- Acoustic drywall partitions and ceilings reduce the sound that passes between rooms.
- For home offices, bedrooms, music and media rooms, meeting rooms and consulting rooms.
- They reduce noise. No drywall system makes a room completely soundproof.
Describe the room and the noise once, and compare acoustic drywall quotes.
Compare QuotesTypical Acoustic Projects
| Project | Main concern |
|---|---|
| Meeting rooms and consulting rooms | Speech privacy |
| Home offices and bedrooms | Household and TV noise |
| Music, media and studio rooms | Loud and low-frequency sound |
| Offices next to open-plan areas | General chatter |
| Flats and adjoining units | Neighbour noise, subject to body corporate rules |
How Sound Reduction Works
- Mass. More or denser board, such as two layers each side, blocks more sound.
- Decoupling. Separate or staggered studs, or resilient bars, stop vibration passing straight through.
- Absorption. Acoustic insulation in the cavity soaks up sound.
- Sealing. Small gaps at edges, sockets and doors let a lot of sound through.
System Detailing
- Take the wall to the slab or roof, not just to a suspended ceiling.
- Seal the perimeter with acoustic sealant.
- Avoid back-to-back plug boxes, and seal around every penetration.
- Use solid-core doors with seals. A hollow door undoes a good wall.
- Manufacturers publish tested sound ratings for specific build-ups. A rating only applies if the wall is built exactly as tested.
What Acoustic Drywall Installation Includes
- Discussing the noise problem and the level of reduction you want.
- Proposing a build-up: studs, board layers and insulation.
- Framing, insulating and boarding.
- Sealing edges and penetrations.
- Jointing and finishing.
Materials
- Board. Standard or sound-rated board, often in double layers.
- Insulation. Glasswool, mineral wool or polyester acoustic insulation.
- Resilient bars. Metal channels that decouple the board from the frame.
- Sealant and doors. Acoustic sealant, door seals and solid-core doors.
Installation Process
- Assess the room and where the sound comes from.
- Agree the system and wall height.
- Frame, run services and fit insulation.
- Board, seal and finish.
Acoustic Drywall Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Acoustic drywall partition, supplied and installed | R500 - R1,000 per m² |
| Standard partition, for comparison | R350 - R500 per m² |
| Acoustic treatment added to a ceiling | R100 - R200 per m² extra |
| Acoustic ceiling tiles, material | R120 - R250 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges are compiled from price guides published by South African drywall and ceiling contractors in 2025 and 2026, checked 8 October 2026, and rounded. Most do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
What Affects the Cost
- Target performance. More reduction means more layers, insulation and detailing.
- Stud system. Double or staggered studs cost more than a single frame.
- Height. Full-height walls to the slab use more material.
- Doors. Solid-core doors and seals add cost.
- Flanking paths. Sound through floors, ceilings and ducts may also need treating.
What Affects Completion Time
- Extra layers and sealing take longer than a standard wall.
- A single room often takes 2 - 5 days including finishing.
- Special boards or doors may need ordering.
Get prices for your job rather than a range. Free, with no obligation.
Compare QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Will acoustic drywall make my room soundproof?
No. It reduces noise, often significantly, but some sound will still get through, especially bass.
Is insulation alone enough?
It helps, but mass, decoupling and sealing matter as much.
Can an existing wall be upgraded?
Often, by adding insulation and another board layer, sometimes on resilient bars.
Does a suspended ceiling stop sound?
No. Sound travels through the void above. The wall needs to go to the slab or have a barrier above.
What about the door?
The door is usually the weakest point. Use a solid-core door with perimeter seals.
For standard partitions and room divisions, see Drywall Installers South Africa.
Related Services
Drywall Installers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Drywall and ceiling work is measured, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, and the payment terms before paying anything.
Acoustic Drywall South Africa. Describe the noise problem once and compare quotes from drywall contractors.
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