Guide to Choosing and Installing Acoustic Panels

Are you struggling with unwanted noise or poor sound quality in your space? Acoustic panels could be the solution you are looking for. These panels are designed to improve the sound within a room by absorbing unwanted echoes and reducing reverberation. Whether you’re setting up a home studio, refining the acoustics in an office, or simply want a quieter living area, understanding how acoustic panels work and choosing the right ones are crucial first steps.

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Acoustic panels come in various types and sizes, each suited to different acoustic needs and environments. For instance, some are designed to enhance sound quality in recording studios, while others are better suited for large public spaces like schools or theatres. In addition to their functional benefits, these panels can also serve as aesthetic enhancements to a room, available in numerous designs and colours that can complement your existing décor.

Choosing the right acoustic panels involves considering several factors, including the specific sound control needs of your space and the physical characteristics of the room. Whether you need to control bass in a music studio or reduce noise in a busy office, the right type of acoustic panels can make a significant difference. Let’s explore how to select the optimal panels for your needs and the best practices for installing them to ensure they perform effectively.

Understanding Acoustic Panels and Their Importance

Acoustic panels are specialised elements designed to improve the sound quality within a room by absorbing unwanted sound reflections that can create echoes and muddiness. These panels are not just practical; they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. Acoustic panels are usually made from materials such as acoustic foam, which effectively absorb sound frequencies to reduce the overall noise level and improve clarity for speech and music. Beyond their use in recording studios and home theatres, these panels are invaluable in a variety of settings. Schools, offices, and restaurants, for instance, benefit significantly from the improved auditory environment these panels provide, facilitating better communication and reducing noise stress for occupants.

Choosing the Right Acoustic Panels for Your Space

When deciding on the right acoustic panels for your environment, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of your space. The panels come in various types, each tailored to address different sound issues. For example, foam panels might be better suited to a private home studio where sound absorption is critical.

Here are essential factors to keep in mind when selecting acoustic panels:

1. Material: The material of the acoustic panel affects its absorption capabilities and durability. Acoustic foam and wood are common materials, each offering different levels of sound absorption and aesthetic appeal.

2. Size: The size of the panel should correlate with the size of the room and the surface area available for installation. Larger panels generally provide better sound control but require more space.

3. Aesthetic Compatibility: Consider the visual impact of the acoustic panels. With various colours and styles available, choose panels that complement or enhance your room’s existing design.

Selecting the right acoustic panels involves understanding the specific acoustic challenges you are facing and the characteristics of various panels to address these challenges effectively. By considering these factors, you can significantly improve the auditory experience in any setting, making the environment more pleasant and functionally sound.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Acoustic Panels

Installing acoustic panels can be straightforward if you have the right tools and a clear plan. Before beginning, ensure you have all necessary materials on hand. You will need adhesive or mounting clips, a tape measure, a level, and possibly a drill if fixing the panels to a harder surface like concrete or brick.

Firstly, measure your space and determine where each panel should be placed for optimal sound control. It’s important to target areas where sound reflections are most common, such as opposite and adjacent to noise sources. Once your layout is planned, mark the positions on the walls using a pencil. Next, if using adhesive, apply it generously to the back of each panel. Press the panel firmly against the wall for a few seconds to ensure it adheres well. If using clips, fix them securely into the wall and mount the panels accordingly. Using a level during this process will help ensure that each panel is perfectly horizontal or vertical, depending on your arrangement.

After Installation: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Once your acoustic panels are securely installed, it’s crucial to test their effectiveness. Play different types of audio in the room to assess how the sound behaves. Listen for any echo or distortion that might indicate areas where additional panels may be necessary. It's also beneficial to walk around the room while audio plays to hear how sound levels change in different parts. This test can help identify any spots where sound clarity needs improvement.

Maintaining your acoustic panels is simple but essential. Regularly dust them with a soft cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove surface dust. Avoid using water or cleaning solvents unless specified by the manufacturer, as these can damage the panel's materials. Periodically check the integrity of the installation to ensure that none of the panels have become loose or detached, especially in environments with varying temperature and humidity levels.

Closing Thoughts

Improving the sound quality of your environment with acoustic panels enhances the audio's clarity and contributes to a more focused and pleasant space. Whether for a professional setting or personal use, understanding the correct application, installation, and maintenance of acoustic panels ensures that you will benefit from their functionality for years to come.

Do you make baffle panels (with fabric on both sides) for hanging from the ceiling?

Yes, we do make acoustic baffles with fabric on both sides and embedded rings for hanging from a ceiling. Please contact us here to discuss.

