Apr. 29, 2024
Are you irritated by the echoes and noises in your home studio or office? Noise pollution can take a toll on people's concentration, affecting their productivity, creativity, sleep, and much more. However, you can combat this problem with the help of acoustic panels, strategic furniture placement and textile choices, and a few other methods that we’ll cover.
Want more information on wholesale acoustic slat wood wall panels? Feel free to contact us.
You must be thinking, how do acoustic panels work, and is it worth placing them in my home or office? Well, fret not. Today we’ll cover all you need to know about what acoustic panels are, how they work, different types, benefits, tips, tricks, alternatives, and much more.
Acoustic panels are products designed to reduce sound reverberations (also known as echo) in interior spaces. They are typically made from porous materials that are designed to absorb sound waves, rather than reflect them, such as fabric, felt, foam, and even wood or fiberglass.
Because aesthetics are often almost as important as acoustics, acoustic panels come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, so you can also use them to decorate your space. Standardized acoustic panels are mostly made in rectangular and square shapes for simplicity of installation, but they’re often customizable, either on-site or in-house if you’re having them custom made (this is more common with large, commercial jobs like office buildings, banquet halls or government buildings).
Not only do they absorb sound, but many acoustical panels also boast thermal properties, meaning they can partially insulate your space to maintain a more consistent internal temperature.
The installation of these panels is quite easy, and they are usually installed in a wide range of settings, including offices, home studios, restaurants, and movie theaters. However, people also use them in their kitchens, dance studios, study rooms, and bedrooms for decorative purposes.
The science behind acoustic paneling is quite straightforward. When sound waves hit a hard surface, they bounce off and reflect back into the room, causing echoes and a long reverberation time. Acoustic panels work by absorbing the sound waves, rather than reflecting them. When sound waves hit an acoustic panel instead of a hard surface like drywall or concrete, they enter the porous material of the panel and get trapped inside, dramatically reducing the amount of sound that is reflected back into the space. Because of this process, echos and sound reverberations are significantly reduced.
There is a way to measure how absorptive an acoustic panel is, and the rating is known as the Noise Reduction Coefficient, or NRC for short. When shopping for acoustic panels, always look for the NRC rating, as this will tell you approximately how much an acoustical panel will absorb sound in your space.
NRC ratings are usually between 0.0 and 1.0, but due to the testing method used (ASTM C423) ratings can sometimes be even higher. This is moreso a limitation of the test method (which can have marginal errors to account for the 3D nature of a testing surface) rather than the material being tested.
Regardless, a simple rule of thumb is this: the higher the rating, the more sound absorbed. Another good way to remember it, is the NRC rating is the percentage of sound that will be absorbed by the product. 0.7 NRC? 70% noise reduction.
A concrete wall usually has an NRC rating of about 0.05, meaning that 95% of sounds that hit that wall will be bouncing back into the space. However, something like a wood acoustic wall panel can boast an NRC rating of 0.85 or higher, meaning that about 85% of sound waves that hit the panel will be absorbed, rather than reflected back into the space.
Sound absorption is a process when any sound waves hit a surface; instead of reflecting, the waves get absorbed in the material. It contributes towards sound reduction. Moreover, the absorption of waves produces the heating effect, which ultimately becomes a plus point.
Sound-absorbing products use porous material and usually have a larger surface area to soak in the waves.
Due to low density and large surface area, porous material plays an important role in sound absorption. The small spaces within the material create pathways for sound waves to travel through and get trapped within the material, causing the sound energy to be dissipated as heat energy. Additionally, the lightweight of porous materials means that they can vibrate easily in response to sound waves, which increases their potential to absorb sound. This is why porous materials such as fiberglass, foam, and mineral wool are commonly used in the construction of acoustic panels.
Air gaps can effectively increase the absorption of sound waves, especially long-wavelength or low-frequency sound energy, which contributes significantly to the reduction in echo. Air gaps can typically be added behind acoustic panels to improve their efficacy.
