Posted by ER (A) on August 07, 2007 at 16:00:36

I'm rebuilding my listening room and have decided to use 1x4's ( actual 1x4's not tongue and groove) for the ceiling but have some questions.

I have three options; below the studs in the attic, above the studs for an "exposed beam" look (gain 4" ceiling height), or put the strips right on the rafters for a "peaked ceiling" with an average gain of about 1 foot. If I go with the peaked ceiling I can only add 6" of insulation above the strips and between the rafters, the other methods can have 12" or more of insulation.

Room is 8'x11.5'x15.5' currently (close to room in eathan's waterfall example). The entire walls floor and ceiling are covered with these 1x4's and it sounds good but I think it can improve (and look nicer). How do the wood strips act as far as sound will they act as a panel trap, and will they allow some of the insulation above them to act as a bass sink? I've read Eathan's information but I couldn't find anything on multiple strips and how they pass or trap sound.

The walls will be drywall, wood floor. Speakers will be soffit mounted horns capable of a solid <30Hz. Record shelves will cover the lower 3/4 of the back wall.

Any tips/ideas?

Thanks,
Erik