Building a partition wall yourself costs between €50 and €300 in materials, depending on the type and size. Having it done by a plasterer or joiner will cost €200 to €600 for a standard wall. DIY is well within reach for a home improver with basic experience. In this article you’ll find step-by-step guides for both a timber stud partition wall and a plasterboard wall.
Which Wall Type for Which Situation?
| Type | Best for | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| **Timber stud (batten and board)** | Quick, straightforward, temporary or permanent | €50 – €150 |
| **Plasterboard (system wall)** | Fire-resistant, professional finish | €80 – €200 |
| **Solid masonry (blocks)** | Permanent, load-bearing wall | €200+ (contractor recommended) |
| **Half-height partition** | Visually dividing a space while letting light through | €40 – €120 |
Important: If you are removing an existing wall or building a wall that affects the structure of the building, always consult a structural engineer or building contractor.
Type 1: Timber Stud Wall with Plasterboard (Most Popular DIY Method)
Materials (wall 300 cm wide, 250 cm high, without door)
| Material | Size | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawn timber 38 × 89 mm (studs) | 250 cm | 7 pieces | €25 – €40 |
| Sawn timber 38 × 89 mm (top/bottom plates) | 300 cm | 2 pieces | €12 – €20 |
| Plasterboard 12.5 mm | 300 × 250 cm | 4 sheets | €40 – €80 |
| Glass wool / mineral wool 80 mm | 3 m² | 1 pack | €20 – €35 |
| Joint compound + paper tape | €15 – €25 | ||
| Primer + emulsion paint | €20 – €40 | ||
| Screws, wall plugs | €10 – €15 | ||
| **Total** | **€142 – €255** |
Step-by-Step Guide: Timber Stud Partition Wall
Step 1: Plan the location
- Check for pipes or cables in the wall (use a cable and pipe detector)
- Ensure a clear passageway around the wall (minimum 80 cm opening for a door)
- Check the floor and ceiling for levelness — an uneven floor requires packing
Step 2: Fix the bottom plate
Screw the bottom plate (38 × 89 mm) to the floor at the desired position. Use wall plugs for a concrete floor or screws for a timber floor. Check with a spirit level.
Step 3: Fix the top plate
Drop a plumb line from the corners of the bottom plate to find the exact position of the top plate. Screw the top plate to the ceiling.
Step 4: Set the studs
Cut the studs to length (height = floor to ceiling minus 2 × plate thickness = room height − 18 cm). Check each stud is perfectly plumb with a spirit level. Fix the studs in the top and bottom plates with a screwdriver.
Stud spacing: 600 mm centres (standard) or 400 mm for extra rigidity. Start and end with a half-spacing at the walls.
Step 5: Install insulation
Fill the cavities with glass wool or mineral wool (80 mm). This significantly improves sound insulation. Wear a dust mask when handling glass wool.
Step 6: Fix the plasterboard
Screw the plasterboard sheets to the frame with drywall screws (3.5 × 35 mm). Screw spacing: 300 mm. Leave a 3–5 mm gap at floor and ceiling (for movement).
Cut openings for sockets and light switches before fixing.
Step 7: Tape and joint
- Joints between boards: apply paper tape and joint compound (2–3 coats, allowing to dry and sanding between coats)
- Screw heads: fill with joint compound and sand smooth
- Perimeter joints (ceiling, floor, walls): seal with flexible acrylic decorators’ caulk
Step 8: Prime and paint
Apply a coat of plaster primer (plasterboard is highly absorbent). Then 2 coats of emulsion paint.
Type 2: Half-Height Partition Wall
A half-height wall (up to 120–150 cm) divides a room visually without fully closing it off. Light and air pass over the top, but the zones are clearly separated.
Applications:
- Separating kitchen and living room
- Creating a work corner in a bedroom
- Hallway/living room divider
- Bar counter (with bar stools on one side)
Materials (150 cm wide, 120 cm high):
- Sawn timber 38 × 89 mm
- Plasterboard 12.5 mm both sides
- Optional: timber top (worktop size)
The construction is the same as a full wall, just shorter.
Finishing the top: Use a solid timber board as the top (oak or pine, 4–5 cm thick). This gives the half-height wall a finished look and can serve as a shelf or bar worktop.
Improving Sound Insulation
A standard stud wall with plasterboard achieves a sound reduction of approximately 35–45 dB. Want more?
| Addition | Extra dB | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Double layer of plasterboard | +5–8 dB | +€20–€40 |
| Acoustic mineral wool (instead of standard) | +5 dB | +€10–€20 |
| Resilient bar (decoupled frame) | +8–12 dB | +€50–€100 |
Adding a Door
Build a door opening by adapting the stud layout:
- 2 × doubled studs either side of the opening (front and back)
- Horizontal lintel/header above the opening
- Door leaf + hinges + latch/lock
Standard interior door width: 83 cm. Structural opening in the frame: 87 cm (clearance for the door lining).
Common Mistakes
- Frame not plumb. Check studs with a spirit level — otherwise the door won’t hang correctly in the lining.
- Too few studs. With more than 600 mm spacing, the plasterboard flexes when pushed.
- Plasterboard too tight against wall/ceiling. Leave 3–5 mm for shrinkage — otherwise the joint compound will crack.
- No sound insulation. A stud frame without insulation sounds hollow and allows too much noise through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to build a partition wall in my own home?
Yes, non-load-bearing partition walls can be built without planning permission. If the work involves an external wall, a load-bearing internal wall, or if asbestos is suspected, always have the work assessed by a specialist first.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls typically run at right angles to the floor joists. An internal wall on the ground floor that continues on the floor above is likely load-bearing. If in doubt, have a structural engineer assess it.
How much does it cost to have a partition wall built professionally?
For a non-load-bearing partition of 10 m², expect to pay €500–€1,200 including plastering and painting. Doing it yourself costs €100–€250 in materials.
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