How does this work?
Well, all you need to do is install spacers behind your acoustic panels, this can be as simple as strips of MDF or framing lumber to create a gap between the back of the panel and the wall or ceiling.
Instead of the sound waves bouncing off the panel and the material behind it (for example, the concrete wall the panels were mounted on), an air gap creates an extra barrier for the sound wave to pass through.
When acoustic panels are mounted with an air gap behind them, the sound wave passes through the acoustic panel, is partially diffused, hits the surface behind the panel, is reflected back out and through the acoustic panel for a second time, diffusing the sound wave even further. This is why adding an air gap behind your acoustic panel installation can double its Noise Reduction Coefficient.
For places like restaurants or any space where extra noise reduction is required, installing your acoustic panels with an air gap behind them is a simple, easy way to dramatically improve the acoustical performance of your space.
Acoustic panels come in various types, including fiberglass, foam, wooden, and ceiling tiles. Fiberglass panels are lightweight, durable, and highly effective at absorbing sound, while foam panels are a popular choice for low-budget projects where acoustics are more important than aesthetics. Wooden acoustic panels are often used for decorative purposes, and ceiling tiles are often a popular choice for commercial buildings.
If you are just starting your search for acoustic panels, there is a high probability you will come across fiberglass as a popular material, as it is known for being lightweight, easy to install, and very sound absorptive. Besides, it is one of the oldest materials used to make acoustic panels, so it’s considered a reliable, economic choice.
Fiberglass panels are not directly installed but wrapped in a covering. The ideal type of covering for you greatly depends on the application. For example, if you are concerned with the aesthetics of the space, fabric covering is the ideal choice. Fabric coverings come in all types of designs, so you can easily match them with the theme of your space.
The material of the acoustic panels affects their sound-absorbing tendency. Fiberglass absorbs more sound waves than most other materials used to make acoustic panels. So, it’s a great choice where acoustics and budget are top priorities.
You must have seen those DIY sound booths in home studios made with a soft material all over the walls and ceilings. That material is typically foam (often in a convoluted or fluted pattern) and it is one of the most commonly used materials in acoustic panels. If you are a beginner and don’t know much about acoustic panels, deciding on the panels' material becomes difficult. However, opting for foam panels is usually a safe bet, especially if you’re working on a budget and don’t want to have to wrap your panels, as you would with fiberglass acoustic panels.
The best part about foam panels is that they are very affordable. So, if you can’t afford to invest too much money in acoustic panels, foam panels can serve their purpose well. As for the aesthetics, they might not be the most attractive thing to install in their room, but you can rely on them to reduce extra noise.
Also, cleaning them is not easy. Dust gets easily trapped in the pores of the foam and doesn’t come out easily with a vacuum. The relatively delicate nature of the foam can also result in the panels becoming easily damaged if you try to clean them, so make sure you install them in environments where there won’t be much dust, or the dust won’t be very visible (like a dimly-lit home studio).
If you actively work towards achieving sustainability and you want your acoustic panels to actually look nice in your space, wood slat acoustic panels might be your best option.
These acoustic panels are made from a combination of an acoustical felt backing, MDF, and real wood veneers. Their fluted wood panel design adds to their acoustic performance, as sound waves are caught between the slats and in the felt backing, reducing echo by up to 85%.
Another great thing about this panel design is its ease of installation. While most wooden acoustic panels must be installed by professionals using a complex array of tools and measurements, these wood slat acoustic panels are almost as simple as foam panels when it comes to installation.
Simply use black screws or nails to screw through the black acoustical felt backing and attach them to your wall or ceiling. You can also read more here on How to Install Wood Slat Wall Panels.
Acoustic panels are used for absorbing extra sounds and noises, but that’s not all. These panels have several benefits that will convince you to install them in your home and office.
If you are designing an area where conversation will be had, acoustics are a crucial component to your space. Whether it’s a restaurant, an event space, or just a home where a family will be living and conversing, the design of a space where people will be talking to each other should take acoustics into consideration.
