Quieter Offices: Partitions That Reach STC 40 and Above
A meeting room is only private if people outside cannot follow the conversation. That depends on the partition. Here is what to know when you choose one.
Why partitions matter in offices
Modern offices pack many rooms into one floor: cabins, meeting rooms and phone booths. If the walls leak sound, people hear private calls and cannot focus. Flexible workspaces are especially exposed because they run many small rooms side by side.
What do the ratings mean?
STC and Rw are numbers for how much sound a wall blocks. A higher number is better.
- Around 30: you can understand most speech.
- Around 40 to 45: loud speech is muffled and hard to follow. Common for meeting rooms and cabins.
- 50 and above: very private. For boardrooms, studios and sensitive spaces. Sources differ on exact targets, so check what your client or consultant requires.
What did we test?
A 100 mm partition with BIOMEBOARD™ on both sides of a 50 mm rockwool core was tested at CSIR National Physical Laboratory. It reached Rw 44 dB, which is about STC 44. That clears a target of 40 with a small margin.
Why margin matters
Lab results are the best case. On site, sound can travel around the wall through the ceiling space, the floor and gaps. A wall that tests at 44 may perform a little lower once built. Extra margin is a sensible buffer. Also remember that the lab tested a small sample, and the result belongs to this exact build.
Fire and sustainability together
A 16 mm Type F BIOMEBOARD™ sheet has a fire class of B-s1,d0. That result is for the board, not the whole partition. The board is also made from wheat straw with a binder that has no added formaldehyde. For companies that report on supply chain sustainability, this can be useful.
What it does not do
The test measures blocking noise. It does not mean the room will have less echo. For that you need sound absorbing finishes.
A checklist for a quieter office
- Seal gaps at the floor, ceiling and edges.
- Take the wall up to the true ceiling where possible.
- Use solid or well-sealed doors.
- Avoid back-to-back sockets.
- Keep ventilation openings small and lined.
- Add soft finishes inside the room to cut echo.
Do you need to go higher?
Boardrooms, HR rooms and legal rooms may need 50 or more. For those, use a heavier build with extra layers and sealed doors.
FAQs
What STC rating is right for a meeting room?
Many offices aim for around 40 to 45.
Is STC the same as Rw?
They are close but not identical.
Will a lab result match my site?
Rarely exactly. Gaps and flanking paths reduce it.
Does the partition reduce echo?
No. Use absorbing materials for that.
Do glass partitions meet STC 40?
Single glass usually does not. Ask for the tested rating of the exact glass and frame.
Planning an office fit-out? Send us your requirement.