Acoustic Panels FAQ: Performance, Installation & Project Support

Acoustic panels are designed to absorb reflected sound energy inside a room. They help reduce reverberation, echo and excessive sound reflections, improving speech intelligibility, listening comfort and overall room acoustics.

They are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, hotels, cinemas, theaters, entertainment venues, gyms, lecture halls, studios and other architectural interiors.

Sound absorption improves the acoustic conditions inside a room by reducing reflected sound.

Soundproofing, also called sound isolation, aims to reduce sound transmission between rooms or through walls, floors and ceilings. It normally requires a complete construction assembly using mass, airtightness, decoupling and suitable insulation materials.

Acoustic panels are primarily sound-absorbing products. They should not be described as a replacement for a complete soundproofing system.

No. Acoustic panels mainly control reverberation and reflected sound within the treated room.

If the project requires noise reduction between rooms, the wall, ceiling or floor assembly must be designed as a sound-isolation system. This may include acoustic insulation, resilient channels, damping layers, sealed joints and other construction components.

JHS acoustic materials can be considered for:

• Offices and meeting rooms
• Hotels and hospitality interiors
• Conference halls
• Cinemas and home theaters
• Theaters and performance spaces
• Entertainment clubs and KTV venues
• Schools and lecture halls
• Gyms and sports facilities
• Recording studios and listening rooms
• Public halls, corridors and commercial interiors

The current product range includes:

• Grooved Wood Acoustic Panels
• Perforated Wood Acoustic Panels
• Polyester Acoustic Panels
• Wood Wool Acoustic Panels
• Sound Absorbing Grille Plate
• Solid Wood Acoustic Diffusers
• Fabric Acoustic Panels
• Panel Ceiling Space Absorbers
• Polyester Fiber Acoustic Insulation
• Each product family serves a different combination of acoustic, architectural and installation requirements.

Product selection should consider:

• The type of acoustic problem
• The required absorption range
• Wall or ceiling application
• Required thickness and rear cavity
• Fire and environmental requirements
• Surface finish and design direction
• Installation method
• Project budget and programme
• For example, grooved and perforated wood panels are suitable where architectural timber expression is important. Polyester panels are lightweight and suitable for decorative or CNC-shaped applications. Fabric panels and ceiling absorbers are often used where broadband absorption is required.

Grooved wood acoustic panels use routed slots or grooves on the visible surface. They provide a linear timber appearance and can be used to create continuous wall or ceiling surfaces.

Perforated wood acoustic panels use holes or perforation patterns to connect the visible surface with the rear acoustic backing. The hole diameter, pitch, open area, cavity and infill all affect the final acoustic result.

Both products must be evaluated as complete assemblies rather than as surface panels alone.

Polyester acoustic panels are lightweight, easy to cut and suitable for decorative shapes, wall panels, ceiling elements, screens and custom CNC designs.

Wood acoustic panels provide a natural architectural finish and are commonly selected for hotels, conference halls, theaters, cinemas and high-end interior projects.

The correct choice depends on appearance, weight, fire requirements, durability, installation method and acoustic performance.

An acoustic absorber reduces reflected sound energy by converting part of it into heat within the material structure.

An acoustic diffuser scatters reflected sound in different directions. It helps reduce strong direct reflections while maintaining a more natural acoustic character.

A diffuser does not replace an absorber. Professional rooms may require both absorption and diffusion in a coordinated acoustic design.

Ceiling space absorbers are useful in large or reverberant spaces where wall treatment alone cannot provide enough acoustic control.

They can be suspended horizontally, vertically or at an angle, depending on the ceiling height, lighting, HVAC system and room layout. They are commonly considered for halls, gyms, offices, conference spaces and hospitality interiors.

Polyester fiber acoustic insulation is normally used inside a wall, ceiling or other acoustic build-up. It is different from an exposed decorative polyester acoustic panel.

Its final performance depends on the cavity depth, density, surrounding construction and installation method.

NRC means Noise Reduction Coefficient. It is a laboratory-based rating used to describe a material’s average sound absorption performance at selected mid-frequency bands.

NRC is useful for comparison, but it is not a complete description of real project performance. The result also depends on thickness, mounting method, air space, acoustic infill, room size and surface coverage.

There is no universal NRC rating that is suitable for every project.

The required acoustic performance depends on:

• Room volume
• Occupancy
• Reverberation time target
• Speech or music use
• Existing reflective surfaces
• Panel coverage
• Mounting condition
• Frequency range requiring control
• For conference rooms and speech-focused spaces, mid-frequency absorption may be important. For cinemas, studios and entertainment venues, low-frequency performance may also require additional acoustic treatment.

Yes. The same panel may achieve different results when it is:

• Mounted directly to a wall
• Installed with an air gap
• Combined with acoustic infill
• Mounted on a timber or metal frame
• Suspended from a ceiling
• Installed as part of a complete wall or ceiling assembly
• The declared acoustic value must always be linked to the exact tested mounting condition.

Not always, but an air gap and acoustic infill can significantly affect absorption performance, especially at lower frequencies.

For grooved and perforated wood panels, the panel, rear cavity, acoustic infill, frame and fixing method should be treated as one complete build-up.

No. NRC values should not be transferred between different product types, thicknesses, finishes, perforation patterns or mounting conditions.

A product’s acoustic report should correspond to the exact configuration being specified.

Technical documents can be reviewed according to the selected product, finish, substrate, thickness, mounting condition and destination market.

