PET vs Timber Acoustic Panels: Which Is Right for Your Space?
Two materials come up in almost every acoustic wall panel conversation: PET felt and timber. Both absorb sound well. The right choice usually comes down to budget, look, and where the panel is going - not acoustic performance alone.
PET acoustic panels
PET panels are made from dense polyester fibre board, often manufactured from recycled plastic (commonly recycled bottles). They come in a wide range of colours and can be cut or moulded into shapes, giving a soft, tactile finish. They're generally the more budget-friendly option, lightweight to install, and the recycled content gives them a genuine sustainability story worth mentioning in any BREEAM submission.
Timber acoustic panels
Timber panels use solid or veneered timber, slatted, slotted or micro-perforated and backed with acoustic felt. They read as a more architectural, premium finish and are a common choice for reception areas, boardrooms and hospitality spaces where the panel needs to look as good as it performs. See our full timber acoustic panel range for finishes and detailing options.
Performance: closer than you'd think
Specified correctly, both materials can achieve comparable NRC ratings - a well-backed micro-perforated timber panel can match a PET panel's absorption. The real difference is aesthetic, durability and budget, not how much sound either one absorbs.
Which should you choose?
PET tends to suit budget-conscious projects, education spaces, and anywhere a bright, soft, colourful finish helps the room. Timber tends to suit boardrooms, reception areas and hospitality fit-outs where the panel is part of the architecture, not just a treatment bolted on afterwards. Many of our projects use both - PET in back-of-house areas, timber where clients and visitors will see it.
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