Learning center / Wall acoustics

STC of wood-paneled walls and how to improve it

Typical STC for wood paneling and the most effective upgrades.

2 minute read · Updated Nov 2026

A typical wood paneling assembly rates around STC 35. That lets loud speech through, so it is often worth upgrading between bedrooms, offices and meeting rooms.

Most effective upgrade

Add mass behind the paneling or a new insulated drywall layer.

Acoustic panels on the surface add only 1–3 STC points. They are for the sound inside the room. See STC vs NRC and flanking paths.