Acoustic slat panels vs foam: what actually quiets a room
“Why not just use foam?” is one of the first questions we get. Both absorb sound. They belong in different rooms.
How sound absorption is measured
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) runs from 0 to 1. Higher means more sound absorbed. Our wood slat panels on acoustic felt are rated NRC 0.70. Acoustic foam is often rated in a similar range, depending on thickness and density.
The difference is less about the number and more about where you can put it.
Where foam makes sense
- Vocal booths and recording closets
- Behind a desk where the camera never looks
- Rentals where you want to peel it off later
Foam is light and cheap. It also looks like foam, which is fine in a room nobody else sees.
Where wood slat panels make sense
- Living rooms and TV walls
- Bedrooms and home offices that show up on video calls
- Any wall guests see
The felt between the slats absorbs echo, and the wood makes the wall look built in. Most people buy slat panels for the look first and notice the quieter room after.
Cost for 100 sq ft of wall
- Acoustic foam: usually around $100 to $250, depending on thickness
- Our wood slat panels: 6 panels (108 sq ft) at $99 each = $594, or $1,044 with our install
Foam wins on price. Wood wins on everything you can see.
Combining them
For a home studio, put slat panels on the walls in frame and foam or bass traps where the camera doesn't look, such as corners and behind the mic.
Try before you buy
Our $14 sample kit has real offcuts of five finishes, credited back on your first panel order. Or shop the panels. We deliver across LA, Orange County, Ventura and the Inland Empire.