What Are Akupanel Acoustic Panels?
Akupanel is a type of acoustic wall panel made of wood slats bonded onto a sound-absorbing felt backing (usually 9mm PET felt). The combination of hard slats and porous felt creates a Helmholtz-style resonator that absorbs mid- and high-frequency sound, reducing echo and improving speech clarity in rooms.
How Do Acoustic Slat Panels Work?
When sound waves hit the panel, the felt backing converts acoustic energy into small amounts of heat, absorbing the sound instead of reflecting it. The open gaps between slats allow sound to reach the felt, while the wood slats reflect and diffuse remaining sound for a balanced acoustic environment.
NRC Ratings Explained
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) measures how much sound a panel absorbs, from 0 (reflects everything) to 1 (absorbs everything). Quality akupanel products achieve NRC 0.75 or higher, meaning they absorb roughly 75% of sound energy across the speech frequency range.
Where to Install Akupanel
- Home theaters – reduces echo for clearer dialogue and richer sound.
- Offices & conference rooms – improves speech privacy and call quality.
- Recording studios – controls room reflections without deadening the space.
- Restaurants & cafés – lowers noise levels for a more comfortable dining experience.
- Bedrooms – creates a calm, noise-absorbing headboard wall.
Installation Methods
Direct wall mounting
Fix the panels to a level wall using construction adhesive or screws, either with staggered seams or continuous runs. No framing is needed for most interior walls.
Batten/rail system
For uneven walls or to hide cabling, install wooden battens first, then mount the acoustic panels onto the battens.
Ceiling installation
Acoustic panels can also be installed on ceilings in open-plan offices and corridors using appropriate fixings.
Sizes & Finishes
Standard akupanel sizes include 600x600mm, 2400x600mm, 2420x200mm, and 2700x600mm. Oak and walnut veneers are the most popular finishes; custom RAL colors and exotic veneers are available for larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sound do akupanel panels absorb?
Quality akupanels achieve NRC 0.75 or higher, absorbing about 75% of sound energy in the speech frequency range.
Can acoustic panels be painted?
The wood slats can be finished or stained before installation, but the felt backing should not be painted, as paint would close the pores that absorb sound.
Are akupanels fire-retardant?
PET felt acoustic panels can be manufactured with fire-retardant properties meeting B1 standards. Confirm the rating with your supplier for commercial projects.
How many panels do I need for a room?
As a rule of thumb, cover 20-40% of the total wall area with acoustic panels for noticeable echo reduction. Larger rooms and harder surfaces need more coverage.