How to Install Acoustic Treatment Panels DIY-Style?

We are full of noise in this world everywhere be it our workplace, home, or any other public place. Improving the acoustics in these spaces can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve people’s overall experience, especially if you happen to be a creator who makes podcast production. To improve the acoustics of any form of ceiling a sound-absorbing technology is available which is called acoustic panels.

It is usually thought that soundproofing and acoustic panels are the same things while they can feel to be the exact thing, they are not. Acoustic paneling will improve the quality of acoustics and reduce noise in the space where they are installed, they do not reduce the amount of sound traveling from one room to another.

Acoustic Treatment for Home Theaters:

Many home theaters suffer from buzzing, murky sounds, and booming bursts of bass. Homeowners may wonder why their new system doesn’t match the amazing quality of electronics store displays. This is because their home theater isn’t acoustically tuned like a big box store showroom. You will be amazed at the difference in sound quality and clarity after some decorative sound-absorbing panels and strategic placement of corner bass traps.

Offices or workspaces:

Workplaces are full of noises that can be distracting such as keyboards clacking, the annoyed guy at the water cooler, phones ringing, and printers chirping, this can create a toxic mix for anyone who values their focus, concentration, and productivity.

Rather than hold back from a pair of noise-canceling headphones, there are a few products commercially available that can bring that ambient noise down to certain levels.

DIY-Style Acoustic Panels:

Yes, there are options to purchase ready-made acoustic panels, but you can make your own panels for your home theater or home studio. It is a great option for online music producers who want to build a studio at home. By making them yourself, you can save a bit of money, while customizing the size and appearance to fit your home’s decor. You can transform your home into acoustic panels for about $100 or less. Adding acoustic panels can dramatically improve the sound quality in your home theater or home studio.

Tools:

Chop saw or hand saw with miter box (for cutting the frame pieces squarely).
Electric drill and drill bits (to drill pilot holes in the frame, and to drive in screws).
Tape measure and pencil (measure the length of the frame piece).
Staple gun with staples (for attaching fabric to frame).
Carving knife (to cut the insulation to size, if necessary).

Materials:

The sound-absorbing core material should have the following characteristics:

Dense fiberglass or mineral fiberboard insulation (not loose batting)
Untimely quality
The density of 3lb to 8lb per cubic foot (6-8 pcf is optimal)
2″ Thickness

STEP 1: Building of Panel Frame:

Set your saw of choice on a sturdy bench. Measure and cut each 8-foot board into 24″ and 49-3/8″ pieces. This will give you 12 top boards and 12 sideboards to make a 6-panel frame. The next thing you need to do is place the boards on the bench and then the insulation panels should be lined up. If you are using corner brackets, push them into place and mark the screw hole locations with a pencil. If you are screwing in the ends of the boards, screw mark two places for the pilot holes. Drill the pilot hole with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than screws. Board ends can split and do this will help prevent it from happening. Put a few drops of wood glue on the joints, and then screw put the pieces together. Next, take a can of spray adhesive, and spray that on the outer edges of the insulation panel. Then fasten the insulation firmly to the frame. let it cure for 24 hours, and you’ll be good

STEP 2: Fabric Preparation:

Cut the fabric into pieces 66″ long. Lay the fabric face down on your bench, then center your panel frame. Starting with one long side, spray some adhesive on the back of the insulation, and turn the fabric upside down, pressing on the adhesive. After every 3 or 4 inches, you should staple the fabric onto the frame. Now on the opposite side, apply more adhesive to the back, and stretch the fabric tightly around and staple the frame. Now all that is left are the top and bottom ends of the fabric. Repeat the gluing and stapling process at the ends. The fabric should be folded neatly, almost like you would wrap a gift. The result should leave you with an attractive acoustic panel with no wrinkles on the front.

STEP 3: Display:

Screw in the two D hangers on the back of the frame, and then nail or hang the frame on picture frame hangers. While mounting the acoustic panels to your frame use the area and size sense. Make sure the panels are secure and won’t fall, especially if they are mounted high on a wall or ceiling.

Once you set up the acoustic panels at your home studio, your recording quality will significantly improve. Hire a music producer that fits your budget to produce, mix and master your audio to the highest quality.