photo: Davydov
If you’ve clicked on this article, you know one of these feelings.
Maybe your guitar, drum kit, or sax is sitting unused because you can’t fit in a time to play around the baby’s nap schedule.
Maybe, as much as you want to encourage them, you’re sick of hearing your kid’s endless repetitions of the same section of a song while they practice.
Maybe you just want to be able to jam without annoying the neighbors or your roomies.
Whatever your reason for seeking out how to soundproof a room, you’ve got options. Read on for soundproofing tips, from low-budget fixes to bigger DIY projects.
How to Soundproof a Room With Quick Fixes
If you’re looking for simpler, budget-conscious solutions to soundproof a room, start with the obvious: mind the gaps!
Covering the space under the door is the easiest first step to take. There are plenty of soundproof draft guards available. Adding gaskets to the door frame will add to the effect.
Upgrading from a hollow-core door to a solid wooden one makes a big difference, as well.
Next are windows. Sealing leaks with weather stripping or acoustic sealant and covering the windows with thick curtains can go a long way toward soundproofing.
Another easy step is to rearrange your furniture. Putting heavier pieces such as wooden bookshelves or dressers up against inside walls can absorb a lot of the sound that would otherwise pass through them.
One more quick fix: add some fluff! Putting down a rug or adding a rug pad can create a real dampening effect. Hanging curtains around the room can do the same to soundproof a wall.
Soundproofing By Making Minor Room Modifications
If you’re up for a bit more work, there are some more aggressive soundproofing options that still stop short of a construction project.
Tacking up acoustic paneling or putting up soundproof wallpaper are simple options for how to soundproof a wall. If you have high enough ceilings, adding a false ceiling with soundproof insulation inside can do wonders.
If you play an instrument that produces bass tones, adding bass traps is crucial. These function best at a room’s tri-corners (where two walls meet the floor or ceiling), but they help no matter where you place them.
Heavy-Duty Soundproofing Solutions – The DIY Construction Route
If you’re prepared to gut a room or you’re building fresh, you can really ensure some serious soundproofing.
Start by filling wall cavities with soundproof insulation. Make sure to also fill the gaps between the studs and the door jambs.
Instead of attaching the drywall directly to your studs, first place a resilient channel. A resilient channel is a strip of metal that creates a spring between the drywall and the studs. It is a critical component of soundproof walls – just make sure you’re using it right!
Again, if you’ve got the height, creating a false ceiling is a good step to take. If not, make sure to at least insulate the ceiling with soundproof insulation, as with the walls.
For floors, apply an underlayment appropriate to the type of hard flooring you intend to use. If you’re looking for soundproofing materials or you want to find other ways to manage the sound in your house, check out quiethomeguide.com.
A Quiet Place
There are many options for how to soundproof a room, from the very simple to the more involved. Determine your budget and how big of a project you want to take on and follow the tips above.
