This project was built and designed by Connor from Shopfix.
Connor shows how relatively simple, well-considered acoustic panels can kill reverb, tighten low end, and visually lift a one-car garage shop into a cleaner, more professional workspace.
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Design
The panels combine a simple box frame with a perforated back, acoustical insulation, and a fabric wrap to achieve both function and a refined aesthetic.
Connor intentionally left a bit of fabric exposed around the edges and added thin face slats to create a floating, architectural look that complements his prefinished shop surfaces.
Materials and Acoustic Principles
Each panel layers breathable acoustic fabric over mineral wool, with a rear panel that is perforated so sound can pass through and be absorbed rather than reflected.
Connor emphasizes the importance of avoiding compression of the insulation and maintaining an air gap between the panel and ceiling or wall for better low-frequency performance.
Construction Overview
The builds favor lightweight backing material to keep overall panel weight down, making ceiling installation more manageable when hanging multiple units overhead.
Joinery is straightforward—glue and brad nails to square up simple boxes—followed by edge rounding and sanding to protect the fabric during wrapping.
Fabric Wrapping and Finishing Touches
Connor approaches the wrap like gift-wrapping: secure one side, pull the opposite side tight to remove creases, and fold neat corners before stapling to the back.
Prefinishing the wood members before attaching them to the fabric-faced panels is essential, since finishing after installation risks damaging the fabric and the finished look.
Framing and Visual Details
Adding a thin perimeter frame and spaced slats breaks up the fabric visually and provides additional nail surface while keeping the overall profile light and refined.
Connor calculates consistent spacing with a simple spacer block, which makes repeatable installation fast and keeps the panels uniform across the ceiling grid.
Mounting and Installation
For ceiling mounting, the panels use screw hooks anchored to ceiling studs and consistent marker depths so every panel hangs the same distance from the ceiling.
Layout is deliberate: once the grid is dialed in, hanging becomes a repeatable process and the acoustic improvement is immediate upon installation.
Results and Practical Takeaways
The panels significantly reduce echo and make the space sound tighter and more controlled, which benefits recording, tool noise management, and general comfort in the shop.
Techniques shown—softened edges to protect fabric, leaving insulation uncompressed, and preserving an air gap—are adaptable to different room sizes and panel scales.
Why This Project Matters
Beyond the measurable audio improvement, these panels demonstrate how small architectural moves can elevate a space both sonically and visually.
Woodworkers and content creators can adapt the design ideas here to suit walls, ceilings, or smaller accents without specialized gear or complex joinery.
Please support Connor by visiting his website: https://www.shopfix.services/.