.

Pro: Easy to clean

Con: May appear outdated

 

Canvas

These office partitions are incredibly durable and an economical option that you can easily remove for machine washing. These partitions are also flame retardant, meeting office safety standards. 

Pro: Easy to clean

Con: Not overly stable

 

Glass Partition Wall: Which Glass is Used for Office Partitions?

Glass office partitions are ideal for dividing up an office space while maintaining an open and inviting feeling at work. The biggest disadvantage to glass partition walls is the lack of privacy. However, there are various types of glass partitions and benefits to each.

Let’s see which glass is used for partitions.

 

Double Glazed Glass Partitions

A double-glazed glass partition effectively insulates acoustics. These partition walls are ideal for all offices to create private meeting areas and board rooms.

 

Single Glazed Partitions

Single glazed glass partitions are affordable and easy to install. They ensure that your office appears light and airy. 

 

Curved Glass

Curved glass wall partitions free your office from the straight lines of cubicle partitioning, achieving an elegant, flowing design. Although these partitions are costly and time-consuming and have to be custom made, the result is breathtaking.

 

Faceted Glass

Instead of fully curved panels, thin flat glass walls are arranged in a polygon shape to create a minimalist impression of a curve. This is the perfect way to spice up your office interior without it appearing too edgy.

 

Fire Rated Glass

When fire protection is a critical requirement in your office, fire glass partitions keep your workspace open, bright and, most importantly, safe.

 

The Film

By law, any glass partitions must have a film layer to stop people from walking into the glass. The film has a functional purpose but can also add an extra visual dimension to your interior glass walls, with company logos and branding. 

 

Straw Board Partitions

Straw board partition walls are made of compressed straw-covered thick paper or hardboard. These light partition walls are easy to construct, subtly adding to the interior design of your office.

Pro: Stylish

Con: Highly flammable

 

Plaster Slab Partition Wall

Plaster slab partitioning panels are made from burnt mineral plaster, usually mixed with wood. The plaster slab surface of this partition wall may be left smooth or rough, creating an interesting visual effect.

Pro: Privacy

Con: Lack of style

 

Wood Partition Wall or Timber Partition Wall

Wooden partition boards are lightweight and simple but neither soundproof nor fire-proof. These partition walls aren’t appropriate for damp locations. 

Pro: Simplistic

Con: Flammable

 

Bamboo Partition Wall

A sustainable solution to office partitioning, as well as a unique partition design idea, you can use bamboo in creative ways to create both interior and exterior partitions. Since bamboo tubes trap air within, these partitions act as an insulating layer that keeps its interior nice and cool.

Bamboo needs to be preserved well before use, as it can easily be damaged by insects and split if not treated correctly.

Pro: Stylish

Con: Easily damaged

 

Which Material is Best for Partition?

While there are many materials to construct your office partitions, the best place to start is to consider your office’s unique needs. Why do you want to partition your workspace? Is noise a problem, or privacy? The Why determines the What.

 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Many people buy office partitions second hand or recycle materials to partition their office spaces. This greatly benefits the environment while adding a unique flavour to your office’s interior.

 

Need help?

Contact us for all your office partitioning needs!