How to Make Acoustic Panels
To make an acoustic panel, build a frame from 1x4 boards around a 3 inch mineral wool batt and wrap it in breathable fabric. A 3 inch Rockwool Safe'n'Sound batt absorbs 0.52 at 125 Hz and 0.96 at 250 Hz, comes in 23 by 47 inch pieces for 24 inch stud spacing, and is non-combustible.
Cut list and materials
A nominal 1x4 is really 3/4 by 3 1/2 inches, per Missouri S&T's lumber size table, so the frame sits 1/2 inch deeper than the batt.
| Item | Per panel |
|---|---|
| 1x4 board | 2 at 47 in, 2 at 24.5 in |
| 3 in mineral wool batt | 1 at 23 x 47 in |
| Breathable fabric | 36.5 x 60.5 in (6 in extra per side) |
| Wood screws, staples | 8 screws, about 40 staples |
Pick fabric you can breathe through; see what fabric to use for acoustic panels.
Build steps
- Cut and screw the frame. End rails cap the side rails, two pre-drilled screws per corner.
- Put on safety gear. The CDC's ATSDR says to wear protective clothing, respiratory protection, and eye protection when handling insulation fibers.
- Cut the core if needed with the serrated insulation knife Rockwool's cutting guide recommends. Details in how to cut acoustic panels.
- Press the batt in flush with the front of the frame.
- Wrap the fabric over the front and staple it to the back. Work from mid-side out to the corners.
- Hang it at a first reflection point. See how to hang acoustic panels and where to place acoustic panels.
Corner bass traps are the same build with deeper frames for 6 inch batts. Know the limit: panels tame echo, but they don't keep sound in. The room plan is in the acoustic treatment guide.
Related questions
Can I use Owens Corning 703 instead of Rockwool?
Yes. Owens Corning's 703 data sheet lists 0.71 absorption at 250 Hz for 2 inch board and 1.26 for 4 inch, so size the frame depth to the board you buy.
Is it cheaper to build acoustic panels than buy them?
Usually. The core and fabric for one DIY panel cost about $45 before the frame, against about $90 to $120 for a bought 2 by 4 ft panel, per how much acoustic panels cost. Both use the same kind of core: Primacoustic's Broadway panels are glass wool with polyester fabric.
More answers: Home recording FAQ