Seamless Designs, Endless Possibilities with Stretch Fabric
Stretch fabric acoustic systems consist of three main components: a perimeter track, an acoustical fill, and a stretched fabric facing. These systems are built on site, with the perimeter track mounted directly to the wall or ceiling substrate. Acoustic fill—typically fiberglass, foam, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)—is placed inside the track area, and the selected fabric is stretched over the surface and locked into the track for a taut, wrinkle-free appearance.
Because they are custom-built on location, stretch systems can accommodate unusual shapes, compound angles, or other architectural elements that would be difficult or costly to cover with standard prefabricated panels. They can be used to create dramatic feature walls, seamless ceilings, or full-room acoustic treatments that offer superior performance and visual cohesion.
Why Use Stretch Fabric Systems?
- Precision Fit: Ideal for irregular angles, curves, and architectural detailing
- Large Format Fabric: Minimize seams with fabric up to 118" wide
- Custom Aesthetics: Choose from hundreds of fabric styles or print your own artwork or branding
- Integrated Acoustics: Fill options include fiberglass, foam, or PET for tailored sound control
- On-Site Flexibility: Built during final construction or renovation phase for perfect alignment with lighting, HVAC, and structural elements
Stretch fabric systems are widely used in auditoriums, media rooms, corporate headquarters, K-12 and higher education spaces, religious facilities, and museums where both sound clarity and design integrity are important.
Acoustic Performance and Fill Options
Acoustic performance is determined largely by the type and thickness of the fill material placed behind the fabric. Options include:
- Fiberglass: Most common option; excellent mid- and high-frequency absorption
- Acoustic Foam: Lightweight and flexible; ideal for curved or contoured surfaces
- PET Panels: Eco-friendly and durable; great for impact resistance and sustainability goals
Fill thickness is typically 1" to 2", depending on the desired Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). With the right materials and installation, stretch fabric systems can achieve NRC ratings of 0.80 to 1.00.
Custom Fabric and Printing Options
The visual layer of a stretch system is completely customizable. Designers can select from hundreds of colors, textures, and weaves from leading acoustic fabric suppliers. For branding, wayfinding, or artistic integration, digitally printed fabrics allow logos, photos, or custom graphics to be applied without compromising acoustic performance. In high-traffic or clean-room environments, antimicrobial or stain-resistant fabrics are also available.
Specifications
Size: Up to 188" Wide
Thickness: 1/4" - 2"
NRC: .70 - 1.2
Fire Rating: Class A per ASTM E-84
Various Fabric Options
Composition
Core Material: Fiberglass, Melamine Foam, or PET
Facing Material: Various Fabric Options
Common Applications
- Schools
- Universities
- Libraries
- Offices
- Churches
- Banquet Halls
- Restaurants
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Stretch systems are ideal when your space demands minimal seams, custom dimensions, curved or irregular surfaces, or integrated branding. They’re perfect for projects with complex layouts or aesthetic goals that standard panels can't meet. They're also well-suited for high-traffic environments where seamless finishes reduce visual clutter and enhance durability. When working with large wall expanses, high ceilings, or rooms requiring thematic design integration, these systems shine by offering unmatched adaptability.
A: A perimeter track is mounted to the wall or ceiling, acoustic fill is placed within the track boundaries, and fabric is stretched over the area and secured in the track. Installers trim excess material to create a clean finish. Systems are custom-fitted on site for precision. This approach allows the system to be easily aligned with existing lighting, HVAC grills, sprinkler heads, and other MEP components. In larger-scale installations, phased installation sequencing is often used to accommodate ongoing site work, making them a flexible solution for new builds and retrofits.
A: Depending on the fill and fabric type, stretch fabric systems can achieve NRC ratings from 0.70 to 1.00. They effectively reduce echo and reverberation, improving speech intelligibility and sound quality in large or noisy spaces. When strategically placed, these systems can transform challenging acoustical environments—like glass-walled atriums, cafeterias, or performance venues—into acoustically balanced areas that support focused conversations, presentations, or performances.
A: Yes. Fabrics can be digitally printed with logos, photographic images, patterns, or artwork, turning an acoustic surface into a branding or artistic statement. This makes them especially valuable in corporate, educational, and cultural spaces. Advanced printing technologies ensure high-resolution imagery with durable inks that retain color vibrancy over time, even in sunlit or high-touch areas. Large-format visual storytelling is especially popular in visitor centers, galleries, and corporate lobbies.
A: Yes. One of the key benefits of stretch systems is that the fabric can be removed and replaced without replacing the track or acoustic core. This allows easy updates for renovations, branding changes, or maintenance. Replacement fabric can be pre-cut and installed quickly, reducing downtime and labor costs during refresh cycles. This flexibility is ideal for leased commercial spaces, educational institutions, or exhibit halls that require evolving graphics or refreshed aesthetics.
A: Absolutely. Stretch systems are commonly installed on ceilings for broad coverage and sound control. Ceiling applications are especially useful in atriums, gymnasiums, and multipurpose halls. When suspended as ceiling clouds or installed across entire ceiling planes, these systems help absorb ambient noise and reduce flutter echo. Their smooth surface finish can also conceal mechanical systems or damaged ceiling substrates while upgrading the overall design.
A: Acoustic fabrics are available in widths up to 118 inches, allowing for nearly seamless installations even on large surfaces. This is a significant advantage in high-profile spaces where visible seams would distract from the design. Fewer seams also mean faster installation and fewer opportunities for alignment issues. This feature supports uninterrupted artistic visuals, large corporate murals, or color-blocked aesthetic themes in open architectural layouts.