The reason for this is that an untreated room can often make conversation and socializing difficult, as voices, music and other sounds will all be bouncing off hard surfaces, resulting in thousands of sound reverberations at any point in time.
This results in guests hearing multiple different sounds, all being echoed around the space and hitting their ears multiple times per second, which makes conversation harder to understand and can even result in listener fatigue.
Acoustic panels will absorb sound rather than reflecting it back into the room, which makes it easier for people to have conversation, hear music, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
Noise pollution is excessive and unwanted sound that can have negative effects on health and well-being. Exposure to excessive noise can lead to stress, sleep disturbance, hearing impairment, and other health problems. It can also reduce cognitive performance, productivity, and communication.
So, installing items that can reduce noise pollution is a great way to make your space more productive, relaxing, and even healthy, depending on its use. Regardless of the environment, acoustic paneling will significantly reduce noises and echoes, making your space free of noise pollution and improving the health of those who spend time there.
The use of acoustic panels in workspaces and offices is seen to have improved the productivity levels of the employees. Bad office acoustics can irritate employees and make it difficult for them to concentrate and stay focused.
However, with acoustic panels, you can create a quiet environment that can help improve the focus of your employees.
If you opt for design-forward decorative acoustic panels that match the theme of your space, they can improve the aesthetics as much as the acoustics. While painted walls may seem good enough, adding natural elements like wood to the walls of your space can truly give any room a more sophisticated, elevated look. Panels like these are also great for hiding unsightly characteristics on your wall or ceiling, like chipped paint, hairline cracks, and other imperfections.
Though installing acoustic panels is not difficult, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t mess up the installation process.
Deciding on the position of panel placement is a crucial decision that must be made carefully. Make sure you research the basics of panel placement and the adjustment of the material that your acoustic panels are made up of. This way, you can plan where to install them.
The most common placement positions are walls and ceilings, and usually opposite where the main sound sources will be. This is why you may see acoustic panels behind the TV in a living room, as the surround sound speakers will direct soundwaves to the front of the room where they’ll need to be absorbed to ensure a top-notch viewing experience. Many homeowners also opt to place acoustic panels behind the couch for the same reason, especially if they’re using a soundbar or a single source of sound in their living room setup.
Acoustic panels are also often placed in the corners of rooms. When installing them in this position, keep in mind the ease of cleaning, as corners will naturally collect more dust and require more frequent cleaning over time.
Each panel material requires a different installation technique. For example, you cannot install wood slat panels (usually installed with screws or adhesive) the same way as foam panels, which are typically installed with staples or construction glue). So, make sure you are asking your supplier what installation method they recommend for your space.
You’ll want to be able to clean your acoustic panels occasionally, or at least remove any excess dust once it builds up. Your acoustic product and material choice will largely affect how easily you’re able to keep them clean.
For example, pre-finished wood acoustic panels are typically easy to clean with a slightly damp cloth, as the smooth wood surface is easy to wipe down. Even wooden slat acoustic panels can be quickly cleaned between the slats using a vacuum cleaner.
That being said, other materials like foam are harder to clean due to how light the material is. If you’re opting for fiberglass acoustic panels, ensure that the material you choose to wrap the panels with is relatively easy to clean, either with a vacuum cleaner or even a lint roller.
While it’s undoubtedly the most effective way to improve the acoustics of your home, office, or business, acoustic panels are not the only way to dampen echo and improve the acoustics of a space.
There are other methods that will contribute to sound absorption and reduction of echo that are also worth considering, often in tandem with acoustical paneling or other methods.
If you live in a noisy area, you should be mindful about how you furnish your home, as furniture and decorative items can also help in sound absorption and make your home more acoustically comfortable.
For example, use soft fabric instead of leather or latex for curtains and upholstery, and consider adding a few extra cushions to your sofa. Decorative items such as canvas art (instead of glass picture frames) can also significantly improve sound absorption in your space.
