Whether you are dividing a room at home, creating office partitions, or adding a new room to your property, one of the first decisions you will face is whether to use drywall or traditional brick. Both are widely used in South Africa, but they serve different purposes and come with very different costs, timelines, and practical outcomes.
This guide is based on current South African pricing data and practical construction experience across Pretoria properties.
Cost Comparison
Cost is usually the first factor homeowners and business owners consider. Research across South African drywall and construction contractors shows a consistent pattern — drywall partitioning is significantly more affordable than brick for internal walls.
| Wall Type | Cost Per Square Metre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard drywall partition | R350 to R800 per m2 | Includes framing, boards, jointing and skim |
| Acoustic drywall (sound-rated) | R500 to R950 per m2 | Double board or insulated cavity |
| Moisture-resistant drywall | R450 to R850 per m2 | For kitchens, bathrooms and wet areas |
| Brick and mortar (internal) | R600 to R1 200 per m2 | Includes bricklaying, plaster and skim |
| Concrete wall (internal) | R800 to R1 500 per m2 | Highest cost, rarely used for internal partitions |
According to current South African construction data, drywall is typically 30 to 50 percent cheaper than traditional brickwork for internal partitions. For a medium-sized room requiring approximately 20 linear metres of partitioning at standard ceiling height, a drywall installation would typically cost between R25 000 and R40 000 for a mix of standard and acoustic panels. The same area in brick and plaster would likely cost R40 000 to R70 000 or more.
Side-by-Side Comparison
When to Choose Drywall
Drywall is the better choice in most internal partition situations in Pretoria homes and offices. It is the right option when:
You are dividing an existing room or open-plan office space into smaller sections. You need the work completed quickly with minimal disruption to daily life or business operations. You are working in a rented property where the changes may need to be reversed later. You are on a budget and need a professional finish at a significantly lower cost than brickwork. The wall does not need to be load-bearing or structural.
Drywall is also the standard choice for home extensions built within an existing structure, office fit-outs, boardroom dividers, bedroom additions, and walk-in closet installations.
When to Choose Brick
Brick is still the superior choice in specific situations. Use brick when the wall needs to be structural or load-bearing, such as when it will carry the weight of a roof, upper floor, or large opening. Brick is also preferable for external walls, boundary walls, and any wall that will be permanently exposed to the elements. In areas with extreme moisture such as basement walls or outdoor-facing surfaces, brick and plaster typically outlast drywall.
For high-security applications or where maximum fire resistance is required beyond standard drywall ratings, brick remains the more appropriate material.
The Practical Verdict for Pretoria Properties
For the vast majority of internal partition work in Pretoria homes and offices, drywall is the smarter choice. It is faster, cleaner, significantly cheaper, and produces a finish that is visually identical to a plastered brick wall once painted.
At Tenacy Construction, we install both drywall partitions and brick walls depending on the requirements of each project. We assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your property and budget.
Tenacy Construction installs: Standard drywall partitions, acoustic drywall, moisture-resistant drywall for wet areas, drywall ceilings, cornices, and finishing. We work in residential homes, offices, and commercial properties across Pretoria and Centurion.
Need a Drywall or Partition Quote?
Tenacy Construction provides professional drywall installation and partition solutions across Pretoria. Contact us for a free site visit and quotation.