The fundamentals
What acoustic wall panels do
Acoustic wall panels are designed to absorb sound energy within a space, converting it into heat through friction as sound waves pass through the panel material. This process reduces reverberation, cuts echo, and improves the room’s overall acoustic properties. A correctly specified acoustic panel installation makes a huge difference, both in measured acoustic performance and in how the space functions for its users.
Acoustic panels handle mid-to-high frequency sound most effectively. For low-frequency treatment at room boundaries, bass traps are specified alongside wall panels as part of a complete installation. The combination of acoustic wall panels, ceiling panels, and bass traps allows Fabritech to address the full frequency range and deliver a genuinely balanced acoustic result. We use only premium materials throughout, specified to meet the acoustic and safety requirements of each individual project.
Why installation matters
Professional installation versus supply only
The majority of pages ranking for acoustic wall panels are product suppliers. Fabritech is not a supplier. We are a professional installation company, and the distinction matters significantly to the project’s acoustic outcome.
A wall panel purchased and fixed to a wall without proper specification will not deliver the acoustic result the space requires. Effective sound absorption depends on the correct acoustic panel type for the room’s frequency targets, placement at the primary reflection points, coverage of approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the wall and ceiling area, and secure, accurate fixing to the structure.
Fabritech manages the entire process. We assess the space, specify the panels, handle procurement, and carry out the installation to a professional standard across the UK, with the same rigour we apply to our stretched fabric wall systems and acoustic fabric installations.
We are the preferred installer for Studio Creations and Westwood Joinery, the UK's leading studio construction companies, and have completed acoustic wall panel installations for Abbey Road Studios, Netflix, Apple, Disney, Spotify, and Warner Music Group.
Panel types
Acoustic wall panel types we install
Fabritech installs acoustic wall panels across a range of formats and materials, depending on the acoustic and aesthetic requirements of each project. The two primary panel types we install are fabric-wrapped acoustic panels and slatted acoustic wall panels.
Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels
The primary format we install. These consist of a high-density acoustic infill core, typically mineral wool or high-density polyester, wrapped in an acoustically transparent fabric stretched across the face. Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels provide excellent sound absorption across the mid-to-high frequency range. The fabric face is selected from our accounts with Kvadrat, Camira Fabrics, and Guilford of Maine, giving full control over the visual appeal of the wall panel within the wider interior. The visual impact of a well-specified fabric-wrapped panel can be significant, particularly in high-end residential and hospitality environments.
- InfillMineral wool or high-density polyester
- NRC ratingUp to 1.0 with correct specification
- Face materialAcoustically transparent fabric
- Fire ratingEN 13501-1 compliant
Slatted acoustic wall panels
Installed where the brief calls for a different visual quality. Slatted acoustic wall panels combine a felt backing layer for sound absorption with timber slats across the face for diffusion. The slats introduce a degree of sound diffusion that pure absorptive acoustic panels do not provide, which can be appropriate in spaces where some controlled reflection is required alongside absorption. Slatted wall panels are installed either vertically or horizontally, depending on the acoustic effect and visual direction of the project.
- BackingFelt backing for sound absorption
- FaceTimber slats for diffusion
- OrientationVertical or horizontal
- ApplicationAbsorption and diffusion combined
Performance
Sound absorption and acoustic performance
The acoustic performance of an acoustic wall panel installation is determined by three factors: the NRC rating of the panel material, the total coverage area across the walls and ceiling, and the placement of acoustic panels at the primary reflection points within the room.
For most professional environments, covering 25 to 30 per cent of the wall or ceiling area with acoustic wall panels provides effective sound dampening and a measurable reduction in reverberation times. In highly controlled environments such as recording studios and post-production facilities, higher coverage is often required to meet the room’s RT60 targets.
Fabritech specifies acoustic panel placement based on the acoustic data and performance targets for each project. Where an acoustic brief has already been produced, we work on it. Where none exists, we assess the space and advise on the required coverage and panel specifications to achieve the desired acoustic outcome.
1.0
Maximum NRC achievable with correct specification
25%
Minimum wall coverage for effective sound absorption
70%
Reduction in mid-to-high frequency noise achievable
"Correct placement of acoustic panels at first reflection points is what separates a well-performing room from a room that simply has panels on the walls."
Fabritech - UK Acoustic Wall Panel Installation Specialist
Environments
Where we install acoustic wall panels
Every project is treated individually, with the acoustic panel specification and installation approach determined by the space’s acoustic requirements.
