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Acoustic Panel Layout & Installation Guide

Panel Layout & Installation Guide – Versare New Zealand

Designed to Be Easy

Versare Surface Panels are designed for straightforward installation in commercial and education environments. They are decorative acoustic treatments — not structural products.

If you are unsure about substrate suitability, consult a qualified installer before proceeding.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

25%

Treat approximately 25% of total wall area to noticeably reduce echo in standard commercial spaces. Higher reverberation spaces such as halls may require more coverage.

This is a practical starting point — use the Acoustic Tile Calculator to estimate quantities for your specific room.

Open Room Calculator

Layout Principles

Good acoustic performance depends on even distribution across the room. Avoid clustering all panels in one area.

General Best Practice

Distribute panels evenly across reflective walls
Avoid placing all panels on a single wall
Maintain consistent spacing between panels
Position panels around seated ear height where practical
In larger rooms, treat opposing walls

Even coverage delivers better results than isolated feature clusters.

Optional Air Gap

Versare panels achieve their stated acoustic performance when mounted directly to the wall. However, spacing panels slightly away from the wall surface can further improve performance.

An air gap of approximately 10mm to 20mm behind the panel can enhance sound absorption, particularly at lower speech frequencies. This is not required to achieve the rated NRC performance, but can improve overall effectiveness in some environments.

Air gap is optional — not required for rated performance
If using an air gap, ensure the fixing method is suitable and secure
Refer to the Fixings Guide for compatible mounting options

Layout Examples

Adjust your layout approach based on the space. The goal in each case is even distribution and avoiding concentrated clusters.

Meeting Room
Even grid layout
Centred at seated head height
Balanced across two opposing walls

Reduces direct reflections and improves speech clarity.

Classroom
Distributed across long wall
Supplemented on rear wall
Avoid blocking whiteboards or screens

Reduces teacher voice strain and rear-wall reflection.

Open Plan Office
Treat primary reflective walls
Combine with cubicles if needed
Avoid concentrating panels in one location

Improves comfort and reduces speech build-up.

Hall / Multi-Use Space
Distribute across long parallel walls
Combine with ceiling systems if ceiling is reflective
Consider multi-height placement

Controls long-path reflections and echo build-up.

Fixing Overview

Default Fixing Method

Panel Pin Mounts are supplied with tile products and are the recommended default fixing method.

Secure wall mounting
Clean alignment
Easy positioning and repositioning

Alternative Fixing Options

Peel and Stick backing
Button Fix systems
Adhesive fixing
Direct screw fixing through PET
Wire hanging kits for ceiling applications

Selection depends on substrate and project requirements. For full fixing instructions and suitability guidance, refer to the dedicated Fixings Guide.

View Fixings Guide

Substrate Requirements

The surface must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free from dust and loose paint before any panel is fixed.

Suitable Surfaces
Painted plasterboard
Sealed timber
Unsuitable Surfaces
Damp walls
Unsealed masonry
Uneven or unstable substrates

Alignment Tips

Mark centre lines before starting
Use a laser level or straight edge
Dry-lay panels before fixing
Maintain consistent spacing throughout

For 500mm tiles, starting from the centre of the wall often produces the cleanest layout.

Ceiling Installation

Ceiling-mounted panels or baffles require appropriate suspension hardware and secure anchoring. Ceiling systems must be installed in accordance with relevant building and safety requirements.

View Fixings Guide for Recommended Methods

Safety & Compliance

Follow manufacturer instructions for all fixing systems
Use appropriate PPE throughout installation
Ensure ladders and access equipment are stable
Do not install over electrical services

Fire & Building Compliance — Panels Must Not

Obstruct sprinkler heads or affect water distribution
Interfere with fire detection systems
Block emergency lighting
Compromise required egress paths

Maintain required clearances in accordance with local building and fire regulations. If installing in commercial, education, or healthcare environments, confirm compliance requirements before installation.

Important Notes

Acoustic performance depends on room size, surface materials, panel distribution, and overall coverage. The 25% rule is a practical starting point and may require adjustment in highly reflective or unusually shaped spaces.

Need advice?

Contact Versare if you are unsure about coverage, layout, or substrate suitability
Call 09 570 3647 or email sales@versare.co.nz
Versare NZ does not provide acoustic consulting or installation services

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