Before specification, customers should confirm:

• Product code
• Panel construction
• Dimensions
• Thickness
• Finish
• Mounting method
• Acoustic test condition
• Fire classification
• Applicable market requirements
• Do not use a report from a different product configuration as evidence for the proposed project.

Many JHS products can be adapted for wall or ceiling applications, but the fixing method must match:

• Panel weight
• Ceiling structure
• Support spacing
• Substrate condition
• Access requirements
• Fire and building regulations
• Lighting and HVAC coordination
• Ceiling installation should be reviewed by the project contractor or qualified installer before work begins.

Depending on the product, installation may involve:

• Direct adhesive mounting
• Concealed clips
• Timber battens
• Metal profiles
• Mechanical fasteners
• Suspended hooks or cables
• Rear acoustic infill
• A framed wall or ceiling build-up
• The final installation method should follow the approved product instructions and project drawings.

Wood-based acoustic panels should normally be stored in the installation environment before installation so that the material can adjust to local temperature and humidity.

For many wood products, cartons should be opened approximately 48 hours before installation. The exact requirement should follow the product-specific installation instructions and local site conditions.

Some products can be cut or CNC-machined, but the method depends on the material, finish, panel construction and required edge treatment.

For custom openings, service penetrations or complex shapes, it is preferable to confirm the cutting method before production to avoid damage to the surface finish or acoustic backing.

Most acoustic panels can be maintained using a soft brush, dry cloth or low-power vacuum cleaner.

Avoid excessive water, abrasive cleaners and strong solvents. Fabric, wood and polyester surfaces may require different cleaning methods, so the maintenance procedure should be confirmed for the selected product.

Product suitability depends on the material, core, finish, edge treatment and exposure conditions.

Wood-based products should not be assumed to be suitable for exterior or continuously wet environments. For humid areas, the project should confirm moisture resistance, ventilation, maintenance and fire requirements before selection.

Fire performance is specific to the exact product assembly. It may vary according to the panel core, surface finish, backing fabric, adhesive, acoustic infill and mounting method.

JHS can review the required documentation for the selected product and destination market. Customers should not assume that every finish or construction has the same fire classification.

The applicable fire classification depends on the product and target market.

Before making a fire-performance claim, confirm:

• Exact product code
• Core material
• Surface finish
• Thickness
• Backing material
• Installation method
• Testing standard
• Report validity
• The final report must correspond to the proposed project build-up.

CE or UKCA requirements depend on the product category, intended use, destination country and applicable construction regulations.

They should not be treated as universal certificates for every acoustic panel. Please provide the destination market and product selection so the required documentation can be reviewed accurately.

Environmental performance depends on the recycled content, manufacturing process, adhesives, finish and available third-party documentation.

Where environmental certification or recycled-content evidence is required, the exact product documentation should be reviewed before specification.

Many JHS products are intended for architectural and commercial interiors. However, suitability must be confirmed against the project’s fire, acoustic, durability, moisture, installation and local code requirements.

The final responsibility for project approval remains with the project architect, acoustic consultant, contractor and relevant authority.

Selected products can be reviewed for custom dimensions, lengths, widths, thicknesses, shapes and edge details.

Custom production depends on:

• Product family
• Material construction
• Tooling requirements
• Finish
• Quantity
• Installation layout
• Packaging and shipping limitations
• Custom dimensions should be approved before production.

Selected products may be available with different wood finishes, veneers, melamine surfaces, painted finishes, PET colours, fabric colours, perforation patterns and groove patterns.

The final colour and finish should be confirmed using physical samples whenever visual consistency is important.

Custom perforation and groove patterns can be reviewed for selected wood acoustic panels.

The pattern affects the visual appearance, open area, manufacturing process and acoustic performance. Any custom pattern should be connected to the approved product code and technical evaluation.

Yes. Samples are recommended before confirming a project order, especially when the project involves colour, veneer, fabric, PET finish, perforation pattern or groove spacing.

When requesting samples, please provide the product type, preferred finish, project country and approximate quantity.

MOQ depends on the product, custom dimensions, finish, pattern, quantity and destination market.

For an accurate quotation, please provide the estimated area in square metres or square feet, drawings if available, product direction and required delivery country.

Acoustic panel pricing depends on:

• Product type
• Material and core
• Thickness
• Finish
• Custom dimensions
• Acoustic backing
• Quantity
• Packaging
• Shipping terms
• Destination
• A reliable quotation cannot be based on product name alone. Send the project details for a product-specific quotation.

Please provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Product type
• Required area in m² or sq ft
• Wall or ceiling application
• Panel dimensions
• Thickness
• Finish or colour
• Drawings, elevations or room photos
• Required acoustic performance
• Fire or compliance requirements
• Destination country and city
• Target delivery date
• Whether samples are required
• This allows JHS to review the appropriate material, construction and documentation route.

Lead time depends on the product, quantity, finish, customization, sample approval, production schedule and destination.

The confirmed lead time will be stated in the quotation or proforma invoice after the product configuration has been approved.

JHS can review shipping arrangements according to the destination, order volume and agreed trade terms.

The quotation should clearly state the applicable Incoterm, packaging method, shipping cost, estimated transit time and customer’s import responsibilities.

Export packaging depends on panel length, weight, finish, edge sensitivity and transportation method.

The packaging should protect the products against movement, impact, moisture and surface damage during handling and transit. Final packaging details should be confirmed before shipment.

JHS primarily supplies acoustic materials and project support. Installation is normally completed by the customer’s local contractor or installation team.

JHS can provide product information and installation guidance for the selected material. On-site installation should be reviewed separately according to project location and scope.