Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Common questions about acoustic panels, our products, Australian compliance, and the ordering process. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.

Acoustic Panel Basics

What's the difference between acoustic panels and soundproofing?+

Acoustic panels absorb sound inside a room — they reduce echo, reverberation, and excessive sound reflection. Soundproofing is different: it stops sound from travelling between rooms, which requires changes to walls, doors, ceilings, glazing, and other building elements. If a room feels harsh or echoey, you need acoustic panels. If conversations are leaking between rooms, you need soundproofing.

Where should acoustic panels be installed in a commercial interior?+

The best location depends on where sound is reflecting and what surfaces are available. Wall panels work well in meeting rooms and classrooms where speech clarity matters. Ceiling panels, rafts, and clouds are highly effective because ceilings are often the largest available surface. Suspended baffles and acoustic fins are useful in spaces with high ceilings or limited wall area.

Does the thickness of an acoustic panel affect its performance?+

Yes. Thicker panels can absorb a broader range of frequencies — thin panels help with higher frequencies, while thicker panels improve performance across mid and lower frequencies. Material density, installation method (an air gap behind the panel can boost performance), and coverage area also matter just as much as thickness alone.

What is an NRC rating and what should I look for?+

NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) is a single number between 0 and 1 that describes how much sound a panel absorbs, averaged across speech frequencies. NRC 0.85 or higher is considered high-performance. For mid-range commercial applications, NRC 0.6–0.85 typically suits offices, schools and hospitality. Always check the test method (mounting type A vs E-400) and frequency-band performance, not just the single NRC number.

Do acoustic panels work for outdoor spaces?+

Standard acoustic panels are designed for interior use and may degrade outdoors. For external applications — courtyards, balconies, pool areas — you need weather-rated acoustic products designed for UV and moisture exposure. We can advise on the right solution for outdoor or semi-exposed spaces during your specification.

Our Products & Ranges

What product ranges do you offer?+

We have four ranges: Aus Range (decorative panels, baffles, dowels, fins, perforated, slats — our flagship line), Quattro Range (modular acoustic tiles, panels, screens and grooves), Instant Panels (slat-wood feature walls), and Red Earth Echoes (Indigenous artwork acoustic panels by First Nations artist Tyrown Waigana). Each range covers different design intents while maintaining the same fire compliance and quality standards.

What materials are your panels made from?+

Our panels use a range of materials depending on the product: polyester fibre (often with recycled PET content), fabric-wrapped acoustic cores, slotted or perforated timber faces with acoustic backing, and mineral fibre for technical applications. Material selection is driven by performance requirements, design intent, and the project's compliance needs.

Can panels be customised?+

Yes. Most products can be customised by colour, finish, perforation pattern, slot width, panel size, and edge detail. We work closely with architects and designers to match the design intent. The Red Earth Echoes range supports printed artwork, and the Aus range includes bespoke artwork-printed options.

Can I see samples before ordering?+

Yes. Order samples directly from any product page to evaluate finish, colour, and texture in your space before committing to a full order. Most samples ship within a few business days.

What's the difference between the Aus and Quattro ranges?+

The Aus Range is our flagship decorative line — broader product variety including panels, baffles, dowels, fins, slats, and perforated systems. The Quattro Range is modular and install-focused — acoustic tiles, panels, screens, and grooves designed for fast, repeatable commercial fit-outs.

Compliance & Australian Standards

Do acoustic panels need to meet fire ratings for Australian commercial projects?+

Yes — fire performance is an important part of product selection for Australian commercial projects. The required rating depends on project type, location, and building requirements (Group 1 compliance to ISO 9705-2003 is common for high-occupancy public spaces). Always check the product documentation supports the specific project's needs before specifying.

Are all your panels Group 1 fire rated?+

Yes — every panel in our range meets Australian Standard ISO 9705-2003 Group 1, suitable for commercial offices, healthcare, education, hospitality, and high-occupancy public spaces without spec compromise.

Do your products meet NCC requirements?+

Yes. Our acoustic panels comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements relevant to commercial fit-outs. We provide the fire-test documentation, performance data, and installation details needed for project submissions.

What technical documentation can you provide for specifications?+

We supply tested acoustic absorption data (NRC, frequency-band performance, test conditions, mounting method), fire-test certificates (ISO 9705-2003 Group 1), product datasheets, installation guides, and sustainability documentation where available. All documentation is suitable for architectural specification packages.

Process, Lead Times & Delivery

How long does it take to get a quote?+

We respond to all enquiries within 1 business day with product options, lead times, and indicative pricing. Detailed quotes follow once we have your room dimensions, finishes, and any specific compliance requirements.

What are your typical lead times?+

Most products ship within 2–4 weeks of order confirmation. Custom colours, printed artwork, and bespoke panel configurations may take longer — we'll confirm specific timing during specification.

Where do you deliver?+

Australia-wide. Our manufacturing facility is in Thomastown, Victoria, with a Perth office at Level 28, AMP Tower. We deliver to any commercial address Australia-wide.

Do you provide installation services?+

We focus on manufacture and supply, but can recommend trusted installers in your state. For most products we provide detailed installation guides so your existing contractor or fit-out team can install confidently.

What's the minimum order quantity?+

Minimum order quantities vary by product and customisation level. Standard catalogue products typically have no MOQ, while custom prints and bespoke colour matches may require a minimum run. We'll confirm during quoting.

From our blog

From: What Is an Acoustic Panel? What It Does, Where It’s Used, and What to Specify
What's the difference between acoustic panels and soundproofing?+

Acoustic panels absorb sound inside a room — they reduce echo, reverberation, and excessive sound reflection. Soundproofing is different: it stops sound from travelling between rooms, which requires changes to walls, doors, ceilings, glazing, and other building elements. If a room feels harsh or echoey, you need acoustic panels. If conversations are leaking between rooms, you need soundproofing.

Where should acoustic panels be installed in a commercial interior?+

The best location depends on where sound is reflecting and what surfaces are available. Wall panels work well in meeting rooms and classrooms where speech clarity matters. Ceiling panels, rafts, and clouds are highly effective because ceilings are often the largest available surface. Suspended baffles and acoustic fins are useful in spaces with high ceilings or limited wall area.

Do acoustic panels need to meet fire ratings for Australian commercial projects?+

Yes — fire performance is an important part of product selection for Australian commercial projects. The required rating depends on project type, location, and building requirements (Group 1 compliance to ISO 9705-2003 is common for high-occupancy public spaces). Always check the product documentation supports the specific project's needs before specifying.

Does the thickness of an acoustic panel affect its performance?+

Yes. Thicker panels can absorb a broader range of frequencies — thin panels help with higher frequencies, while thicker panels improve performance across mid and lower frequencies. Material density, installation method (an air gap behind the panel can boost performance), and coverage area also matter just as much as thickness alone.