DIY Acoustic Panels: Build Your Own with Professional Materials

Building your own acoustic panels? The hardest part to source well is the fabric. The frame is a lumber run; the insulation is at any building supply store; but the covering has to be acoustically transparent, durable, and straight on the panel, and that is where most DIY builds fall short.

The fabric professionals use, by the yard

We wrap every panel we build in Burch Fabrics Prime Time, sold by the yard. It is the Made in the USA equivalent of Guilford of Maine (a Canadian company) Anchorage and FR701, the standard in commercial acoustic work. Acoustically transparent, available in our full color range, and cut to the length you need.

Not sure on color? Order a fabric swatch sample. The swatch cost is credited back when you order.

Planning your build

• Sizing: 2 inch panels handle most echo problems in living spaces and offices. 4 inch thickness is for bass traps and low-end control.
• Coverage: our panel calculator works the same for DIY builds. Start with first reflection points and the wall behind the listening position.
• Yardage: allow enough fabric to wrap the face plus all four edges with a few inches of overlap on the back. For a 2 foot by 4 foot panel, one and a half yards of our 60 inch wide fabric covers it with room to work.

When finished panels make more sense

If the build itself is not the fun part, we fabricate custom panels in Chicagoland and ship fast to either coast. Standard sizes include 2'x2' and 2'x4' in 1 inch and 2 inch thickness, 4 inch bass traps, and custom sizes up to 4'x8'. Free ground shipping on orders $349.99 and up (panels 24"x48" and smaller).

Questions about a DIY build or a quote for finished panels: call (888) 923-5777 or use the chat on this page.