Sometimes it’s what you don’t see that matters most. Substrate is the “backing” behind the fabric in our site-fabricated, modular, or pre-made panels.

There are a number of considerations when choosing a substrate. Substrates can be acoustical or tackable, or both. They can even be tackable and magnetically receptive. Substrate construction materials include wood fiber, fiberglass, polyester, polypropylene, mineral fibers, even steel impregnated rubber for use with magnets. Acoustical panels have Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ratings between 0 (perfectly reflective) and 1 (perfectly absorptive). Standard thicknesses are 1⁄2”, 1”, and 2” and they range in size from 2’W x 4’L to 4’W x 10’L. Materials may be available in either rigid sheets or in rolls. Not all materials are available in all thicknesses and sizes.

We can supply any of these materials. Do to increased awareness of our impact on the environment, substrates made from recycled post consumer waste or green building materials are being increasingly specified. Fabricmate’s ReCore® single-solution substrate is made from 65% recycled post consumer products (plastic beverage bottles), is a light, high-impact, semi-rigid material free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with an ASTM E84A Class A fire rating and an NRC of .45 (1/2") and .75 (1”). We support the LEED whole-building approach to sustainability.

We also supply sound dampening materials with both our site-fabricated systems and our pre-made panels. Placed behind the substrate, these materials can reduce airborne sound transmission to adjoining areas. Contact us to find out how these materials can be used to raise the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of your panels or systems and for installation requirements.

Take advantage of our experience and expertise. Contact us for a free application assessment. We can discuss all the considerations and help you to determine the right substrate for your panel, wall, or project.

Click here to view more substrates and related items.