Managing Acoustics in Warehouses: Practical Solutions for Noise Control

Converting warehouses into offices, gyms, or retail spaces has become an increasingly popular choice due to their spacious layouts, industrial aesthetic, and cost-effectiveness.

However, managing acoustics in these environments—particularly in shared spaces like kitchens where warehouse and office staff converge—presents unique challenges. The combination of hard surfaces such as tiled/concrete floors and high ceilings often leads to elevated noise levels, impacting communication and comfort.

Similarly, older warehouses may lack insulated walls and original ceilings, making sound control difficult. Below, we explore effective strategies to enhance sound insulation in these scenarios.

Acoustic Challenges in Warehouses

In areas like kitchens and breakout areas, noise issues arise due to:

• Hard Surfaces – Materials such as tile, concrete and metal surfaces reflect sound, increasing noise levels.

• Open Layouts – Large, open plan spaces allow sound to travel and reverberate.

• Mixed Use – The mixingof staff from different areas can amplify noise during peak times.

• High Ceilings and Large Spaces – These features can lead to significant sound reverberation.

• Lack of Insulation – Older warehouses may have minimal acoustic insulation, allowing external noise to intrude and internal noise to escape.

Strategies for Noise Reduction in Warehouses

1. Install Acoustic Panels – Applying acoustic panels to walls and ceilings can significantly absorb sound reflections. Companies such as Autex offer a range of acoustic solutions suitable for such environments.

2. Use Acoustic Curtains – Implementing heavy, sound-absorbing curtains can help partition spaces and reduce noise transmission. Kube Contract provides specialised acoustic curtains designed for commercial spaces.

3. Introduce Soft Furnishings – Incorporating elements such as upholstered furniture, rugs, and fabric-covered surfaces can help absorb sound and reduce overall noise levels.

4. Add Carpet Tiles – Adding carpet tiles with acoustic underlays can help absorb noise and reduce overall reverberation. Carpet tiles are a flexible solution, allowing for easy replacement in high-traffic areas.

5. Install Acoustic Baffles and Clouds – Suspended acoustic elements can effectively reduce noise levels in spaces with high ceilings by absorbing sound and minimising reverberation.

6. Apply Soundproofing Insulation – Installing acoustic insulation when building new partitions can enhance wall and ceiling mass, reducing sound transmission.

7. Use Acoustic Wall Systems – Implementing high-performance acoustic-rated wall sheeting like Soundchek™ can provide noise insulation, essential for maintaining comfortable working environments.

Additional Commercial Suppliers for Acoustic Solutions

• Autex Acoustics – Offers a range of acoustic solutions, including panels, baffles, and wall coverings designed for commercial interiors.

• Milliken – Provides high-quality carpet tiles and flooring solutions with acoustic benefits, ideal for reducing noise in commercial spaces.

• MAK Furniture – Supplies custom acoustic furniture and soft furnishings that enhance sound absorption in offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues.

• Baresque – Provides a range of decorative and high-performance acoustic panels suitable for commercial applications.

Need Expert Advice on Acoustics for Your Warehouse Conversion?

At Edit Interiors, we specialise in designing commercial spaces that are both functional and visually striking. Whether you're converting a warehouse into an office, gym, or retail store, or need to improve acoustics in a shared workspace, we can help you select the right materials and solutions to create a comfortable and productive environment.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project!