Acoustic panels

Yes. Acoustic panels absorb sound energy, reducing echo and controlling reverberation. Without treatment, sound bounces off hard surfaces such as glass, plaster, concrete and timber, creating a noisy, tiring environment. Panels made from sound-absorbing materials soak up that energy instead, so speech becomes clearer and background noise calmer.

At Resonics, we only use panels tested in independent acoustic labs, so their performance is certified and measurable. With 7,000+ projects completed, we’ve seen first-hand the difference they make in offices, schools, restaurants and community spaces.

Prices vary with size, material and finish. As a rough guide to product costs:

• Wall panels: £80–£200 each
• Ceiling rafts: £150–£400 each
• Baffles: £60–£120 each

For a typical commercial installation, allow roughly £[120]–£[250] per m² of panel, supplied and installed. Higher-performing Class A products are often the most cost-effective, because you need fewer of them. Design-led finishes such as slatted timber tend to cost more for less absorption.

For office projects, our office acoustics guide breaks down typical costs by floor area. For an accurate price for your space, book a free acoustic survey and quotation.

The best placement depends on how the room is used:

• Offices and meeting rooms: at first reflection points, on the side walls and the ceiling above desks or tables, ideally across two adjacent walls to reduce flutter echo.
• Restaurants and classrooms: spread evenly across walls and ceilings to avoid hot spots, ideally covering more than 50% of the ceiling with Class A products.
• Studios: at the first reflection points beside and behind speakers and microphones.

Ceilings are often the most effective surface because they’re large and unobstructed. Our free CAD proposals show exactly where each panel should go for the best performance.

For most spaces, yes. Poor acoustics make conversations harder to follow, add to fatigue and stress, and can affect learning in classrooms and the customer experience in restaurants and bars.

In offices, better acoustics reduce distractions and help people concentrate. In hospitality, noise levels can shape reviews and repeat visits. Compared with the ongoing cost of a space that doesn’t work as it should, acoustic treatment is usually a modest, one-off investment.

We specialise in commercial projects that we specify, supply and install. If you’re after panels to order online and fit yourself, for a home office, studio or smaller space, see our guide to buying acoustic panels online.

No, and it’s one of the most common misunderstandings. Acoustic panels absorb sound within a room, reducing echo and making speech clearer. They don’t stop sound travelling through walls, floors and ceilings into neighbouring spaces, because that depends on the building’s construction.

If conversations are being overheard between rooms, sound masking is often an effective and far less disruptive option. Our acoustic survey will pinpoint which problem you’re dealing with.

It depends on the size and shape of the room, its surfaces and how it’s used. A small meeting room might need as few as 6–8 wall panels, while an open-plan office could need dozens of ceiling baffles or rafts. The aim is to bring reverberation time down to a comfortable level, not to cover every surface.

Walls: Flutter echo happens between parallel surfaces, so good practice is to panel two adjacent walls, ideally from skirting to ceiling.

Ceilings: BS ISO 22955:2021 identifies the ceiling as the most important surface to treat in open-plan offices. We typically recommend around 50–60% ceiling coverage with Class A products.

For a quick estimate, try our room acoustics calculator. Our free survey and CAD layout then confirm exactly how many panels you need and where they should go.

Most commercial acoustic panels are tested to BS EN 13501-1 and carry a Euroclass rating, such as A2-s1,d0 or B-s1,d0. The rating you need depends on where the panels are going. Approved Document B sets higher standards for escape routes and circulation spaces than for individual rooms.

We check fire performance as part of every specification and can share manufacturer datasheets for your building control or fire strategy.

• Know your goal: Identify whether you need sound absorption, echo control, or noise containment – this will guide your choice of acoustic panels.
• Treat the ceiling first: In open-plan spaces, covering 50–60% of the ceiling with Class A panels makes the biggest impact.
• Placement is key: Position panels near noise sources or reflective surfaces for the best results.
• Get expert advice: Consulting an acoustic specialist will help you strike the right balance for your space.

• Prioritise placement: Position panels near noise sources or reflective surfaces to maximise sound absorption.
• Know the problem: If sound is transferring between rooms, absorption panels won’t help. A site sound test can pinpoint the issue.
• Consider sound masking: In many cases, it’s an effective solution for controlling sound spill between spaces.
• Get a room assessment: An expert evaluation will ensure the right products are used to create a balanced acoustic environment.

• Think durability: In high-traffic areas, go for stain-resistant, easy-to-clean panels that can handle daily wear.
• Highly absorbent and cost-effective: Choosing highly absorbent panels will help you meet BB93 regulations without blowing the budget.
• Prioritise safety: Make sure all acoustic products meet fire safety standards.
• Use impact-resistant solutions: For sports halls, opt for tough acoustic panels—Super G by Ecophon is a reliable, affordable choice.

• Start with the ceiling: Acoustic baffles or rafts are the most effective way to reduce echo and reverberation.
• Check the NRC rating: Choose panels rated 0.90 or higher for effective sound absorption.
• Verify performance: Use products backed by independent lab testing to ensure reliable results.
• Plan your budget: Full acoustic treatments typically range from £3,000–£12,000.