- Fire-rated drywall is a complete tested system: frame, board type, number of layers, insulation, fixings and sealing.
- It is built to a fire-resistance rating specified for the building, usually by an architect, engineer or fire consultant.
- For building owners, architects, main contractors and businesses with a fire specification.
Share your fire specification once and compare fire rated drywall quotes.
Compare QuotesThe rating comes from the system, not the board. Fire-rated board in an untested build-up does not make a wall fire-rated. Requirements come from SANS 10400-T and the building's fire design, not from the drywall contractor.
Typical Fire-Rated Projects
| Project | Notes |
|---|---|
| Escape routes and corridors | As set out in the fire design |
| Walls between tenancies or units | Separating occupancies |
| Plant, electrical and server rooms | Where the specification requires it |
| Shafts and service risers | Enclosing services between floors |
| Fire-rated ceilings | Protecting structure or separating floors, where specified |
What Fire-Rated Installation Includes
- Building to the manufacturer's published system details.
- The specified board type and number of layers.
- Fire-stopping around pipes, cables and ducts that pass through.
- Fire-rated sealant at the edges.
- Fire doors and frames, where included.
Supporting Documentation
Agree the paperwork before work starts. Ask the contractor for:
- The system reference from the manufacturer's literature, showing the tested rating.
- Data sheets for the board, insulation and fire-stopping products used.
- Photos of concealed work before the wall is closed.
- Whatever your architect, engineer or local authority needs for sign-off.
Materials
- Fire-rated gypsum board. A board with a reinforced core, used in the specified number of layers.
- Steel framing. Stud size and spacing as per the system.
- Insulation. Mineral wool where the system calls for it.
- Fire-stopping. Fire-rated sealants, collars and wraps for penetrations.
- Fire doors. A separate tested product, installed to its own instructions.
Installation Process
- Confirm the specification and the system to be used.
- Set out and frame.
- Install services, then fire-stop the penetrations.
- Board in the specified layers.
- Joint and finish.
- Inspection and documentation before handover.
Fire Rated Drywall Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Fire-rated drywall partition, supplied and installed | R500 - R750 per m² |
| Standard partition, for comparison | R350 - R500 per m² |
| Fire-rated gypsum board, material | R130 - R160 per m² |
| Standard gypsum board, material, for comparison | R100 - R130 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
- Required rating. Higher ratings usually need more layers.
- Wall height. Tall walls need heavier framing.
- Penetrations. Every pipe and cable through the wall needs fire-stopping.
- Fire doors. Priced separately and often on lead time.
- Inspections. Hold points for inspection add time.
What Affects Completion Time
- Multiple board layers take longer than a standard wall.
- Inspections before closing up can pause the work.
- Fire doors and specified products may need ordering.
Get prices for your job rather than a range. Free, with no obligation.
Compare QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Is fire-rated board enough on its own?
No. The whole system, including frame, layers, joints and sealing, must match the tested build-up.
Who decides the fire rating?
The building's fire design, by the architect, engineer or fire consultant, in line with SANS 10400-T.
Do drywall contractors install fire doors?
Some do, others work with a door supplier. Fire doors are a separate tested product.
What about cables and pipes through the wall?
Each penetration must be sealed with a suitable fire-stopping product.
Can an existing wall be upgraded?
Sometimes, by adding layers to a tested system. Your fire consultant should confirm.
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.
Fire Rated Drywall South Africa. Share your specification once and compare quotes from drywall contractors.
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