9/8/2018 How to Build a Sound Proof Room: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Build a Sound Proof Room Reader

Approved

Two Methods: Easy Methods Soundproof Construction

Whether you need a fortress of solitude or want to start your own recording studio or music space, you will want to soundproof
the space you intend to use. Read below for some helpful advice on how you can soundproof a room on the cheap or do it like
the pros.

Method
Easy Methods
1

1 Install sound curtains or thick blankets. You can absorb a little sound by mounting thick blankets to the
wall.[1] If you're willing to spend a little money, purchase heavy sound curtains instead.[2]
If you have thick, insulated walls, this will have little additional effect.

2 Use bookcases. You can make walls thicker and more soundproofed by simply making use of
bookshelves. Cover a wall in bookshelves and books for a fairly effective sound barrier. Plus, you get a
nice library out of the deal.

3 Mount shaky items. Have you ever had a neighbor turn their music up really loud and noticed that
buzzing, rattling vibration sound more than anything else? Yeah, that’s why you’re going to want to mount
items like speakers. Use vibration insulation pads when mounting to keep items like speakers from annoying
everyone around you. [3]

4 Install a door sweep. Nail this rubber loop to the base of a door to block the gap. If the gap is too large to
cover with a sweep, nail a strip of lumber to the base of the door first.[4]

5 Use acoustic wedges panels. Purchase 12"x12" panels with a 2" depth curve relief. These do well to
absorb low to high frequencies. Some panels come already with an adhesive peel. Use 3M spray adhesive
to glue the panels to the walls and ceiling if it doesn't come with adhesive peel. You can cover all or just parts of
the surface, depending on the amount of dampening you desire. This cuts down on the 'noise' inside the room
and keeps your ears happy, especially if it is music rehearsal space.
Use a panel that is mostly fiberglass with a thin Mylar perforated facing. These types of panels have the
highest ratings in sound absorption values among almost all but the most expensive specialty tiles. They
will give you far more bang for buck than any other on the market.

Method
Soundproof Construction
2

1 Use thick material. The thicker and denser the material, the more sound it will absorb. Consider using ⅝"
(1.6 cm) drywall instead of the thinner sizes.
If you are improving on an existing wall, build a basic wall frame and attach it to the surface, anchoring it
to the existing studs. Cover this with a new layer of drywall or sheetrock.

2 Separate the two layers of wall. Whenever sound travels into a new substances, some of its energy is
absorbed, and some is reflected. Increase this effect by building the wall from two sheets of drywall or
sheetrock, with as much space between them as possible. This is called decoupling.
Decoupling actually makes the wall worse at blocking low frequencies, due to the resonance of the wall.
If the gap is only 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less, a damping compound is highly recommended to fight this
effect.[5]

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9/8/2018 How to Build a Sound Proof Room: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

3 Plan your stud placement. Most walls contain a single row of studs touching both layers of wall. Sound
travels easily through these studs, which can cancel out a great deal of work. When building a new wall,
choose one of the following stud placements instead:[6]
A double row of studs, one along each interior side. This is the most soundproof method, but requires
enough space to leave a gap between the two rows.
A staggered row of studs, alternating placement along one interior side, then the other.

4 Consider sound clips or channels. These are placed between the studs and the drywall, providing an
additional barrier for sound. There are two main options:
Sound clips are the most effective method, absorbing sound with heavy rubber components. Screw
them into the studs, insert a hat channel, then screw the drywall into the channel.[7]
Resilient channel is a springy metal channel designed for soundproofing. Screw this to the studs and
drywall using offset screws.[8] This may improve high-frequency blocking at the expense of low
frequencies.[9]
Note that hat channels are not effective at sound proofing.

5 Fill walls with a damping compound. This magical substance converts sound energy to heat. This can
be used between layers of wall, floor, or ceiling. Unlike most other methods, this should absorb low-
frequency noise. This makes it ideal if you expect loud bass from music and home theater systems.[10]
This is also sold as noise proofing glue or viscoelastic adhesive.
Some of these compounds may take days or weeks to "cure" to their full potential.[11]

6 Insulate with other material. Damping compound is one of the best all-purpose soundproofers, but there
are many other insulation materials.
Fiberglass is cheap and fairly effective.[12]
Foam insulation is a poor soundproofer. Thermal insulation is its major advantage.

7 Fill cracks with acoustical caulk. Even small cracks and gaps between materials can undermine sound
proofing. Special acoustical caulk (also sold as acoustical sealant) fills these gaps with an elastic, sound-
resistant material. Fill all cracks, as well as seams around the walls and windows. Keep the following in mind:[13]
Water-based caulks are easier to clean up. If using a solvent-based caulk, check the label to make sure
it won't harm your materials.
If the caulk doesn't match the wall color, choose one that specifically says it can be painted over.
Consider using normal caulk for the smallest cracks, since acoustical caulk is more difficult to handle.

