Hard floors, glass walls and concrete ceilings look great and sound terrible. Acoustic panels are the fastest way to make a boardroom, restaurant or hotel lobby in Cambodia comfortable to be in. Here is what to specify, what the ratings mean, and what it costs.
As offices and hospitality interiors in Phnom Penh move toward glass, polished concrete and exposed ceilings, echo and noise have become the number one complaint after handover. Acoustic panels solve it. This guide explains the main types available in Cambodia, how to read the NRC rating that actually matters, how much coverage a room needs, and indicative prices for budgeting.
Types of acoustic panel available in Cambodia
All acoustic panels absorb sound, but the material changes the look, the fire rating and the price.
- PET felt panels - made from recycled polyester fibre. Lightweight, available in dozens of colours, easy to cut and fix. The default for offices and call-heavy spaces.
- Fabric-wrapped panels - a high-density acoustic core wrapped in commercial fabric. The premium choice for boardrooms, auditoriums and hotel function rooms.
- Timber slat (acoustic wood) panels - slats over a felt backing. A warm, architectural look that is very popular in lobbies, reception walls and restaurants.
- Ceiling baffles and rafts - panels hung vertically or horizontally from the ceiling, used where wall space is limited or the ceiling is the main reflective surface.
- Polyester ceiling tiles - drop-in acoustic tiles for suspended grid ceilings in offices.
What is NRC, and what should you specify?
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) is a single number from 0 to 1 that tells you how much sound a panel absorbs. The higher the number, the quieter and clearer the room.
| NRC value | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0.50 - 0.65 | Light treatment - takes the edge off |
| 0.70 - 0.80 | Good - offices, meeting rooms, F&B |
| 0.85 - 0.90+ | Serious - boardrooms, auditoriums, studios |
How much acoustic panel does a room need?
You rarely need to cover a whole wall. As a working rule, treating 15 to 30 percent of the hard surface area of a room produces a clear, audible improvement. The right figure depends on ceiling height, glass area and how the room is used. Send us your room dimensions and we will calculate the coverage and panel count for you.
How much do acoustic panels cost in Cambodia?
The ranges below are indicative for supply, to help you budget. A formal quote depends on the exact product, thickness, NRC and quantity.
| Type | Indicative supply |
|---|---|
| PET felt panels | $18 - $35 / m2 |
| Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels | $30 - $70 / m2 |
| Timber slat acoustic panels | $35 - $80 / m2 |
| Ceiling baffles / rafts | quoted per project |
Fire rating - non-negotiable for hotels
Any acoustic panel used in a hotel, casino, office or public building in Cambodia should carry a recognised fire rating such as Class A (ASTM E84) or EN 13501-1. Cheap unrated foam is a genuine fire risk and will fail an inspection. Always ask for the fire data sheet before you approve a product - we provide it on every acoustic line within one working hour.
Where to buy acoustic panels in Phnom Penh
Material Supply Pro carries PET felt, fabric-wrapped, timber slat and ceiling acoustic panels, with Class A fire documentation and verified NRC test reports. You can browse the range in our wall panels catalog, see acoustic treatment on real jobs in our projects, and read our companion guides on wallpaper and commercial carpet. Visit the Phnom Penh showroom by appointment to hear the difference before you specify.
