RWA45 vs Acoustic Partition Roll
Which sound insulation should you use – and where?
If you’re building a stud wall, partition or media room, you’ll want to include some sort of acoustic insulation to cut down on noise between spaces. The two most common options are RWA45 slabs and APR (Acoustic Partition Roll) — but which one’s right for your project?
Here’s a clear, honest comparison to help you choose the right soundproofing insulation, based on performance, ease of use, and cost.
What Are They?
RWA45 (Rockwool Acoustic Slab)
A rigid, high-density mineral wool slab with excellent acoustic and thermal performance.
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Density: 45kg/m³
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Format: Slabs (usually 600mm x 1200mm)
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Thicknesses: 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
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Use it for:
Internal stud walls, party walls, ceilings, floors, acoustic builds -
Performance:
Very high sound absorption, also offers good fire and thermal resistance -
In stock?
Often stocked at Wood Green Timber
APR (Acoustic Partition Roll)
A lighter, flexible mineral wool roll designed for sound absorption in walls and floors.
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Density: Lower than RWA45
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Format: Roll (easier to handle over long runs)
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Width: Typically pre-cut to 600mm for studs
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Use it for:
Partition walls, floor voids, quick installs -
Performance:
Still offers decent acoustic absorption, but not as dense or rigid -
In stock?
Available to order – short lead time
Key Differences: RWA45 vs APR
| Feature | RWA45 | APR (Acoustic Roll) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Rigid slabs | Flexible roll |
| Fit | Cuts clean, tight friction fit | Quick to roll out, may need tucking |
| Sound absorption | Higher | Good, but slightly lower |
| Fire resistance | Class A1 (non-combustible) | Usually Class A1 or A2 |
| Handling | Needs cutting, bit heavier | Easy to carry and lay out |
| Best for | High-performance acoustic builds | Fast partitions or budget projects |
Which One Should You Use?
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Use RWA45 when:
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You want maximum soundproofing
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It’s a media room, flat conversion, or party wall
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You’re working on a high-spec or regulation-sensitive build
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You need thermal/fire performance too
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Use APR when:
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You want to insulate quickly and easily
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You’re on a budget-conscious job
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You’re lining a partition or non-critical wall
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You prefer working with roll rather than slab
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Still Not Sure? Ask Us.
At Wood Green Timber, we supply both RWA45 slabs and APR — and if you’re not sure which one’s right, just tell us what you’re building. We’ll help you pick the right spec, in the right size, for the job.
We also stock:
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Stud timber (47x75 or 47x100)
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Plasterboard (standard, moisture-resistant, and fire-rated)
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Fixings, scrim tape, insulation supports, beads, and more
Call in, pop down, or drop us a message — proper advice, no guesswork.
