Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

acoustic prempanels

Barrie1952
Just Starting Out

acoustic prempanels

Hi

Im thinking of doing a feature wall in a bedroom with the Acoustic prempanels 

My concern is I have to cut around a window and fear that maybe the gaps in between the oak studs may not line up when cutting in

Couldnt imagine trying to cut those studs as well as I’m hanging them vertical

Any experience would be appreciated

Re: acoustic prempanels

Hi @Barrie1952 

 

I have used these panels several times now both vertically and as a feature roof for an alfresco area. The problem with cutting what looks to be real Oak isn't. It's a vinyl wrap over MDF. So if you were to make cut-out style cuts, it will expose the MDF in the open cut face. I discovered this when I had to make cut outs to go around posts.

 

I wouldn't use a multitool to make cutout cuts as it's too aggressive and difficult to make accurate straight cuts. I would use a jigsaw with a very fine toothed blade. I use a reverse cut blade, which has the teeth upside down, which leave a finer finish on the finished side. Even a metal cutting blade would at least leave a finer finish. Applying a good quality painters tape on the cutting line is also advisable. But I can't see reverse cut blades on the Bunnings web site, unless @EricL can help out here?

 

Also, the timber look strips are only glued to a thick acoustic material, which can easily seperate under stress.

 

Another way around not having to make cutouts for around the window, is to simply rip the foam backing with a sharp knife and lay the panel in sections around the window. Even if the spacings between the oak strips isn't exactly the same, it will be a lot easier and probably hidden by the curtains.

Nailbag



 

Screenshot 2025-02-19 at 4.40.33 pm.pngIMG_7065.jpegIMG_6575.jpeg

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: acoustic prempanels

Hello @Barrie1952 

 

Please allow me to amend my recommendation. @Nailbag has had more experience in cutting the Prempanel panels and I would suggest using a jigsaw instead. There are reverse cutting blades available at the store such as the Diablo 100mm High Carbon Steel Jig Saw Blade for Reverse Cuts in Wood 2608F02237 - 5 Pack

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!
Dave-1
Community Megastar

Re: acoustic prempanels

Evening @Barrie1952 

I am not sure what you mean about matching up the top and bottom of the window. If you follow the straight edge of the panel (the fake oak strip) then the top and bottom should work out. I would start say from the left hand side of the window and work towards the wall to the left and then go back and continue under the window. You may need some trimber trim depending if the corners of the wall are true squares. (cross that bridge if needed with some trim)

 

Once you have come back along the underside of the window then you can have the full lengths again along the right hand side. Those strips I mentioned to cut off (Circular saw blade I would use) use them to space under the window and see where the fake oak strips end up. Crossing fingers it ends up with the black material either side as that would be easiest :smile: but if not I dont think it will be noticiable over a whole wall.

 

Let me know if i I have it wrong, The panels are a great idea :smile: I may very well use them in my foyer :smile:

 

Dave

Re: acoustic prempanels

Ok thanks again Dave!

Re: acoustic prempanels

Hi @Barrie1952 

 

This is this it the layout and cut pattern I was referring to. This allows you to just cut there boards to length. You could use a fine toothed (one with min 40 teeth or more) circular saw blade. Mark out the cut line on the both sides and apply tape to the Oak side to help reduce breakout. Reduce the blade depth so the teeth are 5mm below the thickness of the blade. Make the cuts with the boards face down for a smoother cut.

Nailbag

 

Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 6.51.17 am.png

Re: acoustic prempanels

Thank you for all of that

See what the outcome is

Looking forward to it

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects