Wood fiber panels have become the answer for acoustic performance when trying to balance form, function, and sustainability. First produced in 1949, wood fiber composites have been an acoustic and thermal solution trusted by architects and specifiers for decades. Today’s wood fiber products, such as StrandTec® by ASI Architectural, continue to set new standards for environmentally-friendly construction, design flexibility, and consistent performance in a wide variety of applications.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at what wood fiber panels are, how they’re made, acoustic and thermal performance specifications, design versatility, and why these acoustical wall and ceiling solutions are among the most adaptable on the market.
What Are Wood Fiber Panels?
Wood fiber panels, also referred to as cement-bonded wood fiber or composite wood panels, are a type of engineered acoustic and thermal board. They are produced using three primary materials: wood fibers, water, and Portland cement. This unique blend creates a product with strength, durability, and sound absorption qualities that are different from other materials such as gypsum or mineral fiber.
Unlike standard ceiling tiles, wood fiber products provide visual interest with a natural decorative wood texture, which can be finished raw, painted, or customized to work with other materials. They provide character and warmth in a way traditional mineral fiber ceiling panels simply cannot, while also offering consistent and reliable noise reduction and thermal contribution.
ASI Architectural’s StrandTec® is made from a cement bonded wood fiber composite. It combines the strength of Portland cement with the natural acoustic absorption of wood strands.
How StrandTec® Is Made
ASI Architectural’s StrandTec® wood fiber acoustic panels deliver performance, but the manufacturing process also produces uniform products with sustainable materials for a range of design applications.
- Raw Material Selection: Logs are sourced and prepared for processing. While not standard, FSC-certified sources can be provided upon request, but standard panels are not FSC certified.
- Fiber Preparation: Logs are then chipped into strands and refined into consistent fibers.
- Mixing: Fibers are blended with a Portland cement binder and water to create the base of the composite.
- Pressing: Boards are given shape and density under high pressure, which also provides dimensional stability and contributes to overall durability.
- Curing: Boards go through a controlled drying process, which provides strength, durability, and impact resistance.
- Finishing: Once dried, each board is primed clear to seal in the fibers and help reduce fiber particulate during handling and installation. From there, finishes may remain natural, be painted, or be custom-colored to match the design intent of the project.
Acoustic and Thermal Performance
Performance metrics are important when considering acoustic and thermal products. StrandTec® wood fiber panels are rated on three main metrics: NRC, STC and R-Value. These metrics demonstrate the sound absorbing properties of the panels, their lower sound transmission capabilities, and their thermal attributes.
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)
StrandTec® panels have a high NRC rating, typically between 0.45 and 0.95, depending on board thickness, mounting style, and if insulation backers are included. This allows them to be especially effective at reducing reverberation in classrooms, auditoriums, office environments, and other large spaces.
STC (Sound Transmission Class)
Wood fiber products are sound absorbers, not sound blockers, first and foremost. However, they can marginally contribute to the STC performance of a wall or ceiling assembly when used in a multi-layer system.
R-Value
StrandTec® also provides some thermal benefit with an R-value of 1.0 – 1.5 per inch. This means it should not be used as a full insulation product, but rather as a thermal insulating acoustic panel that helps stabilize comfort and contribute to a project’s energy efficiency while diminishing reverberation.
Benefits of StrandTec® Wood Fiber Panels
- Top-notch acoustic control: Delivering incredible noise reduction in high-traffic and reverberant spaces, StrandTec® helps ensure clear speech intelligibility and improved comfort.
- Durability: StrandTec® impact-resistant panels are ideal for schools, gyms, and other public spaces. They are not as resilient as other types of acoustic products, so minor surface particulates may be released if the board is struck. However, the strength and resilience of StrandTec® is significantly higher than mineral fiber acoustic panels.
- Sustainability: StrandTec® is manufactured with renewable wood materials, has recycled content, and is finished with low-VOC sealants, making them a more eco-friendly ceiling tile that can help you meet green building objectives. Designers turning to sustainable acoustic panels will find that StrandTec® is among the greenest in the industry to help you achieve your green building objectives.
- Design flexibility: StrandTec® panels are offered in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and colors, and can easily be integrated into an acoustic panel system for walls, ceilings, baffles, or clouds.
Applications
Because they can be used in both walls and ceilings, wood fiber ceiling tiles and wall panels have been used in a number of spaces. Some examples include:
- Education: Wood fiber tiles are common in classrooms, lecture halls, and gymnasiums where they help improve intelligibility and reduce echo.
- Sports facilities: Arenas and sports courts often use wood fiber for acoustic applications without sacrificing durability.
- Commercial offices: Open-plan offices often turn to wood fiber tiles to help create focus and privacy by using sound absorbing ceiling tiles.
- Hospitality: Hotel lobbies, restaurants, and common areas use wood fiber panels as wall coverings and ceiling tiles to balance design and performance.
- Public buildings: Libraries, community centers, and other cultural spaces use wood fiber to maintain quiet, comfortable spaces.
StrandTec® vs. Other Acoustic Products
The chart below explains why StrandTec® is often the preferred option. The product can offer better acoustic performance, durability, and decorative wood finishes at a competitive price point, making it a smart choice for multipurpose spaces.
| Feature | StrandTec® Wood Fiber | Mineral Fiber | Perforated Wood Panels |
| NRC Range | 0.45-0.95 | 0.50 – 0.75 | 0.55 – 0.80 |
| Impact Resistance | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Thermal Contribution | Yes (R 1.0–1.5/inch) | Minimal | Minimal |
| Design Aesthetic | Natural texture | Plain/painted | Wood veneer finish |
| Best Use | High-traffic acoustics | General offices | Premium interiors |
Installation Considerations
Of course, there are certain installation best practices that architects and contractors installing wood fiber tiles or boards should be aware of that can help ensure optimal performance. These include:
- Mounting: Panels are mechanically fastened to the wall or ceiling surface.
- Enhanced performance: For maximum NRC performance, install with an air cavity or insulation backers such as CFAB, Echo Eliminator, or mineral wool.
- Conditioning: Panels should be subject to site conditions before installation to prevent any dimensional changes.
- Finishing touches: Panels can be finished natural, painted, or with a custom color to match the design intent.
ASI Architectural also offers guidance and tips to help specifiers achieve the best results. Visit our StrandTec® product page for technical details and additional design support.
Why StrandTec® Sets the Standard
In a world where designers must balance requirements for acoustics, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability, wood fibre acoustic panels offer one of the most versatile products available. StrandTec® raises the bar by combining reliable performance with an architectural finish that can work with both modern and traditional interiors. From schools and offices to hospitality venues and sports facilities, StrandTec® has proven that acoustic wall and ceiling solutions can do more than reduce noise, they can also define a space, enhance occupant comfort, and contribute to eco-conscious design.
Why StrandTec® Delivers Lasting Value
For architects, designers, and contractors, wood fiber panels offer an opportunity to blend beauty with performance. With superior sound absorption, thermal benefit, sustainability, and design flexibility, StrandTec® has become a go-to choice for use across a number of industries. As the need for eco-friendly ceiling materials that help support occupant wellness and acoustics continues to grow, StrandTec® by ASI Architectural delivers a time-tested, adaptable, and aesthetically sophisticated solution.
Contact ASI Architectural today to learn more about how StrandTec® can help enhance your next project.