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Office spaces can be filled with a variety of different noises, from colleagues’ conversations to the sound of the communal coffee machine. High noise levels can be distracting and frustrating for employees, especially during periods of deep focus. Many businesses turn to acoustic wall panels as a popular solution.
However, there are several different types of panels to choose from – from soft foam panels to high-end acoustic wood wall panels. It’s important to understand the differences between these panel types, so that you can make an informed decision.
Find out everything you need to know about acoustic panels for wall surfaces, including different types, their benefits, and how to install them. Continue reading or contact us for more information.
Acoustic wall panels are boards that are placed or stuck onto the wall(s) of a workspace. They’re available in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes, and work to reduce noise and improve sound quality in working environments.
Acoustic wall panels are designed for sound absorption and noise reduction. In an office space, this noise could take the form of business calls, typing, or even footsteps. Instead of letting these sounds bounce off walls and other hard surfaces, acoustic paneling absorbs the sound waves to help mitigate echo and reverberation.
It’s important to note that this process is not the same as soundproofing. Acoustic panels help enhance the quality of sound, while soundproof panels work to block noise from entering or exiting a space entirely.
Whether you’re in a corporate workspace or home office, acoustic wall paneling offers numerous advantages. Here is an overview of some of the key benefits you can expect when adding acoustic panels to your wall.
Choosing the best acoustic wall panels for your workspace will depend on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of acoustic wall panels and their unique features.
Fabric Acoustic Wall Panels
Fabric acoustic panels are one of most common types of wall paneling, consisting of a sound absorbing core (typically made from fibre-glass, foam or mineral wood) covered with a layer of fabric. Their fabric coverings are easily customizable, meaning you can choose the perfect color or pattern to create decorative acoustic wall panels that suit your workspace.
Wooden Acoustic Wall Panels
Acoustic wall panels in wood bring a natural, warm aesthetic to any space. Depending on your aesthetic preferences you can choose between perforated, grooved, and wood slat wall panel designs. Not only do these panels offer a professional look, they’re also highly durable and easy to maintain.
Felt Acoustic Wall Panels
Acoustic felt wall panels consist of compressed fibres which create layers of felt that work to reduce echoes and reverberation. They’re often made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a recycled plastic material which makes them a great choice for sustainable and eco-friendly office designs.
Acoustic Foam Wall Panels
Made from polyurethane foam, acoustic foam panels are known for being lightweight and budget-friendly. They’re designed to absorb high frequency noise by trapping sound in their open-celled foam, making them an excellent choice for phone booths and huddle rooms. Their soft surface is available in various shapes, including wedges, pyramids and egg crates.
When it comes to putting up acoustic wall panels, you can either do it yourself or hire a professional installation company.
Simple projects with standard mounting can be done easily if you have the correct tools and DIY knowledge. However, if the project is more complex and involves high-end materials, then it is recommended to speak to an installation company.
Here are some basic DIY steps for how to attach acoustic panels to a wall.
Note: When installing sound absorbing wall panels, it is important to ensure they match the design of your space in terms of aesthetics and placement.
Established in 1946, Cecil Nurse is a professional office furniture supplier with over 80 years of industry experience.
We understand the importance of creating a focused and productive working environment. That’s why we offer a wide range of acoustic solutions for offices, including commercial acoustic wall panels, meeting pods and more.
Browse our selection of professional acoustic solutions now or contact us for more information and advice.
Acoustic wall panels are made of porous materials which are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce reverberation. This helps reduce volume levels and enhance the sound quality and clarity of a particular space.
Depending on the material construction of your acoustic wall panels, they can either be vacuumed, dusted with cloth, duster or swiffer or, if the paneling has crevices or slats, lightly brushed to remove dust.
The durability and longevity of an acoustic wall panel comes down to the material it’s made from and how well it’s maintained.
It’s important to note that the lifespan of a wall panel is also affected by the environment it’s in. For example, panels will age more quickly in high humidity environments regardless of their material construction.