The NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of wood surfaces is typically very low, indicating that standard wood is a highly reflective material rather than a sound-absorbing one.
Understanding the NRC of Wood
The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a single-number rating that represents the average sound absorption of a material ranging from 0 to 1. An NRC of 0 means the material absorbs no sound (perfectly reflective), while an NRC of 1 means the material absorbs all sound (perfectly absorptive).
Based on available information:
- Wood surfaces are naturally reflective with an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 0.05 - 0.15. (Reference: 15-Apr-2019)
This low range signifies that standard wood surfaces, such as hardwood floors, walls, or furniture, absorb only between 5% and 15% of the sound energy that strikes them, reflecting the vast majority back into the room.
Typical NRC Range for Wood
| Material Type | Typical NRC Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Wood Surface | 0.05 - 0.15 |
It's important to note that this range applies to solid, non-perforated wood surfaces. Engineered wood products specifically designed for acoustic purposes, such as perforated or slotted wood panels backed with porous materials, will have significantly higher NRC values.
Practical Implications of Wood's Low NRC
The low NRC of wood has several practical implications for room acoustics:
- Reverberation: Rooms with many hard, reflective surfaces like wood floors and walls tend to have long reverberation times, making them sound "live" or echoey.
- Sound Treatment: To control noise and reduce echoes in spaces with extensive wood surfaces, additional sound-absorbing materials (like acoustic panels, carpets, or soft furnishings) are necessary.
- Acoustic Design: While standard wood isn't ideal for absorption, wood can be used effectively in acoustic design for diffusion, scattering sound waves to improve sound quality without excessive absorption.
Understanding the NRC helps in choosing appropriate materials for achieving desired acoustic environments, whether it's a quiet office, a balanced concert hall, or a lively restaurant.
Reference Information
The information regarding the NRC of wood surfaces comes from the following source:
- Wood surfaces are naturally reflective with an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 0.05-0.15. (Published/Noted: 15-Apr-2019)
In summary, standard, solid wood surfaces are acoustically reflective with a low NRC range of 0.05 to 0.15.
