We are often asked what the difference is between wooden wall panels and the felt version. We are happy to inform you about this in the blog below!
1. Better Acoustic Properties
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Full felt panels:
Felt panels of 9 mm thickness or more offer superior sound absorption, as the entire surface of the panel can absorb and dampen sound. This makes them particularly effective at reducing reverberation and improving acoustics in spaces. For consumers, we supply in 9mm, and for the business market, we even have up to 18mm including 4cm of polyester wool. That is 58mm of sound-absorbing material. -
Wooden panels with felt:
With wooden panels, sound is only absorbed by the felt behind the wooden structure. The wood itself reflects some of the sound, making the overall acoustic performance less efficient.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness
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Full felt panels:
Felt panels are often made from recycled PET material, such as plastic bottles. This makes them a sustainable choice that contributes to reducing plastic waste. They are also recyclable at the end of their life cycle. -
Wooden panels with felt:
Although wood is a natural material, cutting down trees requires a larger ecological footprint. The use of adhesives and finishes can further reduce sustainability. The MDF version, which is widely available for sale today, can even expand when it comes into contact with water.
3. Lighter and Easier to Install
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Full felt panels:
Felt panels are lightweight and flexible, making installation easier and faster. They can be easily attached to walls or ceilings without heavy constructions. The mounting is extremely simple due to the self-adhesive backing and can be done by a DIYer without tools. -
Wooden panels with felt:
Wooden panels are heavier and require more sturdy mounting. This makes installation more labor-intensive and expensive. To achieve the same acoustic value, more surface area is required. This is compensated for by working in height. Then it often has to be sawn or cut, which complicates the installation.
4. Flexibility in Design
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Full felt panels:
Felt panels offer a wide range of design options. They are available in various colors, shapes, and patterns, making them ideal for creative and unique interior applications. In addition, they can be easily cut to size without loss of functionality. -
Wooden panels with felt:
The design of wooden panels is limited by the wooden structure. Although variation in finish is possible, it offers less flexibility than full felt. Some people also get headaches from the striped design of the wooden slats. It will ultimately come down to personal taste.
5. Ease of Maintenance
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Full felt panels:
Felt panels are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth. They maintain their appearance and acoustic performance without intensive maintenance. -
Wooden panels with felt:
Wood requires regular maintenance, such as polishing or treating against moisture and wear. This increases the time and costs in the long term.
6. Cost Advantage
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Full felt panels:
Because felt panels consist of one material, they are often more affordable in production and installation. This makes them a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. -
Wooden panels with felt:
Wooden panels are generally more expensive due to the complexity of the design and materials.
7. Safety
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Full felt panels:
Our PET felt panels have fire retardant class B, which contributes to the safety of the space. These can be easily placed at home or in the office. -
Wooden panels with felt:
Wood is naturally more flammable and requires special treatments to meet the same standards.
Conclusion
Felt panels offer clear advantages over wooden panels with a layer of felt. They are more efficient in sound absorption, more environmentally friendly, lighter, more flexible in design and easier to install. Moreover, they offer excellent value for money, making them a smart choice for those who value both functionality and aesthetics.
With our felt panels, you not only opt for high-quality acoustic solutions, but you also contribute to a more sustainable world.
