How To Soundproof a Wall and Finally Get Peace & Quiet

You’ve landed here because, like many, you want to know how to soundproof a wall, be it for privacy, peace, or simply enhancing your living environment.

The constant noise from your kid’s drums, the noisy street, the neighbor’s loud music, or even the distant hum of city life can disrupt your peace and tranquility at home. The need to escape these disturbances and create a serene environment is more important to you than ever.

Having delved deep into the intricacies of soundproofing methods, materials, and their effectiveness, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that draws from both scientific studies and hands-on experiences.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your living space, a professional seeking to set up a quiet home office, or simply someone wanting to enjoy a movie without external disturbances, this guide caters to all.

We understand the value of a peaceful home environment. It’s not just about blocking out noise; it’s about creating a space where you can relax, focus, and truly be yourself. Let’s embark on this journey to achieve that tranquility together.

With this guide, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know about soundproofing a wall, ensuring you make informed decisions that best suit your needs.

Why Consider Soundproofing Walls?

Soundproofing a wall requires an investment of time, money, and effort (especially if you choose to DIY the entire process). So, why consider this and go through all that work? Here are the benefits of soundproofing a wall:

• It can increase your privacy. You can enjoy your peace at home and be free from the disturbance of annoying noises from your neighbors and the surrounding environment.
• It can help you live comfortably. Excess noise can make your living situation annoying and depressing. A study by the NIH reveals the link between noise and depression. Therefore, blocking out noise from the outside can improve your quality of life and combat depression.
• It can reduce stress. Aside from causing depression, too much outside noise can also increase your stress level. Soundproofing a wall can restore your home into a relaxing, stress-relieving refuge. 

Considerations Before Soundproofing Walls

Now that you’ve considered soundproofing a wall, it is best to plan this project carefully to enjoy the best results. There are a few considerations to ensure the soundproofed wall can do the job.

1. Cost 

The installation cost is the primary consideration when soundproofing a wall. Shop around to learn about the cost of various soundproofing materials and the pros and cons of each material. It will help you determine the best and most cost-efficient way to soundproof your walls at home. 

2. Schedule 

Soundproofing a wall can take a few days to weeks, depending on the size of the soundproofing requirements. Carefully discuss the project’s timeframe with your contractor to determine its feasibility. If you embark on a DIY project, it pays to know how much time it takes to complete the project based on your availability.

3. Noise

Determine the source and the extent of the noise you want to block from your home or apartment. Is it a temporary or recurring noise? How loud is the noise? These are essential factors to consider to help you pick the best material and extent of soundproofing. 

4. Area

Once you determine the noise source, you can plan which area to install the soundproofing materials. The most common areas to soundproof are the bedroom, living room, home office, or any room where you require quiet and privacy. 

5. Materials

Different soundproofing materials differ in their effectiveness in blocking out external noise. Research the soundproofing capabilities of each material to pick the best one for the job. 

Methods to Soundproof a Wall

There are several methods for soundproofing a wall. These methods are divided into two categories: for an existing wall or soundproofing a wall from scratch. 

Soundproofing an Existing Wall

Several methods are available if you have an existing home or apartment that you want to soundproof. These methods apply to walls you don’t want to be removed, whether to minimize the cost or save time. You can easily soundproof any room in your home using the following methods.

1. Close any leaks or gaps

Sound can enter your home or apartment through cracks, leaks, or gaps in the windows, doors, and seams. It can also enter your home through ducts and pipes. Consider these potential entry points for sounds when you want to soundproof your home or an existing wall. 

One thing you can do is apply acoustic caulk. It will help seal any gaps in your home’s doors, windows, and other areas where sound can pass through. 

Another option is adding weather stripping on your walls, windows, and doors to eliminate gaps. It will give your home an added benefit of increasing energy efficiency because you reduce the heat or cold air that escapes from inside.

2. Reduce vibrations

Transform your walls or doors by adding materials that don’t quickly vibrate. Reducing vibrations inside your walls and home can also reduce the sound that enters the room. Therefore, you must invest in materials that absorb vibrations, such as foam and fiberglass.

3. Acoustic Panels and Curtains

Acoustic panels and curtains are among the solutions to soundproof an existing wall. An acoustic curtain is made of heavy materials that cover your windows. They act as insulation for the windows and to absorb sound. Thicker curtain materials are more effective in absorbing sound.

On the other hand, acoustic panels work in the same way because they help absorb noise. These panels and curtains are available in modern fabric that blend effortlessly into your existing décor.

4. Decoupling

This method involves building a wall within a given room. Adding another wall can block out any noise that escapes the room, especially when you use sound-absorbing materials. Having two walls instead of one can effectively absorb excess noise.

5. Add Mass

Adding mass to your walls can help reduce or block out sound because it becomes more difficult for sound to pass through the added mass. There are several ways to achieve this, such as adding bookshelves or bookcases beside a wall. The added mass requires sound to travel through the mass, so it would have significantly dissipated by the time it reaches the room. 

Another option is to add a sheetrock to the wall to enhance its sound-reducing capability. 

