Are Metal Interior Walls Better for Acoustic Performance Than Plaster?

Metal interior walls, particularly aluminum panels paired with acoustic insulation, can outperform plaster walls in controlling sound transmission and reverberation. Aluminum’s rigid surface reflects sound uniformly, but advanced metal wall systems incorporate mineral wool, fiberglass, or bio-based acoustic cores that absorb impact and airborne noise more effectively than plaster alone. Plaster walls, while dense, lack integrated absorption layers, often requiring additional installations such as acoustic panels or carpeting to mitigate echoes and reduce transmission. In contrast, aluminum assemblies can be factory-engineered with perforations and backer materials tuned to specific frequency ranges, managing both low-frequency rumble and mid-to-high frequency chatter within a single product. The precision manufacturing of metal panels ensures uniform hole patterns and consistent coverage across large wall spans, delivering predictable acoustic performance. Moreover, metal walls maintain their acoustic properties over time without cracking or delaminating—a risk in plaster ceilings under movement or settling. For open-plan offices, lecture halls, and healthcare facilities where sound clarity and privacy are paramount, metal interior walls equipped with tailored acoustic solutions provide a robust, long-lasting alternative to traditional plaster assemblies.