Quick Comparison

Note: “Acoustic” ≠ “soundproof.” Slat panels reduce reflections and reverberation; they don’t fully block noise through walls.

How the System Works (Why the Stack Matters)

An acoustic slat panel is not a single material. Performance comes from three layers working together:

1. Real-wood Veneer (Oak or Walnut) on each slat: gives warmth and micro-diffusion as sound hits edges.

2. MDF Core: adds mass and keeps slats perfectly straight; consistent 3-side wrap avoids edge chipping and makes finishing uniform.

3. Polyester Acoustic Felt: the absorber. Air passes through fibers; friction converts sound energy to heat, cutting reverberation. With panel spacing and airgap, rooms typically shift from “echoey” to “comfortably live.”

Material Deep-Dive

Oak Veneer (American White Oak)

• Why choose it: light, timeless, easy to pair with whites, concrete, and pale textiles.

• Finish: clear oil for honey warmth; matte lacquer for stability; accepts stains if you need smoked/gray tones.

• Design tips: perfect for Japandi/Scandi; keeps small rooms feeling larger.

• When not to: if the scheme is all dark stone/metals, walnut may read more premium.

Walnut Veneer (American Walnut)

• Why choose it: instantly “luxe,” deep chocolate to coffee tones.

• Finish: clear oil enhances depth; avoid heavy gloss in bright rooms to limit reflections.

• Design tips: pair with brass/bronze, boucle textiles, or travertine for “quiet luxury.”

• When not to: ultra-minimal white spaces that aim for airy brightness.

MDF Core

• Pros: flat, predictable machining → clean slat lines; no warping like solid wood; cost-efficient.

• Care & limits: keep away from persistent moisture; seal cut ends during install; use appropriate anchors on drywall.

• Why not plywood? MDF delivers smoother edges and economical mass for indoor acoustics; plywood is great but can telegraph grain through thin veneers and costs more.

Polyester Acoustic Felt (Recycled PET)

• Role: the absorber. Fiber density and thickness matter more than color.

• Benefits: recycled content, dimensional stability, easy maintenance (vacuum/roller).

• Spec questions to ask: fiber density & thickness, fire behavior (e.g., test method/region), VOC/odour standards, recycled percent.

Oak vs Walnut: Which Look Fits Your Space?

• Small rooms / low light → Oak keeps it airy.

• Large living rooms / evening entertainment → Walnut adds cinematic warmth.

• Mixed furniture: Walnut with light textiles; Oak with black accents for contrast.

• Ceiling installs: Oak avoids “ceiling lowering” visually; Walnut for drama in restaurants or lounges.

Where MDF & Polyester Really Pay Off

• Open-plan living: reduces TV splashback and kitchen clatter.

• Home office / meeting room: clearer speech and less fatigue on long calls.

• Bedrooms: softer ambience; place behind headboard to tame slap echo.

• Studios / content rooms: combine with rugs and soft furnishings; add bass management if you record music.

Cost & Value

• Most budget impact: veneer species & finish (Walnut > Oak), not the core.

• Performance per dollar: investing in good felt + correct install (airgap, continuous coverage) yields the biggest audible change.

• Maintenance: dust with microfiber; occasional oil/wax on veneer depending on finish.

Sustainability Notes

• Ask for FSC® veneer supply (available upon request).

• Polyester felt often includes recycled PET; look for disclosed recycled content.

• Low-VOC finishes keep rooms comfortable after install.

Installation Tips (Walls & Ceilings)

• Plan studs or proper anchors; panels are long (e.g., ~94.5" x 12.6" each, often 2-pack).

• Leave a small expansion gap at edges; keep slat spacing consistent.

• For electrical outlets, cut neatly through MDF slats; reseal edges.

• On ceilings, use more fixings; work in pairs; follow local fire/electrical codes.

Recommended Pairings

• Oak panels × off-white walls, natural linen curtains, light terrazzo/limestone.

• Walnut panels × cream sofas, smoked bronze metal, dimmable warm LEDs.

• Add a rug + curtains to complement absorption and avoid a “half-treated” sound.

Buying Checklist (Copy/Paste)

• Real-wood veneer species & grade (Oak or Walnut)

• Slat wrap style (three-side wrapped recommended)

• MDF core quality & straightness

• Polyester felt density/thickness + test method for fire/VOC

• Panel size & count (2-pack coverage)

• Return policy & local shipping (US warehouse)

• Compatible trim pieces (external corners, end caps)

FAQs

Q1. Do slat panels soundproof a room?
No. They reduce echoes and reverberation (acoustic treatment) but don’t fully block neighbor or traffic noise (soundproofing).

Q2. Oak or Walnut for small apartments?
Oak keeps spaces bright and neutral; Walnut is richer and moodier. Choose Oak for daylight minimalism; Walnut for evening coziness.

Q3. Is MDF safe indoors?
Quality MDF used with finished veneers and proper adhesives is common for furniture and interiors. Follow manufacturer guidance and local standards.

Q4. Why polyester felt instead of foam?
Polyester felt is durable, cleaner to finish behind slats, and looks premium. It absorbs mid–high frequencies effectively while resisting crumbling.