Sonablock Wood Wool Acoustic Panels: Natural Sound Absorption Without Synthetics
Sonablock is a wood wool acoustic panel: spruce wood shavings bound with mineral cement into a rigid, open-structure board. The material has been used in European commercial construction for decades, most visibly in sports halls, school gymnasiums and public buildings where durable, high-performance acoustic treatment is needed. Wall Panels Pro brings it to residential and small commercial interiors in formats suited to feature wall installation.
How wood wool acoustic panels work
The open fibrous structure of a wood wool panel is what makes it acoustically effective. Sound waves enter the matrix of fibres and air pockets, lose energy through friction and viscous losses within the material, and exit as negligible heat. Unlike foam, which relies on cell compression, wood wool works through the geometry of its fibre arrangement. This means it absorbs effectively across a broad frequency range, with particular strength in the mid and low-mid bands where standard felt panels begin to lose effectiveness.
Sonablock panels achieve NRC values between 0.55 and 0.85 depending on thickness and fibre density. The 25mm version with 1.5mm fibre is the standard choice for most residential and commercial applications. The 15mm version suits installations where panel depth is constrained.
Available thicknesses and fibres
Wall Panels Pro stocks Sonablock in 15mm and 25mm thicknesses, each available in multiple fibre grades. Coarser fibres produce a more textured surface with slightly higher low-frequency absorption. Finer fibres give a smoother finish suited to interiors where a cleaner look is preferred. All variants are available in natural (unfinished cement colour) and in painted finishes: White RAL 9010, Light Grey RAL 7035, Dark Grey RAL 7004 and Black RAL 9011.
MOQ and ordering
All Sonablock variants, natural and all painted colours, have a minimum order quantity of one pallet. Orders below one pallet incur a surcharge of €255. A 25mm pallet covers approximately 30.96 square metres; a 15mm pallet covers approximately 50.4 square metres. This is not a limitation for most feature wall or room treatment projects, but is worth confirming before ordering.
Why natural materials matter
Sonablock contains no synthetic binders, no formaldehyde and no fibreglass. The wood fibre is FSC certified and the cement binder is inert. For interiors where material specification matters (BREEAM-rated commercial projects, schools, healthcare settings, residential clients with chemical sensitivities), wood wool is among the most defensible acoustic material choices available.
Visual character
The surface texture of Sonablock is distinctive: a visible fibre matrix with a matte, slightly industrial quality that works well in contemporary, minimalist and raw-material interior schemes. In natural finish, the warm beige-grey of the cement reads as understated. The painted options shift the character significantly: white and light grey read clean and Scandinavian; dark grey and black read bold and architectural.
Installation
Sonablock panels are heavy compared to felt or foam alternatives, at approximately 10 to 16 kg per square metre depending on thickness. They are fixed with construction adhesive supplemented by mechanical fixings into wall structure. A standard feature wall installation requires two people. Panels can be cut with a standard wood saw. For ceiling installation, mechanical fixings into structure are mandatory.
Shipping
Sonablock ships from Latvia across continental Europe in pallet quantities. Due to the weight and volume of wood wool panels, shipping is calculated based on destination zone. Delivery to most EU countries takes 5 to 8 business days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between wood wool and acoustic foam?
Acoustic foam uses open-cell polyurethane that absorbs sound through cell compression and air resistance. Wood wool uses a matrix of natural wood fibres and mineral cement that absorbs through viscous losses in the fibre structure. Wood wool provides broader frequency absorption (stronger in low-mid range), is more durable, has better fire performance and contains no synthetic materials. It is heavier and more expensive per square metre.
Is Sonablock suitable for home interiors?
Yes. While Sonablock is frequently specified in commercial and institutional projects, it works equally well as a residential feature wall material. The visual texture is distinctive and suits contemporary, industrial and minimalist interiors. The natural variant in particular has been used extensively in home studios, living rooms and bedroom feature walls.
What NRC does Sonablock achieve?
NRC values range from 0.55 (15mm fine fibre) to 0.85 (25mm coarse fibre) depending on thickness and fibre grade. Full test data is available on request.
Can Sonablock be painted on site?
Yes, with a breathable mineral or silicate paint. Avoid film-forming latex or acrylic paints, which seal the surface pores and reduce acoustic performance. Wall Panels Pro recommends ordering in the required RAL colour rather than site painting where possible.
What is the minimum order quantity?
One pallet for all variants. Orders below one pallet incur a €255 surcharge. A 25mm pallet covers approximately 30.96 square metres. Contact us for the exact pallet dimensions and weight for your delivery address.
Does Sonablock have a fire rating?
Yes. Sonablock carries a European fire classification of B-s1,d0 under EN 13501, meaning it is limited combustibility with very low smoke production and no burning droplets. This meets requirements for most commercial and residential interior applications in EU markets.
Do you ship Sonablock to Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia?
Yes. Wall Panels Pro ships Sonablock across continental Europe including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Shipping is calculated by destination and pallet weight. Contact us for a freight quote before ordering.