All About 162mm Thick Gypsum Partition

🛠️ Why Gypsum Board Type & Partition Design Matter: A Deep Dive into 162 mm Acoustic Partition Systems

In today's high-performance interior spaces—be it offices, hotels, studios, or healthcare facilities—acoustic partitioning plays a crucial role in achieving comfort, privacy, and compliance. Among several configurations, a 162 mm thick gypsum board partition system with integrated sound-deadening membrane and decoupled frames offers one of the best balances of acoustics, fire resistance, and serviceability.

🧱 Build-Up of a 162 mm Acoustic Partition Wall (With Internal Sound Barrier)

Here’s a refined version that improves execution flexibility:

From one side to the other:

Layer	Component
1	12.5 mm Acoustic Gypsum Board
2	12.5 mm Acoustic Gypsum Board
3	50 mm Metal Stud Frame (Side A)
4	4 mm Sound Deadening Membrane (fixed inside cavity, between                                              frames)
5	50 mm Acoustic Insulation (Glass Wool / Rockwool, 48–60 kg/m³)
6	10 mm Air Gap
7	50 mm Metal Stud Frame (Side B)
8	12.5 mm Acoustic Gypsum Board
9	12.5 mm Acoustic Gypsum Board

✅ Total Partition Thickness: 162 mm
✅ Membrane Placement: Inside cavity—protected from services

🛠️ Why This Layout Works Better on Site

In many interior projects, services such as electrical conduits, junction boxes, and back boxes must be accommodated without compromising the integrity of the acoustic membrane.

By placing the 4 mm sound-deadening membrane within the stud cavity, sandwiched between two independent metal stud frames:

• You avoid cutting or piercing the membrane during MEP installations

• Maintain a continuous acoustic barrier

• Make electrical work easier, as outer gypsum layers are unaffected

• Improve long-term durability and sound performance

🎯 Resulting Benefits

• STC values of 55–60+ achievable depending on insulation and board type

• Services can run on either stud frame independently

• Compliant with both fire safety and acoustic standards

• Ideal for rooms requiring privacy and performance, like:

  • Director cabins

  • Boardrooms

  • Recording/editing rooms

  • Hotels and hospitals

📌 Execution Tip:

• Use Tecsound / Vibro-acoustic membrane or equivalent, fixed neatly between frames using adhesive or light tapping screws and washers (no overlap with services).

• Seal perimeter joints with non-hardening acoustic sealant

• Ensure insulation fits tightly without compressing or bridging both frames
  
  
  
  🧱 Understanding Gypsum Board Types by Density

  Not all gypsum boards are created equal. The core density of a board directly affects its:

  • Sound insulation

  • Fire resistance

  • Mechanical strength

  Type	Approx. Density	Application
  Standard Board	600–800 kg/m³	General dry areas (basic partition or ceiling)
  Moisture-Resistant (MR)	800–950 kg/m³	Kitchens, washrooms (non-wet zones)
  Fire-Resistant (FR)	850–1000+ kg/m³	Shaft walls, staircases, fire-rated areas
  Acoustic / High-Density Board	1000–1200+ kg/m³	Meeting rooms, hotels, studios, boardrooms

  
  

🏁 Conclusion

A well-designed 162 mm acoustic partition system that places the sound-deadening membrane within the cavity—not on the board face—offers both high acoustic efficiency and serviceability. It’s a small design tweak that saves big during execution and maintenance.

In interior fit-out, details like these define the success of the overall project. Always coordinate with MEP and acoustic consultants to get the best of both worlds—sound performance and buildability.