How to Choose Acoustic Panels: 9 Essential Tips

If unwanted noise and excessive echo are issues in your office, gym, cafeteria, or church, installing acoustic panels can significantly improve sound quality. These panels absorb echoes, reduce noise, and enhance audio clarity. Here are nine key factors to consider when selecting the right acoustic panels for your space:

1. Prioritize Fire-Rated Materials
For safety in public spaces, choose Class A fire-rated panels. Fiberglass and melamine foam panels meet this standard, while polyurethane foam does not.

2. Consider Material Durability
Foam panels are effective for echo control but degrade over time, typically lasting around seven years. They’re ideal for studios or music rooms but less suitable for high-traffic areas like gyms.

3. Enhance Aesthetics with Custom Designs
Acoustic panels can be both functional and visually appealing. Foam panels come in sculpted patterns, while fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels can be customized with colors, prints, or even full-wall murals.

4. Choose the Right Thickness for Sound Absorption
Thicker panels better absorb low-frequency sounds, making them ideal for music spaces with drums or bass-heavy equipment.

5. Focus on Coverage, Not Just Placement
While panel placement matters, the total coverage area is more critical. Consult an acoustics expert to determine the right amount of panels based on room size, shape, and usage.

6. Opt for Ceiling Panels if Walls Are Obstacle-Rich
If walls have windows, doors, or cabinetry, ceiling-mounted panels (like "cloud" baffles) can provide the same acoustic benefits without installation challenges.

7. Avoid Foam in Outdoor or Moist Environments
Foam panels deteriorate in moisture. For outdoor or damp areas, choose weather-resistant fiberglass panels with waterproof membranes.

8. Moisture-Resistant Panels for High-Humidity Areas
In humid spaces (e.g., pools or kitchens), fiberglass panels with waterproof coatings outperform foam, which loses effectiveness when exposed to moisture.

9. Boost Absorption with Suspended Baffles
Instead of wall-mounted panels, consider hanging vertical baffles to expose both sides of the panel to sound waves, increasing absorption efficiency.

By evaluating these factors, you can select the best acoustic panels for your space—balancing performance, safety, durability, and design.