- Recording studios Live rooms, control rooms, vocal booths. Panel placement and coverage specified to RT60 targets.
- Post-production suites Dubbing stages, mix rooms, Atmos facilities. Acoustic wall panels specified to format requirements.
- Home theatres and screening rooms Controlled reverberation and clean acoustic environment for high-quality playback.
- Meeting rooms and offices Speech clarity and sound dampening for open-plan and enclosed commercial work environments.
- Hotels and hospitality Conference suites and event spaces where acoustic panels must meet fire compliance standards.
- High-end residential Private home studios, home cinemas, and music rooms. Specification and finish to match the interior.
- Living rooms and home offices Acoustic wall panels for residential spaces where echo and background noise need to be managed without compromising the interior finish.
How we work
The installation process
Every Fabritech acoustic wall panel installation follows the same structured process, managed from first contact through to completion, with a single point of contact throughout.
01
Site survey
We assess the space, review any existing acoustic brief, and agree on the performance targets for the acoustic panel installation.
02
Specification
Acoustic wall panel type, infill material, fabric or finish, coverage area, and placement are all agreed upon before any work begins.
03
Fabrication
Acoustic panels are fabricated or procured to the exact dimensions of the space, ensuring an accurate fit across all wall surfaces.
04
Installation
Walls are prepared, layout points marked, and acoustic wall panels are fixed using screws, grab adhesive, or a track system, depending on the panel type and substrate.
05
Sign-off
Each wall panel is checked for alignment, finish consistency, and acoustic performance before the installation is signed off.
Complete acoustic installations
Acoustic wall panels as part of a wider installation
Fabritech’s primary specialism is stretched fabric wall systems, and acoustic wall panel installation is often carried out alongside a wider fabric wall or acoustic fabric installation. In many studio and post-production environments, stretched fabric wall panels on the primary surfaces are combined with discrete acoustic panels at specific absorption or diffusion points within the room.
If your project requires a combination of installation types, our team can advise on the appropriate specification for the full scope of the work, from the initial brief through to the completed installation.
Stretched acoustic fabric systems for walls and ceilings
Bespoke stretched fabric wall and ceiling installations
Aluminium track system installation across the UK
Seamless acoustic plaster for walls and ceilings
Who we work with
Our Clients
Fabritech is widely recognized as a premier provider of stretched fabric systems, earning the trust and confidence of renowned figures in the music and film industry.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Questions from architects, studio builders, and designers about acoustic wall panel installation.
Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce echoes within a space. By converting sound energy into heat as waves pass through the panel material, the panel reduces reverberation, improves speech clarity, and enhances the overall acoustic properties of the room. Correctly specified and placed acoustic wall panels make a significant difference to both the measured and perceived acoustic quality of a space.
For most professional environments, covering approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the wall and ceiling area with acoustic panels provides effective sound dampening and a measurable reduction in reverberation. In more demanding environments such as recording studios and post-production suites, higher coverage is often required to meet the room’s specific RT60 targets. Fabritech advises on the appropriate coverage for each project based on the acoustic brief and the intended use of the space.
Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels are primarily absorptive. They consist of a high-density infill core wrapped in an acoustically transparent fabric and are designed to achieve high NRC ratings across the mid- to high-frequency range. Slatted acoustic wall panels combine a felt backing for absorption with timber slats for diffusion, providing distinct acoustic and visual qualities. The choice between the two depends on the acoustic targets and the aesthetic requirements of the space.
The fixing method depends on the panel type and the substrate. Fabritech installs acoustic wall panels using screws, grab adhesive, or a track-based system, depending on the specific requirements of the installation. Each fixing method is appropriate for different panel weights, substrates, and acoustic requirements. We advise on the most suitable approach as part of the specification process.
Acoustic wall panels are designed for sound absorption within a space, not soundproofing between spaces. They reduce reverberation, echo, and background noise levels within the room, improving its acoustic properties and sound quality. Soundproofing, which means preventing sound from passing between rooms, requires a different approach involving mass, isolation, and decoupling of the structure. If your project requires both acoustic treatment and soundproofing, Fabritech can advise on the appropriate combination of solutions.
Yes. Fabritech installs acoustic wall panels across the UK, from recording studios and post-production facilities to commercial offices and high-end residential projects. Our team is based in Cobham, Surrey, and works on projects throughout England and beyond. Contact us to discuss your project location and requirements.
Start your project
Ready to discuss your acoustic wall panel installation?
Whether you are an architect, studio builder, or interior designer, contact our team to discuss your requirements and get a detailed quote.