How Many Acoustic Panels Do You Need?
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Measure the wall area you plan to treat, then compare it with the coverage stated on the pack. The SD SODOCT 24-pack states 24 square feet of coverage, and the Knightsacoustic 50-pack states 7200 square inches. Start with the wall behind the sound source and the wall facing it, then add packs where echo remains.
Measure the wall area first
Measure the length and height of each wall you plan to treat, in feet, and multiply them to get the area in square feet. Treat the wall behind the sound source and the wall facing it, since sound bounces between facing walls. Leave untreated walls out of the count, and write down the area for each wall so the pack count follows from the coverage stated on the pack.
Match packs to the area
Compare the area you measured with the coverage stated on the pack. The SD SODOCT 24-pack states 24 square feet of coverage, and the Knightsacoustic 50-pack states 7200 square inches of coverage. Packs hold different counts, so count packs rather than panels: a 12-pack and a 54-pack hold different numbers of panels. Buy the packs that cover the area you measured, with a few panels spare for cuts and corners.
Place panels at reflection points
Place panels where sound bounces first: the wall behind the sound source, the wall facing it, and the ceiling above it. The SD SODOCT panels use a pyramid shape, while the TOUO, Knightsacoustic and Temgcuam panels use a wedge shape, and the shapes break up the surface. The TOUO and Knightsacoustic foam absorbs sound instead of blocking it, so the panels cut echo rather than sealing a room off from outside noise. Space panels evenly across the treated wall instead of clustering them in a corner.
Check thickness and fire rating
Thickness and fire rating differ between packs, so read them before ordering. The SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic packs use 2 inch foam, while the TOUO and Temgcuam packs use 1 inch foam. The SD SODOCT pack is flame retardant certified, and the TOUO pack states flame-resistant properties with self-extinguishing foam. Compare the thickness and the fire rating against the room before ordering, since both differ between packs.
Let compressed panels expand
Panels that arrive compressed need time to regain their shape before mounting. The TOUO panels expand within 24 to 48 hours, and the Knightsacoustic panels recover their shape within 3 to 5 hours of dispersal and ventilation. Leave the panels out in the room and wait until each panel holds its shape, then mount them.
What you need
SD SODOCT 24 Pack 2” Thick Pyramid Acoustic Foam
A 24-pack of 2 inch pyramid panels with 24 square feet of coverage, flame retardant certified foam, and adhesive sold separately.
- Thickness: 2 in
- Fire-rated
- Panels in pack: 24
- Material: Acoustic Foam
- 6-month warranty stated
TOUO 12 Pack Acoustic Panels
A 12-pack of 1 inch wedge panels with 60 pieces of double-sided adhesive tape included, made from pure polyurethane foam.
- Thickness: 1 in
- Fire-rated
- Panels in pack: 12
- Material: Foam
Knightsacoustic 50 Pack Sound Proof Foam Panels
A 50-pack of 2 inch wedge panels with 7200 square inches of coverage, in low-odor non-toxic foam, with adhesive sold separately.
- Thickness: 2 in
- Panels in pack: 50
- Material: Foam
Temgcuam 54 Pack Acoustic Foam Wall Panels
A 54-pack of 12 by 12 by 1 inch wedge panels with 270 adhesive pads included, in high-density polyurethane foam.
- Panels in pack: 54, the most here
- Material: Acoustic Foam
These come from our ranked list Best Acoustic Foam, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cover a whole wall with acoustic panels?
Count packs against the wall area you measured, using the coverage stated on the pack. Cover the wall behind the sound source, then add packs to the facing wall where echo remains.
Do acoustic panels soundproof a room?
No. The SD SODOCT panels are not intended for full soundproofing or noise isolation from outside environments. The SD SODOCT panels absorb sound and cut echo inside the room instead.
How do I mount acoustic panels?
The TOUO pack includes 60 pieces of double-sided adhesive tape, and the Temgcuam pack includes 270 adhesive pads. The SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic packs do not include adhesive, so buy tape or adhesive with those packs. The Temgcuam panels go on clean, dry and smooth surfaces.
What thickness do the packs come in?
The SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic packs use 2 inch foam, and the TOUO and Temgcuam packs use 1 inch foam. Thickness differs between packs, so read the thickness on the pack before ordering.
Ranked acoustic panels lists
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