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TPH VS WoodUpp

Objective Comparison: The Panel Hub VS WoodUpp

When selecting acoustic wood slat panels for a high-end interior, you are likely weighing two names; The Panel Hub and WoodUpp. While both brands offer a visually similar slat and felt aesthetic, a technical analysis reveals two very different philosophies in engineering. At The Panel Hub, we believe the industry standard of 9mm felt, which was popularized by brands like WoodUpp, is no longer sufficient for modern acoustic needs. We have re-engineered the category with our 15mm AcuFelt system to meet the demands of 2026 interior design standards, prioritizing performance over manufacturing shortcuts.

This technical comparison is designed to help architects, designers, and DIY enthusiasts understand the material science behind premium acoustic treatments. We will explore how density, veneer application, and domestic logistics impact the final quality of your home or office renovation.

Features

ThePanelHub

WoodUpp

Acoustic Backing

15mm AcuFelt™ (Premium)

9mm Standard Felt

Acoustic Performance

Class A (0.85 NRC)

Class C/B (0.50 to 0.70 NRC)

Veneer Application

3-Sided Precision Wrap

1-Sided Front Face Only

Slat Edge Profile

Smooth Rounded Safety Edges

Sharp 90-Degree Cut

Core Material

CoreShield™ Water Resistant

Standard MDF Fiberboard

Logistics

2 to 7 Days (US Stocking)

8 to 12 Weeks (Overseas)

15mm VS 9mm Felt Backing

WoodUpp: They utilize the industry-traditional 9mm felt backing. While this is highly effective at absorbing high-frequency "treble" (such as a ringing telephone or the clinking of silverware) it often fails to catch the mid-to-low range frequencies where the human voice and home theater bass reside. At this thickness, the panel acts primarily as a decorative element with light acoustic benefits.

The Panel Hub: SoundPanel utilizes a 15mm AcuFelt™ backing as our baseline standard. This 6mm difference represents a 66% increase in material depth. The 15mm standard allows sound waves with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies to penetrate deeper into the fiber matrix. This extra mass allows our panels to achieve a Class A NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating of 0.85 directly on the wall, a level of performance that 9mm panels struggle to reach without expensive additional insulation.

American Golden Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels | SoundPanel®.

CoreShield™ vs. Standard MDF

WoodUpp: Wood is a living material. Even after it is cut and veneered, it reacts to the moisture in your home. WoodUpp utilizes a high-quality but standard MDF core. In stable environments, this performs well. However, modern homes feature micro-climates. A kitchen island is subjected to steam from cooking, a bathroom features high humidity from showers, and a coastal home deals with heavy salt air.

The Panel Hub: we developed CoreShield™ Technology. During the manufacturing of our slats, the MDF core is infused with specialized moisture-resistant resins and high-pressure bonding agents. This creates a dimensionally stable core that resists warping, bowing, or blooming. If you have ever seen an inferior wood panel start to peel at the edges or bow away from the wall, that is a failure of the core material. TPH provides the durability required for these high-moisture zones.

Learn more about our Technical Specifications & Materials.

American Golden Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels | 3-Sided Veneer | SoundPanel®-Indoor-The Panel Hub

3-Sided Wood Veneer

WoodUpp: Traditionally uses 1-sided face veneer. While it looks beautiful from the front, the sides of the slats are often the raw, dark MDF. This is fine for flat walls but less "premium" for exposed corners or ends.

The Panel Hub: Features 3-sided wood veneer. The wood veneer wraps around the front and both sides of every slat. This ensures that if you look at the panel from an angle, you see wood grain rather than the dark MDF core. We also use CoreShield™, a moisture-resistant MDF suitable for humid areas like bathrooms. Wrapping all three sides provides a better seal against the fluctuating humidity common in many US climates (like the humid South or the dry Midwest), reducing the risk of the veneer peeling at the edges.

Independently Certified

WoodUpp: Holds the ASTM E84 Class A rating. This is the specific "Steiner Tunnel Test" required by the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA in the United States. Their acoustic panels, however, are certified as Class A only if you install them over 45mm timber battens with mineral wool behind them. If you screw them directly to the wall (the most common DIY method), they drop to a Class D rating.

The Panel Hub: The EN 13501-1 (SGS) certification is arguably more comprehensive. It doesn't just look at how fast fire spreads; it strictly categorizes smoke toxicity (s) and whether the material creates flaming droplets (d). TPH typically hits s1 (little to no smoke) and d0 (no flaming droplets), which is the safest possible rating in the Euroclass system. In terms of acoustic wood wall panels, TPH is also certified Class A absorption (NRC 0.85) with a direct-to-wall installation. Because our felt is 15mm thick, we have lab results proving the panels don't need an air gap to eliminate echo effectively.

Discover more about our certifications on Environment & Sustainability page.

5-Year Warranty

WoodUpp: In the US market, WoodUpp offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty alongside their famous 100-day return policy. The 100-day return is the "upper hand" if you are worried about the panels looking right in your lighting.Since they allow returns even after mounting (a rarity in the industry), you aren't "stuck" with a $2,000 wall if it looks different than the photos.However, after 1 year, you have no formal protection if the wood starts to peel.

The Panel Hub: For a homeowner or commercial contractor, our 5-year warranty mitigates the risk of "slat-drop" (where the wood strips eventually fall off the felt due to glue failure over time). Because we use moisture-resistant CoreShield™ and high-pressure bonding, they stand by the structural integrity for half a decade. You have less time to change your mind (60 days return policy), but more protection for the life of the wall.

See our Returns & Warranty policy.

Have a question? We are here to help.

Our customer support is available 24/7 to answer your inquiries.

Average answer time: 2h

FAQ

Why is 15mm felt better than 9mm for my home?

The 15mm thickness provides the necessary depth to absorb mid-to-low range sound frequencies. If you have high ceilings or a lot of glass, 9mm panels will leave a tinny echo in the room. Our 15mm AcuFelt provides a 66 percent increase in acoustic mass, creating a noticeably quieter and more peaceful environment.

Is the wood grain consistent across the 3-sided wrap?

Yes. Our 3-sided wrapping process ensures that the natural grain of the real wood veneer flows seamlessly from the front of the slat around to the sides. This eliminates the dark, ugly MDF line visible on 1-sided panels and provides a premium furniture-grade look from every angle.

Can I install TPH panels on the ceiling?

Absolutely. In fact, many professionals prefer TPH for ceilings because the 15mm felt provides a more secure grip for the screws, and the improved acoustic absorption is even more effective when mounted overhead to catch rising sound waves.

How does CoreShield handle a humid bathroom?

CoreShield is engineered with moisture-resistant resins that prevent the wood fibers from absorbing humidity. While the panels are not waterproof, they are perfectly suited for the steam and temperature fluctuations of a luxury bathroom or a kitchen backsplash.

Why should I trust The Panel Hub over a bigger brand?

We aren't just a marketing company; we are material engineers. We saw the limitations of the standard 9mm panel and decided to fix them. By stocking domestically in the US, providing a 5-year warranty, and offering a technically superior 15mm product, we provide a level of quality and service that legacy brands simply cannot match.