“Acoustic Timber Slats” are Fake News
We often get asked about acoustic ceiling slat systems made from timber, and our response is always the same – they simply do not work. A bold claim? Not really – it’s about scientific fact…
While it’s true that the layout arrangement of an acoustic raft or impact on noise reduction (by dictating baffle system on a ceiling can have an the direction of sound), using a poor sound absorptive material (such as timber) will not address the issue.
As you can see from the below graph, taken from our “Acoustic Standards: The Basics” Knowledge Base article, plywood is among the lowest rated materials available when it comes to sound absorption. And while there are more visually appealing timber materials available than plywood, none of them have a higher sound absorbency classification than “E”.
“BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Sound Absorbers for Use in Buildings” is an international standard which values can be converted into a single number – the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). This gives us specifies a method by which frequency-dependent
a useful reference tool for the comparison of the sound ABSORBENCY of materials as shown below.
Thanks to Creatif’s Printed Timber Baffles & Panels, you no longer have to choose between optimum acoustics and stunning visuals. Our range of high-quality timber-effect finishes offer a practical solution for sound absorption that looks just like oak, maple and more. You can see the end result below in images taken from our Wild & Wolf and Weightmans case studies:
