As your one-stop acoustical shop, we carry both fabric-covered fiberglass acoustic panels, and foam acoustic panels.
Here are some guidelines when choosing between our foam panels and our fabric covered panels.
1. Cost
Foam: For simple noise control foam panels absorb the most sound per dollar invested. If the factors mentioned below are not a concern, foam panels will do the job for about half the price.
Fabric: These panels cost more. Decide what’s best for your situation based on your budget and the factors below.
2. Appearance
Foam: A technical look suitable for control rooms, informal practice areas and utilitarian spaces.
Fabric: An architectural look suitable for any space including living areas, home theaters, auditoriums, etc. More appearance options are available including custom-printed art acoustic panels.
3. Frequency Absorption
Foam: Highly effective at high frequencies, and mid-range frequencies down to 500Hz. Not effective at bass frequencies.
Fabric: Broader, more even absorption across frequencies. 2-inch panels are effective down to 250Hz. 4-inch panels are effective down to 100Hz.
4. Wall Coverage
Foam: Almost twice the wall coverage as fabric panels to achieve the same sound absorption at mid-range frequencies. Plan on covering more empty wall space.
Fabric: Requires about half the coverage as foam panels, leaving more wall space open.
5. Installation and Removal
Foam: Install with spray adhesive. Spray and stick, pretty simple. However if you plan to move out or take the panels down, adhesive residue could be an issue.
Fabric: Install with screws and z-clips. We include a handy full-size install template that takes the measuring out of the job, but it is more work than installing foam panels. On the up side, z-clips leave no more wall damage than hanging pictures.