How to build a simple acoustic panel for your studio.

So, you want to build some paneling for your home or professional studio? Its easy and quite inexpensive. This post will show you how to make a basic 6X3 panel. Thanks to engineer Jeff Vaughn for teaching me how to do this and letting me borrow his equipment.

First you will need a saw. If you don’t have one, then pull aside one of the helpful folks at Home Depot to cut your wood for you.

Start with 3 2X2′s. They sell them at the lumber dept at Home Depot and they come in 8 foot lengths. Make 45 degree cuts leaving you with 2 6-foot pieces and 2 3-foot pieces.

Using wood screws, attach the corners together to form the frame.

Lay the frame down on top of your acoustic fabric. I got mine from fabricmate.com and it is called Anchorage by Guilford of Maine, color “midnight”.

Trim the fabric to fit the frame. Leave about 3-4 inches, enough to wrap around the edges.

Using a staple gun, staple the fabric to the frame. Leave the corners open.

The corners are tricky, but easy once you get it. Just follow the pictures above.

Now trim all the excess fabric away. This major step is now over and you’re almost done!

Now, fiberglass panels is what we will use for the acoustic damping material.

Cut the fiberglass paneling to fit inside your frame. Make sure it is a snug fit.

Now, for the back of the panel, get some cheap muslin fabric and staple to the back.

Trim the excess off the edges, and you are done!

Now it’s time to hang the panel. Get some Z clips, attach to back of panel and the wall (make sure to carefully measure!)

And here it is mounted to the wall:

You will notice the results right away. The room will feel a lot tighter, and will help you hear exactly what is coming out of your speakers.