Install acoustic panels – step by step
Acoustic panels tame a room's echo and add a warm, modern feature wall. They're surprisingly easy to fit yourself – it's mostly about measuring right and planning the layout so the joins look clean. Here's the whole process from measuring up to the last piece of trim.
Choosing the right panels
Acoustic panels are usually wooden slats mounted on an acoustic felt backing. They're typically 600 mm wide and come in 2400, 2440, 2750 and 3000 mm heights. Pick a panel height that's at least your wall height so you avoid an ugly horizontal join across the middle. They're ideal for living rooms, offices, bedrooms and home cinemas – but not for wet rooms or direct moisture.
Calculate panels and adhesive
Panels sit side by side across the wall, so the count is the wall length divided by panel width, rounded up. For adhesive, plan for about 1 tube per 1.5–2 m² of panel, and add 10 % for cuts at edges, sockets and corners. Use the acoustic panel calculator to get the exact number without buying too much or too little.
Glue or screw?
On a flat, solid drywall or plaster wall, adhesive is the easiest method: apply it in vertical beads on the back of the panel and press the panel home while checking plumb. On uneven walls, or if you want the panels to come down again later, screw them to vertical battens every 40–60 cm. Battens take a little extra timber and screws, but also leave an air gap behind the panel.
Avoid the common mistakes
Most mistakes come down to planning: a panel that's too short leaves horizontal joins, and an edge slat ripped lengthways rarely looks good. Always start from a plumb-checked reference so the slats stay vertical, and finish edges and corners with trim or sealant. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling or gluing. A material list helps you remember adhesive, trim and screws.
Keep the project organised
With MyPlanDIY you can gather your material list, budget and tasks in one project. Add panels and adhesive from the acoustic panel calculator, update prices as you get quotes, and generate a printable shopping list for the store.
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Open calculator →Ready to fit acoustic panels?
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