Foam panels are an effective condition to improve the overall sound quality and professionalism of the conference calls by eliminating background noise and echoing sounds. They are typically installed in recording studios, home theatres, broadcasting studios, and many other noisy environments. But, acquiring professionally made foam panels can become extremely expensive, especially when you need a lot of them. Hence, the ability to make your own soundproof foam panels comes in handy, not only to provide a quiet environment for perfect conference calls but also trim down expenses in a business context. This comprehensive guide will demonstrate the detailed steps to make foam panels at home.
Materials Needed for Making Foam Panels
To manufacture your own foam panels for absorbing sound, you need some basic supplies. They include:
• Acoustic foam
• Spray adhesive
• MDF board (Medium Density Fiberboard)
• A tape measure
• Fabric material
• A stapler with staples
• A utility knife
Step 1: Size Measurement
The first thing to do is to measure the size of the area on the wall where you plan to install your foam panels. Tailoring your foam panels to fit the desired wall perfectly is vital to enjoy maximum sound absorption. Use a tape measure to capture the length and width of the room. Don’t forget to consider wall outlet placements and switches before the measurement.
Step 2: Cutting Acoustic Foam
After completing your measurements, mark the foam using those exact dimensions and cut it with a utility knife. It’s recommended to leave a few extra centimetres when cutting, as it’s better to trim more later if needed. Keep the foam as dense as possible and centralise its texture across the flat surface to maximise sound absorption.
Step 3: Preparing MDF Board
The thicker the MDF, the stronger your panel will be, but if it’s too heavy, it might fall off the wall. Therefore, a thickness of 1/4 – 1/2″ is recommended. MDF boards are strong enough to hold the foam securely and prevent it from tearing when installing onto the wall. Just like with the foam, write down your measurements, mark the MDF boards, and cut them accordingly.
Step 4: Building the Frame
Now that you already have your foam and MDF cut to size, it’s high time you join them into a final foam panel. Apply spray adhesive both to one side of the MDF board and one side of the foam. Wait for a few moments until the adhesive becomes tacky, then stick the foam onto the board, ensuring that no bubbles or wrinkles are formed.
Step 5: Applying Fabric Material
This step is optional, but it can improve the aesthetics of your foam panels. The application of fabric material doesn’t interfere with the foam’s noise absorption capabilities if a breathable fabric is used. To do this, simply cut the fabric to the size of the MDF board plus additional length to wrap around the edges. Then, apply spray adhesive both to the foam and fabric material, wait for a moment or two, and afterwards, lay down the fabric material onto the foam smoothly.
Step 6: Installation
The last part is mounting your foam panels onto the wall. You could choose to permanently mount it using nails or screws, but using removable picture hanging strips is recommended, especially in rental properties where drilling walls is not allowed. Affix a few picture hanging strips onto the back of every corner of the MDF board, remove the outer layer of the strips and stick your foam panels to the walls according to your initial plan.
Effectiveness of Foam Panels
By creating and properly installing sound-absorbing foam panels, you’ll notice a notable reduction both in overall echo and reverb in your conference call space. Foam panels do an excellent job in absorbing high-frequency sound waves and reducing echoes, thus enhancing clear voice communication in conference calls. The whole process is time-consuming and a bit laborious, but the outcome is long-lasting and significant, with the cost-saving advantage attached.
Care and Maintenance of Foam Panels
It’s equally important to regularly care for your foam panels to ensure that they remain efficient over a long period. Dust, moisture, or any other form of dirt may reduce their sound absorption capability; therefore, regular cleaning is advised. On top of that, constantly check and replace any torn or worn-out part to maintain impeccable sound clarity during conference calls.
Whether you’re working from home or in an office, perfect conference calls are a necessity, and soundproofing your space could never be more essential. This step-by-step guide will set you up for successful DIY foam panels and subsequently, produce flawless and professional conference calls.
