Fabric is one of the options you will get when looking for acoustic panels in Australia. The material is often picked for its aesthetic properties, but it also can affect the acoustics of the room. Most of them have qualities that can pose challenges to the noise reduction effort you are trying to achieve for the room.

Sound Absorption and Reflection

One of the challenges is that some of the fabrics can reflect sound. This can be a problem if you are trying to reduce reflection of sound. The material used can indeed reflect the sound significantly enough that the noise reduction becomes a problem.

One of the things that can cause the material used on the fabric acoustic panel to reflect sound is if it’s tightly woven. This means the material will reflect sound before it can be absorbed by the panel. Most of the materials used are often loose, such that you can blow through it when you hold it next to your mouth.

Light and Loose

The material on the fabric acoustic panel is often light and does not stretch. Some of them are comparable to the material used on speakers. The material can however be tested for elasticity, grip amongst other specifications.
These values are important if you are going to install the panels. You have too consider the other factors such as reflectivity of the material to light, matching and aligning patterns, durability and tear strength.

Building Codes and Regulation

Another thing you have to keep in mind, when looking for the right acoustic panel in Australia is the building codes and regulation. The fire code may affect your choice. Some people may choose to apply foam on the material in order to make it fire resistant, but it is important to note that this too can affect the sound absorption/ refraction qualities of the materials.