Modular Temporary Walls in California: A Complete Cost Guide

Modular temporary wall pricing in California is a key consideration for contractors, facility managers, and event planners who need fast, flexible space solutions. From construction sites to healthcare centers and office renovations, modular walls offer clean installation, reusability, and cost-efficiency over traditional drywall.

This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay—covering cost factors by wall type, rental vs. purchase comparisons, building code compliance, and proven ways to reduce your total spend.

Why Modular Temporary Walls Are Gaining Popularity in California

With rising construction labor costs and strict building code requirements, modular walls offer a flexible alternative to drywall. Their dust-free installation, minimal disruption, and clean aesthetics make them a favorite for hospitals, office retrofits, and temporary containment.

Where Modular Temporary Walls Are Used Most Often

You’ll find modular temporary wall systems in:

• Construction and renovation zones (dust containment)

• Hospital or laboratory cleanrooms

• Corporate offices undergoing space changes

• Event spaces needing temporary backdrops or dividers

Explore an overview of our containment systems and their benefits on theBeyond Healthcare: Industry Uses for Temporary Wallspage.

To ensure your installation meets local standards, refer to theCalifornia Building Standards Commission.

What Is a Modular Temporary Wall?

Modular temporary walls are engineered systems that enable quick, clean space division—installed, moved, or removed with minimal downtime. They’re built for reusability and designed to reduce the common drawbacks of traditional drywall.

How Modular Temporary Walls Differ from Drywall

Modular temporary walls:

• Are reusable and sustainable

• Require no taping, sanding, or painting

• Produce no drywall dust or debris

• Install much faster

In contrast, traditional drywall often adds labor time, creates waste, and is not reusable—leading to higher long-term costs and greater disruption.

Key Components and Features of Modular Wall Systems

Most systems include:

• Lightweight aluminum or composite framing

• Rigid or semi-rigid wall panels (antimicrobial options available)

• Dust seals and gasket systems

• Optional soundproofing or privacy-enhanced panels

Check out our “Why Renting Temp Wall Panels Is the Smart Choice” page for more details on features, applications, and advantages. 

For healthcare settings or environments where infection control matters, see theCDC’s Environmental Infection Control guidelines.

Average Pricing for Modular Temporary Walls in California

Typical Per-Foot Costs by Wall Type

Pricing for modular temporary walls in California varies based on wall type, features, and code requirements. Here’s a breakdown of starting price tiers based on the types most commonly used in commercial and construction settings:

These rates reflect base purchase pricingfor the wall system only. Final costs will vary depending on accessories, configuration, labor, and project scope.

Rental Pricing: Monthly Rates for Long-Term Projects

When evaluating the total cost of ownership—considering transportation, installation, removal, storage, and maintenance—renting is often more cost-effectivefor projects lasting several months or more.

Here are estimated monthly rental rates based on a 12-month rental term:

Rental costs typically decrease with longer durations. Many clients find renting more economical than purchasing once all associated factors are considered.

What’s Included in a Rental Package?

There are two primary rental models for modular walls in California:

• Panel-Only Rental: Components are delivered for self-installation by your crew.

• Full-Service Turnkey Rental: Delivery, installation, dismantling, and removal are included.

At Construction Containment Services (5DCCS), we offer both full-service modular temporary wall rentalsand temp panel-only deliveryoptions to suit your project needs. Our team manages everything from logistics and installation to compliance, so you can stay focused on the build.

Learn more about ourtemporary wall rental services.

Modular Temporary Wall Pricing by Use Case: Construction, Healthcare, Office, Events

How you use modular walls also affects cost:

• Construction Containment: Stackable systems (~$140/LF purchase, ~$10/LF/month rental) are ideal for large-scale jobsites and taller installations above 30’.

• Healthcare & Labs: Often require Enhanced or Fire-Rated systems ($450–$867/LF purchase, $32–$65/LF/month rental) to meet ICRA and fire code compliance.

• Office Fit-Outs: Lightweight or Enhanced Sound walls ($250–$450/LF purchase, $18–$32/LF/month rental) are chosen for quiet workspaces and visual separation.

• Events & Temporary Installs: Often use Lightweight panels (~$250/LF purchase, ~$18/LF/month rental) for fast installs and flexible layouts.

Final pricing depends on rental duration, wall height, labor, and configuration complexity.

What Impacts Modular Temporary Wall Costs?

Understanding the variables that influence modular temporary wall pricing can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprise expenses. Whether you’re renting or buying, the following factors will shape your overall cost.

Temp Wall Size and Configuration

The most significant pricing factor is linear footage—the more wall you need, the higher the cost. However, it’s not just length:

• Height matters: Taller wall setups (over 10 feet, or up to 30 feet+ with Stackable systems) cost more in materials and require additional labor.
• Custom layouts: L-shaped corners, door integrations, and complex room builds can drive up both labor time and hardware needs.

Tip: Accurate site measurements and layout planning can reduce unexpected material overages.

Material and Temp Panel Features

Panel type directly affects cost, especially when projects require:

• Telescoping panelsfor seal-tight installs
• Sound attenuationfor office and healthcare settings
• Fire-rated constructionfor code-compliant containment
• Antimicrobial finishesin labs or hospitals

Higher-spec systems naturally carry a premium, but they also improve safety, acoustics, and compliance.

Temp Wall Installation Labor & Services

Wall pricing also includes the service model:

• DIY Installationsmay lower costs but shift responsibility to your team.
• Turnkey Service Packagesfrom providers like Construction Containment Services (5DCCS)include everything: delivery, professional installation, and post-project removal.

Projects in dense urban zones, after-hours installs, or multi-floor access can increase labor charges.

Learn more about ourfull-service containment solutions.

