🍽️🇬🇧BS 8233:2014 · UK

Restaurant Acoustic Design in United KingdomBS 8233:2014 Requirements

Restaurants, cafes, bars, food halls. Typical volume: 200-2,000 m³.

RT60 Target
≤ 0.8s
Background Noise
45–55 dBA acceptable
STI Requirement
N/A
Regulation
BS 8233:2014 Table 4
RT60 (Reverberation Time)
The time, in seconds, for sound to decay by 60 dB after the source stops. BS 8233:2014 requires ≤ 0.8s for restaurant spaces in United Kingdom.
Reference: BS 8233:2014 Table 4 — guidance only

What BS 8233:2014 Requires for a Restaurant in United Kingdom

Regulation: BS 8233:2014 Table 4 — guidance only

RT60 target: ≤ 0.8s

Background noise limit: 45–55 dBA acceptable

How to Calculate BS 8233:2014 Compliance for a Restaurant in United Kingdom

  1. 1

    Identify the applicable United Kingdom standard and target

    Look up BS 8233:2014 for restaurant spaces in United Kingdom. The RT60 target is ≤ 0.8s. BS 8233:2014 Table 4 — guidance only.

  2. 2

    Measure or model the room geometry

    Record the length, width, and height of the room to calculate the volume. A typical restaurant has a volume of 200-2,000 m³.

  3. 3

    List all surfaces and their absorption coefficients

    For each surface (floor, ceiling, walls, windows, doors), find the absorption coefficient at each octave band frequency (125 Hz to 4 kHz) from ISO 354 test data or a materials database.

  4. 4

    Calculate total absorption and apply the Sabine or Eyring equation

    Sum all surface absorption values: A = sum of (alpha x area). Then apply T60 = 0.161 x V / A (Sabine) or T60 = -0.161 x V / (S x ln(1 - alpha_avg)) (Eyring). Use Eyring when average alpha exceeds 0.20.

  5. 5

    Compare result against BS 8233:2014 and specify treatment

    If the calculated RT60 exceeds the target of ≤ 0.8s, specify additional absorption. Typical treatment cost in United Kingdom is £65–£120/m².

Cost of Compliance in United Kingdom

Treatment Cost Range

£65–£120/m²

Currency: £

What Affects Cost

  • • Room volume and surface area
  • • Target standard strictness
  • • Existing acoustic conditions
  • • Finish and material quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does BS 8233:2014 require for a restaurant in United Kingdom?

BS 8233:2014 requires a reverberation time of ≤ 0.8s for restaurant spaces in United Kingdom. BS 8233:2014 Table 4 — guidance only. Measurement should be performed per ISO 3382-2 methodology.

What is the background noise limit for a restaurant in United Kingdom?

The background noise limit is 45–55 dBA acceptable under BS 8233:2014. This typically refers to HVAC and building services noise measured with the room unoccupied.

How much does acoustic treatment cost for a restaurant in United Kingdom?

Typical acoustic treatment for a restaurant in United Kingdom costs £65–£120/m². Costs vary based on finish quality, room size, and existing conditions.

Calculate BS 8233:2014 Compliance for Your Restaurant in United Kingdom

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