Timber stud partitions

Timber stud partition walls for homes and loft conversions, boarded both sides and finished ready to decorate. What's included and typical UK costs.

In short: A timber stud partition is an internal wall built from a softwood frame of head plate, sole plate and vertical studs, boarded with plasterboard on both sides. It is common in houses and loft conversions and where plenty of solid fixing points are needed. In the UK it typically costs £50 to £85 per square metre boarded both sides and finished.

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Timber stud is the traditional way to build internal walls in houses. A sole plate is fixed to the floor, a head plate to the ceiling joists, and vertical studs are fixed between them at 400 or 600 mm centres, with horizontal noggins to stiffen the frame and give fixing points. The frame is then boarded both sides and finished. Many joiners and builders prefer it in homes because it is easy to fix to anywhere along the studs.

Timber needs to be dry, straight and properly graded. Wet or poor-quality timber can shrink and twist after boarding, which shows up as cracked joints and nail pops. We use regularised, kiln-dried timber and leave the frame to settle before finishing where possible. Timber walls can also be built to fire and acoustic specifications using the right board and insulation.

What is included

Setting out the wall and checking joist direction for fixing the head plate
Sole plate, head plate, studs and noggins in kiln-dried, regularised timber
Door linings or openings framed with proper heads
Extra noggins for radiators, basins, shelving and wall units
Mineral wool between studs where sound reduction is wanted
Plasterboard both sides, screwed at correct centres
Tape and joint or skim finish ready to decorate

Who it is for

Houses where joiners and other trades are working in timber
Loft conversions with sloping ceilings and dwarf walls
Walls that will carry lots of shelving, cabinets or fixings
Forming cupboards, airing cupboards and boxing-in
Older properties with timber floors and ceilings

How much does it cost?

As a guide, timber stud partitions usually cost £50 to £85 per square metre boarded both sides and finished, so a typical wall with a door is often £750 to £1,700. Long spans, high ceilings and acoustic specifications cost more. See our full cost guide.

How it works

How timber stud partitions works, step by step

Check the floor and ceiling

We confirm the joist direction, whether the floor can take the wall load, and where services run, so the frame is fixed securely.

Build the frame

Plates, studs and noggins are cut and fixed, with openings formed for doors and extra timber added for heavy fixings.

Services and insulation

Cables and pipes are run through drilled studs within safe zones, then insulation is fitted between studs.

Board and finish

Plasterboard is fixed both sides and the wall is taped and jointed or skimmed.

Timber stud partitions: FAQs

Timber or metal stud: which is better?

Both work well when built properly. Timber is easier to fix to and suits houses with timber floors and joinery. Metal is lighter, perfectly straight, does not shrink and is the norm in commercial work. In homes the choice often comes down to what else is happening on the job and how many heavy fixings the wall needs.

Can a timber stud wall sit on a suspended timber floor?

Usually yes, especially if it runs across the joists. A wall running parallel to and between joists may need extra noggins or a doubled joist beneath it to carry the load without the floor sagging. We check this before building, as it is easier to add support first than fix a bouncy floor later.

Will a new timber partition crack?

Some fine cracking at junctions is common as a house settles and timber dries, but it is kept to a minimum by using kiln-dried timber, fixing boards at the right centres and taping all joints including internal corners. Hairline cracks in the first year are usually filled during decoration.

Do I need building regulations approval for a timber stud wall?

A simple non-loadbearing partition in an existing house often does not, but it can if it affects a fire escape route, reduces ventilation or light to a room, or forms part of a loft conversion, extension or new flat. In those cases fire-rated board and sometimes sound insulation will be required. If unsure, check with building control first.