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Are you struggling with echo or poor sound quality in your home studio or entertainment space? Building DIY acoustic panels is a great way to get started on transforming your sound environment.

If you’re not sure about where to start, let us help! Click here to get your free room analysis, and we’ll provide expert advice on how to optimize your space.

Materials Needed

For the Panel

• (2) 8-foot 1x4" boards (actual dimensions are 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 8')
• SoundAssured acoustical fabric (pre-cut to 59x36")
• Rockwool Insulation (15.25-in W x 47-in L)
• 1-5/8" wood screws
• Staples (for staple gun)
• Backing material (leftover landscape fabric, an old sheet, or acoustical fabric work great)

For Mounting

• Z clips (for wall mounting) aka French Cleat
• Eyelets (for ceiling mounting)
• Concrete anchors (if mounting to concrete walls/ceiling)

Tools

• Staple gun
• Drill
• Hand saw or miter saw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Speed square (optional, for accurate measurements)
• Safety goggles
• Work gloves
• Respirator mask (for handling insulation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure and Cut the Lumber

• Measure and mark the 1x4 lumber to create the frame.
• Cut four pieces to 15.25 inches each for the short sides.
• Cut two pieces to 48.5 inches each for the long sides.

Assemble the Frame

• Lay out two 15.25-inch pieces and the two 48.5-inch pieces to form a rectangle.

• Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting, then use wood screws to attach the pieces together at the corners.

• Drive two screws at each connection point.

• Use the remaining two  15.25-inch pieces as backing. We suggest mounting them 7 inches from each end of the frame. Sit the frame with the front facing up and lay the two 15.25-inch flush against the work surface. These pieces will add stability, and give anchors for mounting. 

Add Backing Fabric

• Cut a piece of fabric so that it is a little bigger than the frame. Staple it to the inside of the frame starting at the corners and working in. 
• Landscape fabric, old sheets, or burlap are good choices. We used leftover landscape fabric in the video because it was sitting in the garage. You can also use acoustical fabric which will help if there is an air gap between the wall and the panel which will add more sound absorption power. 

Add Insulation

• Set the insulation directly on top of the backing fabric. It should fit perfectly into the frame as these frames were designed specifically for the 15.25-in W x 47-in L insulation pieces readily available at your local hardware store. 

Cover with Acoustical Fabric

 

• Lay the pre-cut SoundAssured acoustical fabric (59x36") on a flat, clean work surface.
• Flip the stuffed frame over and place the assembled frame on top of the fabric.
• Pull the fabric tightly around the frame, making sure it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
• Use the staple gun to attach the fabric to the back of the frame, securing it every few inches. Start at the center of each side and work outwards to the corners.
• Tuck the fabric at the corners for a clean finish and secure with additional staples. (See video for close up of how to fold corners)

Check out our acoustical fabric colors!

Mounting the Panels

For Wall Mounting

• Attach Z clips to the back of the frame using wood screws.
• Install the corresponding Z clip on the wall at the desired location.
• Hang the panel by fitting the Z clips together.

For Ceiling Mounting

• Install eyelets into the backing pieces of the frame.
• Use appropriate anchors or hooks to attach the eyelets to the ceiling.
• Make sure to place the eyelets and hooks in a way that evenly distributes the panel's weight.

Adding LED Backlights To Your Acoustic Panel

 

@soundassured_acoustics Used battery powered LEDs to backilight pur acoustic panels. They can also plug in via USB. Check out the DIY acoustic panel video pinned to our profile to check out how to male the panels. #acousticpanels #homedecor #homerecordingstudio #recordingstudio #ledlights ♬ Relaxed (Sped Up) - MC Mablo Dos Paredões

• Attach 13-inch 2x4s to the back braces of the panel.
• Wrap the LED lights around the 2x4s, using the self-adhesive backing to secure them at the start and end.
•  In the video we used these LEDs
• Mount the panel using D-rings and a wire.
• The 3/4-inch air gap provides extra sound absorption and gives the backlit acoustic panel a sleek, modern appearance!

Don't Feel Like Doing All That Work?

If you’d rather skip the DIY route, no worries — we can make custom acoustic panels for you. Check out our pre-made acoustic panels for easy, professional solutions.

Not Sure About How To Treat Your Room?

Building DIY acoustic panels is a fantastic way to improve sound quality, whether you’re setting up a home recording studio or reducing noise in any space. Following the right steps ensures top-notch results. But if you’re not sure how to optimize your room or need personalized guidance, we’re here to help!

Take the next step by scheduling a free phone consultation with our acoustic experts. We’ll guide you through the process, offer tailored recommendations, and help you choose the best materials for your space. Whether you need soundproofing tips or want to know how to build acoustic panels, we’ve got you covered.