With today’s utilization of space, whatever offices, schools, homes or hotels, flexibility is important.
Operable partitions, which also called movable walls or room dividers. It’s used to divide a large space into several small spaces or merge small spaces into a large space at any time according to different usage requirements. It can improve the utilization rate and adaptability of space while maintaining aesthetics, acoustics, and functionality. But how much do they cost, and what factors should you consider before place an order?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about operable partitions, including pricing, material options, manual or automatic operation, and applications.
What Are Operable Partitions?
Operable partitions are movable walls that can be opened or closed to divide a large space into several small spaces or merge small spaces into a large space. They are commonly used in:
- Hotels and banquet halls: Transforming ballrooms into smaller meeting areas.
- Restaurants: Divide the large room to several small private rooms.
- Offices and Multi-functional conference room: To create temporary meeting rooms or collaboration areas.
- Schools and universities: Divide classrooms for group activities.
- Hospitals and Healthcare facilities: Providing privacy in waiting areas or treatment rooms.
- Residential homes: Maximise open plan living spaces.
These systems range from simple manual operable partition walls to high-tech automated wall systems with soundproof function and pass doors.
Average Cost of Operable Partitions
For the different types, materials and operation of the operable partitions, the price is between:
| Types of Partition | Cost per Square Foot | Features |
| Basic Manual Partition System | $4 – $8 | Basic panel: MDF or Plywood; Surface finishes: Vinyl, Fabric, Leather; STC: 28db – 42db. |
| Enhance Acoustic Partition | $5 – $11 | Better STC ratings with Acoustic Mat, Steel Plates materials. STC: 38db-58db. |
| Semi-Auto Partition System | $15 – $20 | Semi-automatic operation, top and bottom seals telescope automatically. |
| Full Automatic Partition System | $45 – $60 | Motorized operation operation at the touch of a button, without the need to manually move the partitions into place. |
Note: The cost is for Door Panels, Aluminum Track, Hangers and necessary parts only. Not include the shipping and installation cost.
Cost Calculation Example
For a 25′(W) x 10′(H) operable partition, the total area is 250 sq.ft, the operable partition cost will be:
- Basic Operable Partition System: $1000 – $2000
- Enhance Acoustic Partition System: $1250 – $2750
- Semi-Automatic Partition System: $3750 – $5000
- Motorized(Electric) Partition System: $11250 – $15000
What Influences the Price?
There have some factors influence the total amount of operable partition walls:
1. Dimension of the partition
As the partitions are calculated by sq.ft, for different size, the amount is different, large operable partitions are more expensive than the small one.
2. Materials and Surface Finishes
- Basic Panel: MDF / Plywood / Fireproof board / Glass
- Surface Finishes: Vinyl / Fabric / Leather / Laminated / Wood Veneer
- Acoustic Materials: Acoustic Mat / Steel Plate / Rockwool
Custom finishes like printing, painting and special designed will increase the cost.
3. Manual or Motorized Operation
There are three types of operation available for the operable wall:
- 1. Manual operation: Customers need to push the door panels one by one and have use the hand wringer to make the top and bottom seals out of the panels.
- 2. Semi-Auto operation: Customers still need to push the door panels out by hand, but the top and bottom seals retract automatically.
- 3. Motorized operable partitions: Customers only need to press the button on the remote or touch panel, the door panels, top and bottom seals will operate automatically.
4. Shipping and Installation Service
Normally operable walls are shipped by ship due to the heavy weight and large volume. For different countries, volumes and terms, shipping costs range from $300 – $800.
Depending on the dimension of the operable partitions and structure situation at site, the installation cost range from $2000 – $5000.
Benefits of Operable Partitions
- Optimise space: Adapt space for different uses without permanent construction.
- Cost savings: Avoid expensive renovations – reconfigure layouts as needed.
- Aesthetic flexibility: Choose materials that match your design vision.
- Improved acoustics: High quality partitions reduce sound transmission by up to 58dB.
- Scalability: Expand or contract partitioning systems as your needs evolve.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Contact us now to get a quick quote for your projects. And share your vision, budget, drawings, and requirements to us then we will give the perfect solution your needs.