Furniture placement and material choices also play a very important role in the acoustic treatment of any room. Instead of using wood furniture, replace it with fabric furniture like couches. It is better to opt for furniture that is upholstered with plush fabric, as this can help reduce the noise.
Furniture items that are placed against walls typically have sound absorption qualities, especially if they’re holding items made from softer, more solid materials.
What are we talking about? That’s right, books! Installing a bookshelf and filling it with books is an incredibly efficient way to reduce noise in a space, as heavy objects break up sound vibrations and make it difficult for the sound to travel. Maybe that’s why libraries are so quiet?
If you hate the noise produced by footfalls and objects being dragged across the room, rugs or carpets are a great investment. Putting a rug down is the one of the easiest ways to cover your floor in an aesthetically pleasing way and reduce noise pollution at the same time.
As sound waves travel through the room and hit the floor, instead of bouncing them back, rugs and carpets absorb them, which reduces echoes and reverberations.
Offices and studios usually have metal or wood blinds. Though affordable and low maintenance, they are not really helpful in reducing echo. So, if you currently have metal or wood window coverings (or none at all) and are concerned with the noise levels in your space, switch your metal/wooden blinds for fabric blinds.
As the fabric absorbs the sound waves instead of reflecting them, the echoes in your space will be reduced. If you have extra room in your budget, you should invest in noise-reduction curtains. Though they are expensive, they are worth it.
Acoustic panels are a great way of reducing environmental noise and reverberation. You can get these in all sizes, shapes, and designs. So, along with improving the sound quality, these noise-canceling panels also serve decorative purposes, enhance productivity, and improve sound intelligibility.
Installing these acoustic panels is a win-win situation, so don’t wait anymore and make your office/home/studio noise-free. Check out Andor Willow and get the best decorative acoustic wood panels for your place.
Up Next: Elegant Accent Wall Ideas to Elevate Your Bathroom Walls
Soundproofing a room using acoustic timber slatted panels
Timber slatted acoustic panels can be effective for sound absorption and improving the acoustics within a space, but it's crucial to clarify that they are not designed to be an effective soundproofing solution. Soundproofing typically involves preventing sound from entering or leaving a space and acoustic panels are designed to absorb and dampen sound within a room, not to soundproof it.
Therefore, the function of acoustic timber slatted panels lies in absorbing and dampening sound within a room, not blocking its transfer in and out.
Wooden acoustic wall panels are a hugely popular design trend, elevating the aesthetics of walls and ceilings in a range of diverse settings, from residential and domestic DIY projects - to commercial refurbishments in restaurants, hotels and office spaces. The popularity of these panels is evident, with the TikTok hashtag #WoodPanel amassing over 51 million combined views, making them a sought-after choice when seeking both style and functionality.
Acoustic slat wall panels are easy and quick to install and add a visual feature to any wall or ceiling space with many interior designers praising them for 'adding texture, warmth and bringing a more modern and contemporary style to any room'. Wood slat acoustic panels for walls and ceilings can also be used as a clever design technique. For example, when used vertically they help to contribute to the illusion of higher walls and increased ceiling height.
Acoustic timber panels are readily available through outlets such as
The Soundproofing Store, Acupanel, B&Q, and Amazon and are often marketed by other sellers as cutting-edge soundproofing solutions. However, whilst they bring a great modern design feature to a room and also help with sound absorption, they are definitely not a soundproofing solution. The reasons for this are discussed in more detail below.
Acoustic Timber Panels - Buy Now
The difference between soundproofing and sound absorption explained
What are acoustic panels?
Acoustic panels are specialist wall or ceiling treatments designed to improve the sound quality within a room by addressing issues such as echoes, reverberation, and unwanted noise within a space. Acoustic wall panels are commonly used in (various) settings, including open plan living spaces within homes, offices, studios, auditoriums, schools, and other places where controlling sound is important.
