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Quick Overview
Acoustic panels aren’t priced by square metre like paint or carpet. The cost depends on performance, panel type, layout, materials, installation conditions, and site access. Irregular walls, custom sizes, or tight tolerances increase costs, while standardising panel sizes, repeating layouts, and using modular systems can save money. Cutting corners on performance or coverage is a false economy. The key is designing to the acoustic outcome first and engineering the most efficient way to achieve it.
Why Acoustic Panels Aren’t Priced Like Paint or Carpet
People often ask why acoustic panels aren’t priced per square metre. Unlike paint, carpet, or tiles, you can’t just multiply the area by a rate and get a reliable cost.
With acoustics, two walls of the same size might need very different panels to reach the same result. Performance, layout, and components matter more than surface area. A panel’s size, thickness, material, installation method, and even the access to the wall all affect cost.
If you’re comparing panels purely on dollars per square metre, you’re likely comparing the wrong things. The real question is: what outcome am I buying, and will the system consistently deliver it?
What Actually Makes Up the Cost of Acoustic Panels
Here’s what contributes to the price of acoustic panels in architectural projects:
Material type and thickness
Different core materials (fiberglass, foam, wood, or combinations) have varying costs. Thicker panels or higher-density materials generally perform better but cost more.
Fixing system and installation method
Panels can be glued, screwed, or mounted on rails. Some systems allow for modular reuse, which reduces long-term cost but may increase initial expense.
Learn more on Glue-Free Mounting Systems >
Panel size, pattern, and detailing
Custom shapes, patterns, or designs take time to plan and manufacture. Design time is part of the cost.
Site access and installation conditions
Installing panels in a clear, empty room is simpler and cheaper than working around other trades, tight spaces, or complex surfaces.
Factors That Drive Costs Up
Certain conditions increase the cost of panels:
- Irregular walls or ceilings that require custom shapes
- Tight tolerances or detailed gaps that need precise workmanship
- Custom sizes or patterns that don’t follow standard modules
- Challenging install conditions that slow the crew
The easiest way to reduce unexpected costs is to solve design problems before installation rather than on-site.
Factors That Can Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Performance
Not all cost reductions compromise results. Some strategies can save money:
- Standardizing panel sizes for easier manufacturing and installation
- Repeating layouts instead of creating bespoke solutions for every wall
- Using systems designed to scale rather than fully custom one-offs
- Treating only the surfaces that matter instead of full coverage
- Modular panels that can be reused or reconfigured
These approaches help control costs while still delivering the required acoustic performance.
Where Value Engineering Doesn’t Work
Cutting costs without understanding acoustic needs often backfires:
- Thinner panels that don’t perform at the frequencies needed
- Removing fixings or backing systems
- Reducing coverage below what the room requires
You may save money upfront, but the space will sound wrong. Poorly performing rooms create problems every day, result in temporary solutions being tacked on, far outweighing the initial savings.
How to Control Costs Without Sacrificing Performance
The right approach is to design to the outcome first, then engineer the most efficient way to get there.
- Design to outcome: Focus on the acoustic result you need rather than the surface area.
- Systemize panels: Use reusable panels and fixings where possible.
- Design assist upfront: Plan layouts and patterns with the installers before manufacturing begins.
- Choose repeatable solutions: Modular, scalable systems reduce both material and labor costs.
By focusing on performance first, you get predictable results at the lowest true cost.
For a real-world example, read here on Why Architects Should Consider Acoustics Early in the Design Process – a case study on Cardrona Alpine Resort Noodle Bar.
Conclusion
Acoustic panel cost for architectural projects isn’t about how many square metres you cover. It’s about performance, complexity, and installation conditions. Irregular surfaces, custom patterns, and tight tolerances increase cost, while repeatable, modular systems and smart layout choices reduce it. Cutting corners on performance is a false economy.
The key question isn’t “how much per m²?” but “what outcome am I buying, and can this system deliver it consistently?” Plan for performance first, then optimize for efficiency, and you’ll get the acoustic results you want without paying for unnecessary extras.
