Due to my floor-to-joist height (7') I would like to drywall the ceiling, however, I need/want access (non-destructive) to various locations in the ceiling. I figured I could put several 'cut-outs' (say 16"x24") and cover them with removable sound diffusers (say 24"x36" or 48"). By adding additional diffusers in key locations I could make the ceiling symmetrical, low profile, and accessible.

I am planning on painting the room mostly dark maroon (?) with charcoal grey sound diffusers and carpet. I would make (unless there is a commercially available product) the diffusers out of regular ceiling tiles covered with a loose weaver, burlap-like, fire-retardant material. My questions are; where can I get such a material (or commerical product)? And has anyone had luck doing something like this?

PS: If anyone has any other ideas about making this ceiling, by all means, let me know.

thanks for your time

I could put several 'cut-outs' (say 16"x24") and cover them with removable sound diffusers (say 24"x36" or 48"). By adding additional diffusers in key locations I could make the ceiling symmetrical, low profile, and accessible.

I assume you mean absorbers, not diffusors. Diffusors are useful, but not so much on the ceiling. The more usual places is the rear wall behind the listener. Also, ceiling tiles are not great acoustic treatment generally because they absorb mainly speech frequencies. But listening rooms and home theaters need broadband absorption that works over as wide a range as possible.

--Ethan

Thank you for taking the time to respond and pointing that out to me....i guess my knowledge wasn't quite what I thought it was and that more research is required. That being said, what does the forum reccomend I use for 24"x36" or 48" access panels in the ceiling?

thanks again

covered with a loose weaver, burlap-like, fire-retardant material. My questions are; where can I get such a material (or commerical product)?

That describes GOM (Guilford of Maine) fabrics. Fabricmate.com is one vendor. The stuff is what you see on office cubicles.

http://www.fabricmate.com/specifications.htm

That being said, what does the forum reccomend I use for 24"x36" or 48" access panels in the ceiling?


The general consensus here is , "What access panels?"

Most often we just slap up drywall covering all the plumbing and electrical because after all, the plumbing and electrical is in the walls and ceilings in the rest of the house and there is nothing magical about the basement that says you need to provide access.

The only exceptions have been to provide access to clean outs, valves, pressure relief valves, manifolds, filters,..... Which do you have?

This may help on making panels:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=887964