Add-Ons and Accessories

Additional features may be needed depending on your space and use:

• Doors(swing or sliding)
• Negative air ports / HEPA filters
• Wall-mounted signage or pass-throughs
• Seals, trim kits, and stabilization hardware

These accessories improve functionality but add to the final invoice. Make sure your quote outlines each upgrade line by line.

Comparing Temp Wall Rental, Purchase, and DIY Options

Choosing between renting, buying, or going the DIY route depends on your project’s timeline, budget, and internal capabilities. Here’s how each option stacks up.

Temp Wall Rental: Best for Short to Mid-Term Projects

Renting is often the most cost-effective approach for projects lasting a few weeks to several months—especially when you consider total cost of ownership. Renting avoids the burden of:

• Storing materials after project completion

• Managing installation crews or equipment

• Performing maintenance or repairs

• Transporting heavy systems between job sites

Monthly rental pricingstarts around $10/LF for stackable systems and scales up to $65/LF for fire-rated models. The longer the rental, the better the value. Construction Containment Services (5DCCS)offers discounts for 4–24+ month terms.

Learn more about ourrental wall system optionsat 5DCCS.

Temp Wall Purchase: Ideal for Recurring or Permanent Use

Buying makes sense if your team regularly sets up and tears down walls at multiple locations. Ownership allows:

• Full control over usage

• Long-term cost recovery (after 2–3 projects)

• Custom branding or panel features

But it comes with hidden costs:

• Transport and storage logistics

• Ongoing maintenance and panel repairs

• Panel disposal fees

• Labor or subcontractor coordination

If your needs are site-specific or infrequent, renting often avoids these overheads.

DIY Kits: Lower Cost, Higher Effort

DIY modular temporary wall kits can be a cost-saving alternative, but they require significant planning and labor. Most kits include:

• Panels, connectors, and hardware

• Assembly instructions

• Door modules or add-ons (locks, self-closing hinges, monitors…)

However, they may not include site-specific customization or installation support. And for many commercial applications, DIY kits may not meet California building code or ICRA requirements.

If you’re considering DIY, verify that your kit complies with local safety standards.
For more, review California’s building code requirementsfor temporary wall systems.

California Building Code Compliance and Its Cost Impact

When installing modular temporary walls in California, compliance with local and state building codes isn’t just recommended—it’s often mandatory. Overlooking these regulations can result in fines, project delays, or forced removal of non-compliant barriers.

California Building Code Requirements for Temporary Walls

In California, temporary partitions must meet applicable portions of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), especially when installed in commercial, healthcare, or public-use spaces. Key requirements may include:

• Fire resistance ratings for materials in healthcare and multi-tenant buildings

• Accessibility compliance under the California Building Code (CBC) and ADA

• Mechanical and ventilation integration, where walls alter airflow

• Seismic stability, particularly for tall or heavy wall structures

ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) compliance is also crucial for healthcare environments, where temporary barriers are used for isolation or construction containment.

Learn more about specific requirements on the California Building Standards Commission site.

Cost Factors for Code-Compliant Installations

Ensuring your walls meet code adds some cost upfront—but can save significant money and risk long term. Compliance-related expenses may include:

• Upgraded materials (e.g., fire-rated panels)
• Additional hardware (e.g., seismic bracing, door hardware)
• Design consultation or permitting support
• Labor for complex installations

At Construction Containment Services, we help clients select and install the correct wall system based on project type, jurisdiction, and site conditions—so you’re never left wondering if you’re in compliance.

Explore ourcode-compliant rental solutions.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply can result in:

• Stop-work ordersfrom inspectors
• Insurance liability issues
• Delays or budget overruns
• Damage to brand reputation, especially in healthcare or corporate settings

Investing in code-compliant temporary walls reduces these risks and enhances the professional presentation of your worksite.

Top Ways to Save on Modular Wall Pricing in California

Modular temporary walls are already a cost-saving alternative to drywall in many situations—but there are ways to save even more. Whether you’re renting for a short-term job or outfitting a long-term installation, these strategies can help reduce your total spend.

1. Choose the Right Wall Type for the Job

Avoid overpaying by selecting the system that matches your real-world needs:

• For basic dust containment or tall configurations, Stackable walls (~$10/LF/month)are the most economical.
• For offices or clinics, Lightweight or Enhanced Sound systemsmay be needed—but avoid over-specifying when basic options will suffice.

Our team at Construction Containment Servicescan help you match the right wall to the right budget.

2. Rent Long-Term Instead of Buying

While buying seems cost-effective up front, long-term rentals often result in lower total costsonce you factor in:

• Storage
• Transportation
• Maintenance
• Crew labor for install/removal

8-month rental terms typically offer the best value, with discounted monthly ratesthe longer you rent.

Learn more about ourlong-term rental programs.

3. Bundle Installation with Wall System Rentals

Some providers offer package discountswhen you bundle:

• Modular temporary wall panels
• Delivery and pickup
• On-site installation and teardown

Full-service solutions reduce labor overlap and prevent costly on-site errors, especially in healthcare and high-risk environments.

4. Use Standard Sizes and Layouts

Custom configurations increase complexity and price. When possible:

• Stick to standard panel heights and widths
• Use straight-line or rectangular layouts
• Limit specialty components (e.g., curved walls, custom doors)

This simplifies both installation and material usage—leading to faster, cheaper deployments.

5. Ask About Seasonal or Regional Discounts

Some providers offer reduced pricing for:

• Projects during off-peak construction seasons
• Work in regions where materials or crews are readily available
• Repeat clients or multi-site installations

Don’t hesitate to ask your vendor about potential cost breaks. You might qualify for savings not advertised publicly.

Ready to Get Started?

Let Construction Containment Services help you find the most cost-effective modular wall solution for your next project.

Request a Quote or visit our Services Page to explore your options.