#2 Select your wall

Based on the sound insulation requirements on your project, find the recommended wall options for creating privacy between rooms.

Select the appropriate sound-blocking rating (STC) below.
Not sure what to select?
Examples of common spaces

When deciding the sensitivity to noise inside a room, consider how people will use the room and what the ramifications will be if they are interrupted. For example, cafeterias and lobbies have low sensitivity to noise while courtrooms and operating rooms have high sensitivity to noise.

When deciding the amount of noise in adjacent rooms, consider the number of people and pieces of noisy equipment those spaces. For example, physicians sleep rooms and quiet rooms in offices have low amount of noise while commercial kitchens and restrooms have a high amount of noise.

Sensitivity to noise High better STC 45 best STC 50 best STC 50
Medium good STC 40 better STC 45 best STC 50
Low good STC 40 good STC 40 better STC 45
Low Medium High
Amount of noise in adjacent rooms
Download Sound Blocking Design Guidelines
best STC 50
  • STC 50 Full Height Walls (Preferred)

    A best sound blocking rating of STC 50 can be achieved by extending the appropriate demising walls full height from structural slab to structural slab or roof.

    Learn More
  • Plenum Barriers

    In lieu of full height walls, a best sound blocking rating of STC 50 can also be achieved using lightweight plenum barriers above the ceiling system.

    Learn More
  • Ceilings Alone

    It is not possible to achieve a best sound blocking rating of STC 50 with modular, acoustic ceilings alone and an open plenum. Use full height walls or plenum barriers.

  • STC 45 Full Height Walls

    A better sound blocking rating of STC 45 can be achieved by extending the appropriate demising walls full height from structural slab to structural slab or roof.

    Learn More
  • Plenum Barriers (Preferred)

    In lieu of full height walls, a better sound blocking rating of STC 45 can also be achieved using lightweight plenum barriers above the ceiling system.

    Learn More
  • Ceilings Alone

    It is not possible to achieve a better sound blocking rating of STC 45 with most modular, acoustic ceilings alone and an open plenum. Use full height walls or plenum barriers.

  • STC 40 Full Height Walls

    A good sound blocking rating of STC 40 can be achieved by extending the appropriate demising walls full height from structural slab to structural slab or roof.

    Learn More
  • Plenum Barriers (Preferred)

    In lieu of full height walls, a good sound blocking rating of STC 40 can also be achieved using lightweight plenum barriers above the ceiling system.

    Learn More
  • Ceilings Alone (Not Advised)

    Trying to achieve a good sound blocking rating of STC 40 with modular, acoustic ceilings alone and an open plenum above is not advised. Use full height walls or plenum barriers.

    Learn More