Some customers are confused about the difference between operable walls and traditional partitions. And wonder which is better. Here is the comparison between them:
Flexibility
Operable walls are very flexible. They can be moved, assembled, or disassembled at any time. This allows you to quickly change the layout for different situations. For example, in a conference room, if the customer wants to divide a large space into two meeting rooms, they can use the movable partitions to divide them, and they can also open up to create a large meeting area when needed.
Traditional partitions are fixed in place. If you want to change the partition, you may have to take down the original partition and rebuild it, which is costly and time consuming.
Space Utilization
Movable walls can be stored when not in use. They require only a small space to store the door panels, allowing for better use of space. When needed, they can be quickly set up to divide the space into small areas. This improves space utilization. For example, in a multifunctional hall, movable partitions can divide the space into different areas based on different activities.
As the traditional walls cannot be moved. It will take up the space all the time. So it can not make the small areas to larger place if we needed. This limits how flexible the space can be and can lead to poor space utilization.
Installation and Disassembly
Operable walls are easy to install. They do not require complex construction or many tools to complete the installation. Some parts are modular, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. This makes them easy to transport and set up in different locations. For small projects, installation can be completed in two days. Disassembly of operable partitions is also easy and does not damage the original building.
Traditional walls require more processes to install. The installation includes wall building, painting and other construction tasks. So it is more complex and requires skilled labor and time. When they are taken down, they create more waste materials and affect the environment. It may also leave marks or scratches on the walls that need to be repaired.
Aesthetics
Operable walls have different styles and surface finish materials. They are modern and fashionable, it can fit for different decoration styles. Depending on the requirements, customers can choose glass, leather, fabric or wood veneer to create unique atmospheres.
Traditional partitions have a simpler appearance. They are typically made of brick or wood. They can be decorated, but there are fewer options for style and design.
Cost
Operable partitions usually have a higher initial cost. They are designed and manufactured for flexibility and durability, which makes them more expensive. However, they can save money in the long run by reducing the need for renovations because they can be reused and adapted.
Traditional walls have a lower initial cost, especially if they are made of common materials. However, if the space needs to be reconfigured at a later date, the cost of removing and reinstalling the wall will be higher than for an operable wall.