Soundproofing a Wall from Scratch

Soundproofing a wall from scratch is much easier than doing it on an existing wall because you can choose the best materials with soundproofing ability from scratch. Here are some methods to use when building a soundproof wall from scratch.

1. Decoupling

While decoupling can work for an existing wall, you can also use this method on a brand-new build. Decoupling refers to separating two walls to limit the vibrations between these walls. The fewer vibrations, the fewer the sound can penetrate that wall.

Decoupling a wall can involve various methods, such as building double studs, staggered studs, or resilient channels. Consider the pros and cons of each method to limit the sound transfer. 

2. Increase Mass

You can increase the mass on a new wall while building it to improve its soundproofing quality. The goal is to add as much mass on your wall as possible to decrease the sound transmission. Adding another layer of drywall can reduce the sound transfer through the walls. You can use a standard or soundproof drywall, depending on the extent of noise you wish to block out.

A soundproof drywall is more expensive because it is made of a denser material.

3. Use Sound Absorbing Materials

Investing on materials known for their sound-absorbing qualities is another option when building a wall from scratch. Choose materials with added interior or exterior wall insulation as they effectively absorb sound. Another great option is fiberglass for noise absorption.

4. Sound Damping

The sound-damping technique is when you incorporate an acoustic membrane into the drywall layers. This process reduces the resonance of sound within the walls, making it more effective in reducing the amount of sound that passes through them. 

5. Limit Sound Leakage

When building a new wall, it is crucial to reduce gaps or leaks between the walls, windows, and doors. The fewer cracks or gaps, the more effective it is in blocking out sounds. 

If you are serious about making your walls soundproof, you can use acoustic caulk into the new walls. It will minimize the gaps between the walls, windows, and doors. You should also consider the type of doors you install. Choose doors with a solid seal to ensure no sound can pass through it, especially when closed. The same goes with your light fixtures and windows. Choose the ones that can effectively reduce sound penetration. 

What Are the Best Sound-Absorbing Materials?

Sound-absorbing materials are the primary choice when you want to soundproof a wall. The porous material traps the sound molecules, so they won’t echo as much as they usually would. Therefore, you should consider them when soundproofing a wall to reduce sound vibrations.

The first option is an acoustic fiberglass material. It is lightweight and versatile. You can easily cut it into any shape or size you want for a specific application. For example, you can fit it into the walls or ceiling to reduce sound vibrations and effectively soundproof a room.

Another sound-absorbing material to consider is acoustic foam. It is an easy-to-install material that effectively dampens sound. Therefore, it is commonly used in music studios or garages to block out the noise. The material can also significantly improve the acoustic quality within a room. 

The acoustic foam can absorb sound waves, thus limiting its ability to reflect off surfaces. It does not make your room 100% soundproof but it is a popular choice because it is budget-friendly and easy to use. 

To Soundproof a Wall or Not?

You have many options to soundproof a wall. Some are more expensive than others, while others are easier. The best thing to do is to assess your soundproofing needs. Determine the amount of noise you want to block out and its frequency. It will inform your decision on which soundproofing method to use most effectively for your particular situation. 

Whether you have an existing wall or building a new one, this process will require a significant investment of your time, money, and effort. But if it means you can block out unwanted noise and give you more privacy, then it is a worthwhile investment that you can enjoy for many years. 

FAQs on Soundproofing Walls

How much does it cost to soundproof a wall?

The cost of soundproofing a wall varies according to the method and material used. The average cost covers materials and labor from $1,000 to $2,500. The size of the wall that you need to soundproof can also impact the cost. 

How can I soundproof my wall cheaply?

The most inexpensive way to soundproof a wall is to use any existing materials in your room, such as furniture or bookcases. Also, place a blanket over the windows or walls to prevent the sound waves from entering the room. It won’t totally block out the sound or noise from the outside but will help reduce it to make them less bothersome. 

Is it possible to 100% soundproof a room?

Yes. Making a room completely soundproof is possible with suitable materials and construction. It requires extensive planning to ensure you apply the necessary methods to prevent sound leakage into the room. But with all the elements working together, making a room as close to being perfectly soundproof as possible is possible. 

Can Styrofoam be used for soundproofing?

Yes, you may use Styrofoam to soundproof your walls. However, it is not adequate to deliver outstanding results on its own so you must pair it with a denser material to effectively cancel out excess noise. 

Do soundproof walls absorb sound?

The materials used for soundproofing a wall reduce the sound transfer through the materials or walls. However, it won’t reduce the sound. For this, you need materials with sound absorption capacity. 

Is soundproofing worth the cost?

Soundproofing can be worth the investment depending on your intended use of a given space or room. For example, if you want to use the space as an office or studio where you will require concentration and a quiet place to focus, then soundproofing is a worthwhile investment. You can set aside a budget according to your needs and goals for soundproofing. 

Can you soundproof a room without damaging walls?

Yes. There are several methods for soundproofing a wall even for existing walls, which means you don’t have to take it down or cause damage to enjoy soundproofing benefits.