DIY Acoustic Panels - CheapAssTech

Video Tutorial

Why Acoustic Treatment Matters

Echo and reverb make your space sound like a bathroom. Whether you're on Zoom calls, recording podcasts, playing music, or just want a quieter room, acoustic panels absorb sound reflections and dramatically improve audio quality.

Perfect For:

Home offices - Better video call audio, less echo
Music/practice rooms - Control reflections, hear your instrument clearly
Podcast/YouTube studios - Professional sound on a budget
Home theaters - Reduce echo, clearer dialogue
Loud rooms - Living rooms with hard floors/high ceilings
Apartments - Reduce sound bleed to neighbors

Materials Per Panel (2x4 ft)

Item	Approx. Cost	Buy
Rockwool Safe'n'Sound insulation (24x48x3")	$5	Lowe's
1x3 lumber (8ft board makes 1 frame)	$2	Lowe's
Fabric (2 yards covers 4 panels)	$1	Amazon

Most rooms need 6-12 panels for good coverage. Buy in bulk and save.

Tools Required:

Miter saw or hand saw
Drill/driver
Staple gun
Scissors

Build Instructions

Build the Frame

Cut 1x3 lumber: two 48" pieces, two 21" pieces (accounts for thickness of boards). Assemble into rectangle using wood glue and 2-3 screws per corner. Frame should be 24x48" inside dimension.

Insert Rockwool

Rockwool Safe'n'Sound is 24x48", perfect fit. Gently compress and slide into frame. It should fit snugly with no gaps. This is your sound absorber - dense mineral wool that traps sound waves.

Cut Fabric

Cut fabric 4-5" larger than frame on all sides (about 32x56" for a 24x48" panel). Use acoustically transparent fabric - burlap, linen, polyester, or actual acoustic fabric. Avoid thick/tight weaves that block sound.

Wrap and Staple

Lay fabric face down, center frame on top. Pull fabric tight over one long edge and staple to back of frame every 3-4". Repeat on opposite long edge. Then do short edges, folding corners like wrapping a present.

Add Hanging Hardware

Screw D-rings or sawtooth hangers to the back of the frame. Use two hangers per panel for large panels. Or use Command strips for temporary mounting in apartments.

Hang Strategically

Don't just throw them on walls randomly. Target first reflection points: side walls at ear level, wall behind speakers, ceiling above listening position. Corners are best for bass traps (thicker panels).

💡 Pro Tips

Rockwool vs fiberglass - Rockwool (mineral wool) is better than pink fiberglass insulation. Denser, better absorption, doesn't irritate skin as much, fire resistant
Fabric choice - Test by blowing through it. If air passes easily, sound will too (good). Guilford of Maine is pro-level acoustic fabric but pricey
Colors and patterns - Solid colors are easiest. Bold patterns hide imperfect wrapping. Can spray paint burlap any color
Thickness matters - 3" panels absorb down to ~300Hz. For bass traps, use 6" thick Rockwool (or double up 3" panels) and place in room corners
How many to build - Start with 6-8 panels. Add more until room sounds "dead" enough. Too many and room sounds lifeless. Balance is key
Ceiling panels - Often overlooked but super effective. Hang panels horizontally using eye hooks and wire

Where to Place Panels

Priority Order:

First reflection points on side walls - Sit in your chair, have someone hold a mirror on the wall. Where you see the speaker is where the panel goes
Wall behind speakers/monitors - Absorbs sound coming from behind
Wall behind listener - Prevents rear reflections
Corners (floor and ceiling) - Use thicker panels as bass traps
Ceiling - Above listening position
Fill gaps - Add more where room still sounds echoey

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