Do these acoustic panels have a fire rating?

All components utilized in the construction of these acoustic wall panels meet a Class A (1) rating as tested per ASTM E-84 (measurements of surface flame spread and smoke development). This is the highest and safest fire rating possible for building materials. 

Is this product tackable? Will using tacks damage the panels?

Yes, these acoustic panels are tackable. The acoustic core will hold pins and tacks without any damage to the panel. Also, the Guilford of Maine fabrics we use are "self-healing" when tacked with pins or thumbtacks. This makes our panels great for offices and classrooms.  All that said, if you do cover a substantial amount of the panel in paper, then sound will not be absorbed as efficiently since it'll be reflecting off the paper. I'd keep the paper placed on them to a minimum.

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Is there a recommended space between panels?  Is it a problem if there’s too much spacing between the panels?

No, as long as you have the sufficient quantity of acoustic panels and achieve the minimum recommended coverage then the distance between panels doesn't matter.

Where should I mount the acoustic panels in the room? 

In general, it's recommended to disperse the panels throughout the room as evenly as possible.

Do you make custom sized panels? What are the largest panels you can make?

Yes, we can make acoustic panels in almost any size and shape up to 4’x8’.  Please give us a list of your panel quantities and dimensions and we can get a quote started for you.  Also please send your shipping address and we’ll get a shipping cost as well. Note, for panels bigger than 48”x24” in size, we may need to ship via LTL (less than truckload) freight service. If that’s the case we’ll have a few more questions. Contact us here to discuss.

Can these acoustical panels be cut down to size?

No, our panels are not meant to be cut down. The acoustic panels are made of a sound-absorbing fiberglass core with the exterior wrapped in scrim and Guilford of Maine acoustic fabric. So cutting the panel would irreparably damage the finished exterior. If you're interested in different sizes or shapes that you can't find in our store, please contact us here and we would be happy discuss!

How do these acoustic panels compare to foam eggcrate-style panels?

Our acoustic panels (acoustic fiberglass core) will generally absorb about twice as much sound as foam eggcrate/pyramids/etc. and they'll do a great job of absorbing unwanted noise, echo, and reverb.

What are the components of the panels? What materials are used to make this? Is it a wood frame? What if the material inside the panel? Is the fabric breathable?

Our acoustic panels are made from a dense, sound-absorbing fiberglass core wrapped in scrim (a thin textile layer) and then wrapped in an acoustically-transparent polyester fabric by Guilford of Maine. Acoustic transparency means that sound waves can pass through and be absorbed by the core, rather than bouncing off and echoing around the room. The fabric is very porous, so I guess you could say its breathable. The edges of the fiberglass core are hardened for stability - there is no wood frame.

Do you sell acoustic foam for attaching under chairs and tables in a restaurant? Does that method work for absorbing sound?

We haven’t tested foam under chairs and tables and can’t recommend it. The downsides are likely that they don't absorb very much sound because foam is thin and not dense. The other potential problem is the foam may disintegrate over time and create a mess.

Can the acoustic panels handle high humidity or moisture?  Can you use the panels in a yoga studio?

Our panels stand up well to high humidity. That said, the panels should never remain wet indefinitely. Just like with any material, if left damp, then molds will likely form over time. It's important that the room has good ventilation and the walls and panels are allowed to completely dry in between classes and/or overnight.

Can the acoustic panels be used in on an outdoor patio space or lanai that is covered and protected?

It’s not an ideal place to put them, but our panels can be used in an outdoor space if it is far from and well-protected from the elements (rain, wind, etc). The panels will withstand humidity well but should not remain wet. Just like with any material, if left damp, then molds will likely form over time. And just like any furniture or fabric-covered items, they may not have the same longevity if they're exposed to outdoor weather as items kept indoors.

How much does it cost to ship these acoustic panels?

As shipping costs vary, if you send us a list of the panels you’re interested in and your shipping address, we’d be happy to get you a quote.  Normally the panels ship via UPS Ground, but if it is a large order or if the panels are over 48”x24” in dimensions we’ll usually ship via LTL (less than truckload) freight carrier.

What are the considerations for shipping via LTL? 

For panels that are bigger than around 48”x24” in size we may need to ship via LTL freight, so we will need this info:

- Is there a loading dock at the delivery location?
- Do you need the driver to help bring the panels inside (or will there be people there to bring them in?)
- Do you need a delivery appointment, or will there be people there during normal business hours to accept the panels?

Please provide that info when ordering. Contact us here to discuss.

Can you ship these sound panels internationally?

Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, we currently only ship within the US and Canada.

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