The primary purpose of acoustic panels is to absorb sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off hard surfaces and creating echoes. Sound absorbing acoustic panels contribute to creating a more balanced and controlled acoustic environment by reducing noise levels, minimising reverberation, and improving speech clarity.
Acoustic panels are typically made from materials with sound-absorbing properties and come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to cater to different aesthetic preferences and acoustic needs.
Sound absorbing acoustic panels can be strategically placed on walls and ceilings to target areas where sound reflection and reverberation are prominent. Additionally, acoustic panels are commonly used in recording studios, home cinemas, conference rooms, and open-plan offices to create an acoustically comfortable and controlled environment.
The most effective uses of timber slatted acoustic panels
The company is the world’s best acoustic slat wood wall panels canada supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Featured content:Sound Absorption: Timber slatted panels are often used to absorb sound waves, reducing echo and reverberation within a room. This can improve the overall acoustics of a space, making it more comfortable and suitable for various activities.
Aesthetics: Timber slatted panels can contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a room while serving a functional purpose. ProSound Acoustic Timber Slatted Panels come in 5 different veneer colour finishes, allowing for customisation to complement the overall design of any room.
Versatility: Acoustic panels are versatile and can be used in various settings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. They are commonly found in homes, hotels, offices, conference rooms, restaurants, and home cinemas.
Limited Soundproofing: While timber slatted panels can absorb and reduce sound within a room, they have serious limitations in terms of preventing sound transmission through walls or ceilings. If your goal is to block noise, it will be necessary to use tried and tested soundproofing measures, such as the ReductoClip Soundproofing System which is highlighted in more detail below.
How do timber slatted panels help with sound absorption?
Revamping your space with timber slatted acoustic panels is a popular interior design trend and wooden acoustic panels are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. These panels also help to improve the aesthetics within a room, making them a go-to choice for various settings.
However, if your aim is to tackle significant echo challenges, especially in expansive communal areas like village halls, offices, schools, hotels, and restaurants, while timber slatted panels add a visually striking touch and offer some echo reduction, they may not deliver optimal performance compared to specialised sound absorption panels. Let's delve into why this is the case:
Sound energy will bounce off hard surfaces back into a room, creating an echo. High performing Class A Sound Absorption Panels are filled with a soft, specialist sound absorbing material, which absorbs sound and traps the sound inside. So when a sound wave hits the panel it stays there and doesn’t bounce back into the room.
Therefore, given this principle you might be asking, so how do wooden slatted timber panels absorb sound?
Timber acoustic panels have a layer of sound absorbing felt that sits behind the wooden slats which helps absorb sound. The surface area of the absorbing material isn't as large as traditional sound absorption panels like ProSound Acoustic Wall Panels and the felt isn't the same high performing absorbent core, which limits their sound absorption capabilities.
In essence, while timber slatted acoustic panels contribute to an aesthetically pleasing environment and offer some acoustic benefits, for spaces with pronounced echo challenges, exploring alternative sound absorption solutions might be a more effective approach.
Specialised panels like the ProSound Acoustic Wall Panels are designed with advanced acoustic principles to deliver superior performance in minimising echo and enhancing overall sound quality in any space.
Do timber slatted acoustic panels work for soundproofing?
Acoustic timber slatted panels are not soundproofing. The term 'Acoustic Panels' is a generic term and can often be confusing for those people looking at solutions to soundproof their home. When looking at Acoustic Panels be sure to check if these relate to sound absorption panels or soundproofing panels like the SoundBoard 4.
ProSound SoundBoard 4 Soundproofing Wall Panel
Four layers of soundproofing in one simple solution:
1. 15mm Acoustic Plasterboard - heavier and more dense than standard plasterboard. Adds more mass to the wall to help block airborne noise. The same final finish as standard plasterboard for final decoration
2. 3mm Mass Loaded Vinyl - high mass acoustic barrier to help block airborne noise
3. 9mm Closed Cell Foam - dampens sound energy and vibrations
4. 3mm Mass Loaded Vinyl - a second layer of high mass to further block airborne noise
Timber slatted panels, while effective for certain acoustic purposes, do not provide the same level of soundproofing as materials specifically designed for that purpose. Timber slatted panels are often used for acoustic treatment, which focuses on controlling and improving the quality of sound within a space, rather than blocking or isolating sound from entering or leaving a room.
