Wall soundproofing panels made from polyester fibre, such as an Autex acoustic panel, calm echo and chatter inside a room, but they do not stop noise crossing a wall. Prices vary with thickness, finish and the size of the job (indicative — get itemised quotes).
This guide explains what an Autex acoustic panel does, where it suits your home, how it compares with other options, and how to fit it. It sits under our main noise cancelling wall panels guide.
Key points
- An Autex acoustic panel is a soft, fibre-based absorber that reduces echo, so it improves how a room sounds rather than blocking a neighbour.
- Panels work best on the walls that bounce sound back at you, such as the wall behind a desk, TV or dining table.
- Always ask for the maker’s current data sheet and fire information before you buy, because ranges and ratings change over time.
- Fix to sound plasterboard or framing, and test older walls for asbestos before you drill.
What is an Autex acoustic panel?
Autex is a well-known maker of polyester acoustic products used in homes, offices and schools. Check the current range on the maker’s website, since colours and formats change.
| Term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Autex acoustic panel | Fibre-based board or tile that absorbs sound in a room | Cuts echo and background noise at a reasonable weight |
| Absorption | Sound energy soaked up by a soft, porous surface | Helps speech clarity but does little against noise from next door |
| Wall soundproofing panels | Everyday name for any panel sold to quieten a room | Check whether a product absorbs, blocks or only decorates |
| Data sheet | Manufacturer paper with test results and care advice | Your proof of claims, rather than the sales page |
| Substrate | The wall behind the panel, usually plasterboard or timber frame | Decides which glue or fixings are allowed |
| Cut edge | Where a panel is trimmed to fit corners or power points | Needs a clean, square cut so the finish looks tidy |
Wall soundproofing panels vs other panel types
Different wall soundproofing panels solve different problems, so compare them against what you actually hear.
| Type | Best for | Strength / durability | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester fibre panel (Autex style) | Offices, bedrooms, meeting rooms | Good absorption, light, can be vacuumed | $$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Timber slat with acoustic backing | Living rooms and feature walls | Looks like joinery, see our timber slat wall panels guide | $$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Mineral wool board | Studios and plant rooms | Strong absorption, needs a cover fabric | $$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Foam tile | Short-term fixes | Cheap, but can crumble and may burn quickly | $ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| PVC or adhesive panel | Wet areas and decoration | Little absorption, see our PVC and adhesive wall panels guide | $$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Extra plasterboard layer | Blocking noise between rooms | Adds mass, which panels cannot do | $$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
Autex acoustic panel uses around the home
Most owners use fibre panels in one or two rooms where echo is annoying, rather than through the whole house.
- Home office: fit panels on the wall behind your desk and the wall facing it, which improves video calls without covering every surface.
- Bedroom: panel the wall behind the bed head for a softer room, and seal gaps first since panels will not fix a leaky wall.
- Open-plan living: use a feature wall near the dining area, where hard floors and glass make voices bounce.
- Home cinema: mix absorbers at the side walls with heavy curtains, and keep the screen wall clean of reflective trim.
- Kids’ play room: choose washable fabric faces and fix them above reach so little hands cannot pull corners away.
- Garage studio: add panels to the lined walls, but only after the room is dry and the roof is not leaking.
For other looks that also soften a room, see our wood panelling walls guide.
Wall soundproofing panels cost
Quote the whole job, not only the panels, because fixings, cut-outs and patching add up.
| Item | What drives the price | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Supply-only panels | Thickness, colour and sheet size | Lowest cost per square metre (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Installed feature wall | Wall size, layout and cut-outs | Mid range per square metre (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Full room treatment | Number of walls and ceiling clouds | Upper range (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Wall preparation | Patching, priming and repairs | Small extra charge (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Power point moves | Licensed electrician call-out | Varies with the job (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Painting around the panels | Wall area and colour | Small extra charge (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
How to fit wall soundproofing panels
A tidy result comes from planning the layout and checking the wall before any glue or screw goes in.
- Check the wall: in older homes, treat fibre cement sheeting as possible asbestos and get it tested before you drill, cut or sand.
- Look for services: locate studs, cables and pipes, and book a licensed electrician before moving any power point.
- Dry-fit the layout: lay panels on the floor and mark a level line so joins and edges look square.
- Prepare the surface: clean the wall, fill holes and let paint cure fully so adhesive grips properly.
- Use the stated fixings: follow the maker’s instructions for glue or screws, because the wrong product can void a warranty.
- Finish and test: check the joins, then clap in the room to hear whether the echo has eased.
Our timber wall panelling ideas and VJ panelling guide show other ways to line the same wall.
Common wall soundproofing panels mistakes to avoid
- Buying on looks alone: a pretty panel with no test data may do very little for sound.
- Ignoring the gaps: power points, door seals and vents leak noise, and panels will not fix them.
- Over-treating a room: covering every wall leaves a room sounding flat, so start with two walls.
- Skipping fire and care information: read the data sheet for cleaning, heat and fire guidance before fitting near heaters.
- Gluing to damp walls: panels peel from walls with leaks or rising damp, so fix the moisture first.
Autex acoustic panel FAQs
Does an Autex acoustic panel block noise from next door?
No. A fibre panel absorbs sound inside your room, so it reduces echo and makes talking clearer. Blocking noise from next door needs heavier construction, sealed gaps and an insulated cavity. Use panels to improve the room, and treat the wall itself if the neighbour is the main problem.
Where should I put wall soundproofing panels in a room?
Start with the walls that reflect sound straight back, such as the wall behind your desk or TV and the wall opposite. Panels at ear height work best. Two treated walls often make a bigger difference than covering every surface in the room.
Can I fit an Autex acoustic panel myself?
Yes, on a sound plasterboard wall, as long as you follow the maker’s fixing instructions. Check for services behind the wall first, and have a licensed electrician move any power points. If your home is old, test suspect sheeting for asbestos before drilling.
Are fibre acoustic panels safe in a bedroom?
Check the maker’s fire information and keep panels clear of heaters and downlights. Choose products with test data rather than untested foam. If you are unsure, ask a licensed builder or certifier to confirm what suits your room and your building.
Getting wall soundproofing panels fitted in Sydney
Good acoustic panels start with the right wall and a tidy install. TQN Construct’s licensed local trades can assess your walls, patch and paint around the panels, and give you an itemised quote. Book a free quote and we will talk through the options.