8 Soundproof floors and ceilings. Floors and ceilings can be soundproofed using many of the same
systems suitable for walls. Most commonly, homeowners add an additional layer (or two) of drywall, with
dampening glue in between.[14] As a simple additional step, cover the floor with soundproofing mats, then install
carpet.
You do not need to soundproof the floor if there is no room below you.
Heavy concrete ceilings won't benefit much from the additional mass of drywall and damping compound.
Instead, add a drywall layer with an air gap in between, or fill the gap with fiberglass insulation.

9 Install soundproofing panels. If the soundproofing in your completed room is not substantial enough, you
can also use acoustic panels. Cheap options are available, but the more expensive panels may be more
effective.
Be sure to attach these to wall studs or other strong structures.

10 Finished.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I soundproof my ceiling so that I don't hear my upstairs neighbors?

Mark Spelman
General Contractor
Expert Answer

You can add another layer of drywall or some soundproofing material.

Question

What is the best material to be used for building a raised walkway?

Mark Spelman
General Contractor
Expert Answer

You can use railroad ties to elevate the new walk way. If you want to pour some concrete footers with a beam
system, this will remain in place for a long time.

Question

What should I do to make it to where no one can really hear my music and voice?

Mark Spelman
General Contractor
Expert Answer

You can fasten soundproof foam material to the wall. You could also build another thinner wall in front of the existing
wall.

Question

Is it possible to achieve 100% noise reduction in a room? How?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Not realistically. You can isolate around 70 db with these instructions. Orfield Laboratory's anechoic chamber, the
'quietest place on Earth', is about 99.99% soundproof - very difficult to achieve, and a degree of silence the brain
has trouble handling. In such conditions, instead of complete silence, you end up hearing all the stuff going on inside
your body that you do not hear in everyday life. Look it up if you like.

Question

What do I do if I have concrete walls? And is denim material good to use?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Concrete won't acoustically treat your room, but it is a great way to diminish sound bleed. Denim is fairly useless if
you're trying to soundproof. Remember to think layers of hard and soft materials to help 'deaden' the sound.

Question

How can I eliminate the noise coming into my house from a house next door?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

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9/8/2018 How to Build a Sound Proof Room: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

You can make a sound proof wall on the top of an existing wall with vinyl barrier and rsic clips and gypsum board.

Question

Where can I find soundproofing materials for a room?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Many materials can be found at your local Home Depot. You could also do a web search for "sound proof panels +
[your location]."

Question

About how much would it cost to sound proof a room?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

There so many factors to consider such as the size of the room, hiring installers or self installing and also where you
buy your materials from. Contact your local hardware stores and ask around for quotes that are more specific to
your needs.

Question

Should I lay carpet when I build a soundproof room?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Yes but always lay the carpet over soundproofing mats and then lay the carpet over the mats for best results.

Question

Can a basement be sound proofed?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Yes, use the same steps as above but simply accommodate for your own basement wall sizes and the ceiling.

Quick Summary

To build a sound proof room, try hanging thick blankets or sound curtains on the walls, which will contain some of
the noise you're making in the room. You can also install a door sweep underneath the door to block the gap and
keep more sound in. If that's not sound proof enough, get some acoustic wedge panels and cover all of the walls
with them. The panels will absorb sounds so they aren't heard outside of the room!

Tips

Replace rigid cellulose ceiling tiles. They mostly reflect sound.

Caulk gaps around any openings for lighting, etc. as well as the perimeter of the drop ceiling.

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Warnings

Construction or heavy modification of walls, floors, and ceilings should be done under experienced supervision
only.
The standard STC soundproof rating system is not always useful. It does not take into account any frequencies
below 125 Hertz, which includes sound from music, traffic, airplanes, and construction.[15]

Sources and Citations

1. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-make-a-room-soundproof.htm
2. http://residential-acoustics.com/soundproof-my-bedroom/
3. http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Soundproof_a_Room
4. http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/soundproofing_doors.htm
5. http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/decoupling-explained.html
6. http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/decoupling-explained.html
7. http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/decoupling-explained.html
8. http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/channel.htm
9. http://www.avsforum.com/forum/19-dedicated-theater-design-construction/909224-whats-difference-between-resilient-
channel-furring-strips.html
10. http://www.noisehelp.com/soundproofing-material.html
11. http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Soundproof_a_Room
12. http://www.noisehelp.com/soundproofing-material.html
13. http://www.noisehelp.com/acoustical-caulk.html
14. http://www.soundproofingcompany.com/soundproofing-solutions/soundproof-a-ceiling/
15. http://www.greengluecompany.com/benefit/how-green-glue-works/understanding-sound-transmission-class-stc

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