Here are some points to consider regarding timber slatted panels and soundproofing:
Absorption vs. Isolation:
Timber slatted panels are more geared towards sound absorption by minimising echoes and reverberation within a room.
Soundproofing on the other hand, involves preventing sound from travelling through walls or other structures, and this requires materials with different properties, such as mass and density.
Material Characteristics:
Timber slatted panels are designed for aesthetics and acoustic treatment, providing a visually appealing solution for managing sound within a space. Whereas effective soundproofing typically involves using materials with high mass, density, and damping properties to block or isolate sound transmission.
If your primary goal is to prevent sound transmission between rooms, you need to use a tried and tested soundproofing solution such as the ReductoClip Soundproofing Solution for walls.
What is the best way to soundproof a wall?
If you're seeking soundproofing solutions instead of sound absorption, the video below proves exceptionally valuable. It delves into the top three wall soundproofing techniques, offering practical insights into the most effective noise reduction systems when soundproofing a party wall.
The 3 best ways to soundproof a wall
Achieving effective soundproofing for a wall involves a comprehensive understanding and application of three fundamental principles:
1. Isolation:
A key principle in soundproofing is isolating or 'decoupling' one side of the structure from the other. This involves creating a sound breaker by minimising direct contact between the surfaces. By breaking the direct connection, vibrations and sound waves are less likely to transfer from one side to the other. This principle is crucial in preventing the transmission of sound vibrations
2. Damping:
Damping is another essential aspect of soundproofing. Elastic or damping materials are strategically employed to absorb sound energy and vibrations, thereby reducing the extent to which these elements can travel through the structure. Damping materials play a crucial role in enhancing the overall effectiveness of soundproofing solutions.
3. Adding Mass:
Increasing the mass of a wall is a fundamental strategy in blocking airborne sound. Different materials have varying densities and thicknesses, making them more effective at blocking different frequencies of sound. By incorporating materials with greater mass, such as
Acoustic Plasterboard
and
FlexiSound, the wall becomes more resistant to the passage of airborne sound waves.
In summary, successful soundproofing involves a strategic combination of all three of these key principles. Isolation creates a sound breaker and minimises the direct transmission of vibrations, damping absorbs sound energy and vibrations, and adding mass enhances the wall's ability to block airborne sound.
The ReductoClip Independent Wall solution is a tailored soundproofing solution which incorporates all three of these key principles and ensures the highest level of soundproofing.
ReductoClip Independent Wall Solution
Conclusion: soundproofing with acoustic timber slatted panels
Timber slatted acoustic panels offer an effective solution when combining wood effect interiors and also improving the acoustics within a space. However, it's crucial to clarify that they serve a different purpose compared to tried and tested soundproofing solutions. While timber acoustic panels contribute to the visual appeal of a room and offer some echo reduction, they do not help in the soundproofing of a room.
Timber slatted panels can be aesthetically pleasing and versatile, making them suitable for various settings such as homes, offices, hotels and restaurants. However, when it comes to true soundproofing—preventing sound from entering or leaving a space—specialised soundproofing measures are essential. The ReductoClip Soundproofing Solution, with its principles of isolation, damping, and adding mass, ensures the highest level of soundproofing for walls (and ceilings).
Author
Sam Fessey heads up the Sound Absorption department within The Soundproofing Store. With a wealth of experience in acoustics, his extensive knowledge is invaluable when collaborating with customers to address and diminish reverberation and echo in any space and in creating environments with increased clarity and acoustic comfort.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit acoustic wood slat panels.
Previous: Is polyester a good sound absorber?
Next: None
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )