How To Soundproof A Room On A Budget | 7 Cheapest Ways

If you want to learn how to soundproof a room on a budget, especially if you live near noisy neighbors or busy streets, soundproofing is a great idea. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to do this! In this guide, I will show you easy and affordable ways to soundproof your room. Let’s get started!

Know the Factors Where Noise Comes From

Before you start soundproofing, it’s important to know where the noise is coming from. Here are some common sources of noise in homes:

• Windows and Doors: These are major pathways for noise. Check for gaps and cracks where sound can sneak in.
• Walls: Thin walls can let sound travel easily, especially if they share space with neighbors.
• Floors and Ceilings: In multi-story buildings, noise from footsteps above or below can be very distracting.
• Appliances: Loud appliances like washing machines or HVAC systems can create significant noise.
• Outdoor Noise: Traffic, construction, and outdoor events can also contribute to the noise level in your home.

Now that we understand where noise comes from, let’s look at how to reduce it.

How To Soundproof A Room On A Budget | 7 Budget-Friendly Ways

1. Use Soft Furnishings to Absorb Sound

Soft things in your room can help soak up sound and make it quieter. Here are some tips on how to soundproof a room on a budget:

• Thick Curtains: Hang heavy curtains over your windows. They can block outside noise and help keep your room quiet.
• Area Rugs: Put thick rugs or carpets on hard floors. They help absorb sound and reduce echoes.
• Cushions and Soft Furniture: Add cushions and soft furniture like sofas. The more soft items you have, the less noise will bounce around.

2. Treat Your Walls for Better Sound Insulation

Making your walls better at blocking sound can really help when considering how to soundproof a room on a budget.

• Acoustic Panels: You can buy or make special panels that absorb sound. These can be made from foam or fabric-covered boards. Hang them on your walls to soak up noise.
• Bookshelves: Place-filled bookshelves against walls that share with neighbors. The books inside help block sound.
• Wall Hangings: Use tapestries or heavy blankets on the walls for extra sound absorption.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks to Prevent Noise Leakage

Sealing gaps in your room is one of the easiest ways to stop noise from getting in and is an important part of learning how to soundproof a room on a budget.

• Caulk Gaps: Use caulk (a special sealant) to fill in gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards where sound might sneak through.
• Weather Stripping: Put weather stripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal against noise.
• Outlet Covers: Use putty pads around electrical outlets to block the noise coming through these openings.

4. Soundproof Your Doors

Doors can let in a lot of noise if they are not treated properly. Here’s how to do it as part of your plan for how to soundproof a room on a budget:

• Solid Core Doors: If you can, replace hollow doors with solid core doors. These are heavier and block more sound.
• Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps at the bottom of doors to cover gaps where sound can come in.
• Blankets Over Doors: Hang moving blankets over doors for extra sound absorption.

5. Improve Your Windows to Block Noise

Windows are often weak spots for noise when thinking about how to soundproof a room on a budget.

• Double Glazing: If you have the money, consider getting double-glazed windows. They have two layers of glass that block noise better.
• Window Inserts: Use acrylic or glass inserts that fit over your existing windows as a cheaper option to reduce noise.
• Heavy Curtains Again: Thick curtains can help block outside noise when they are closed.

6. Treat Your Ceiling if You Have Noisy Neighbors Above

If you live in an apartment with noisy neighbors above, here’s what you can do as part of learning how to soundproof a room on a budget:

• Acoustic Ceiling Tiles: Install special tiles on your ceiling that absorb sound.
• Insulation Between Joists: If you can reach the space above your ceiling, adding insulation between the beams can help reduce noise from above.

7. Use Rugs and Carpets on Floors

Hard floors can reflect sound instead of absorbing it, which is important when figuring out how to soundproof a room on a budget.

• Thick Carpets and Rugs: Use thick carpets or area rugs to dampen footstep noises and other sounds.
• Underlayment Options: Consider adding a soft layer beneath flooring materials for extra sound absorption.

How to Soundproof a Room from Noisy Neighbors

If noisy neighbors are bothering you, here are some tips that relate directly to learning how to soundproof a room on a budget:

1. Wall Treatments: Hang acoustic panels or heavy blankets on walls that share with neighbors to absorb their sounds.
2. Floor Coverings: If you’re on the bottom floor, thick carpets or rugs can help reduce sounds from above.
3. Door Solutions: Make sure your doors are solid core and use door sweeps to cover gaps where noise might enter.

How to Soundproof a Room From Outside Noise

When outside noise is a problem, try these methods as part of understanding how to soundproof a room on a budget:

1. Window Treatments: Use double-glazed windows or window inserts along with heavy curtains to block outside sounds effectively.
2. Sealing Gaps: Make sure all gaps around windows and doors are sealed with caulk and weather stripping to prevent noise from coming in.
3. Exterior Barriers: If possible, plant trees or install fences outside your windows as natural barriers against street noise.

Can You Completely Soundproof a Room?

While it’s hard to make a room completely soundproof, you can make it much quieter with the right techniques related to how to soundproof a room on a budget:

1. Layering Materials: The more layers of material (like drywall) you add, the better your soundproofing will be because it adds mass.
2. Use Resilient Channels: If you’re willing to do some construction work, installing resilient channels before adding drywall can help reduce vibrations.
3. Regular Maintenance Checks: Check seals around windows and doors regularly; replace weather stripping as needed to keep everything tight.

How To Soundproof A Room On A Budget | DIY Soundproofing Ideas

If you’re looking for ways to save money while learning how to soundproof a room on a budget, here are some do-it-yourself ideas:

1. Add Mass to Your Walls

Adding weight to your walls can help block sound. Here are some straightforward ideas:

• Double Drywall: Put an extra layer of drywall on your walls. This extra thickness helps stop noise from coming through, and using different thicknesses can work even better.
• Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): This heavy, flexible material can be placed behind drywall or under carpets. It’s great for stopping sound without taking up much space.
• Soundproof Panels: You can buy or make panels that absorb sound. These can be hung on walls and help reduce echo and noise.

2. Dampen Sound

Damping means reducing vibrations that carry sound. Here’s how to do it:

• Green Glue: This special glue goes between two layers of drywall to absorb sound vibrations. It’s easy to use during a renovation.
• Soundproof Mats: Place these mats under your floors or on walls to help absorb sound.
• Spray Foam: Use spray foam insulation in wall cavities to help block sound and keep your room warm.

3. Decouple Walls

Decoupling means creating space between surfaces to stop sound from traveling through them:

• Resilient Channels: These are metal strips that you can attach to your walls before putting up drywall. They create a gap that helps reduce noise transfer.
• Staggered Stud Walls: If you’re building new walls, use staggered studs (wood supports) so they don’t touch each other directly. This helps block sound.
• Floating Floors: Install a floor that doesn’t touch the subfloor directly. This can help reduce noise from below.

4. Seal Gaps

Small gaps can let a lot of sound in, so sealing them is important:

• Acoustic Caulk: Use this special caulk to fill gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes come through the wall. It’s designed to block sound effectively.
• Weatherstripping: Add weatherstripping around doors and windows to close any gaps and keep noise out.
• Door Sweeps: Install sweeps at the bottom of doors to stop sound from sneaking in underneath.

5. Absorb Sound with Soft Materials

Soft materials can soak up sound and make your room quieter:

• Acoustic Panels: These panels are made to absorb sound and improve the overall acoustics of your room. They come in various designs and colors.
• Rugs and Curtains: Use thick rugs or carpets on the floor and heavy curtains on windows. These materials help absorb noise and reduce echo.

6. Make Your Own Soundproof Panels

You can easily create your own soundproof panels with these steps:

• Materials Needed:
  1. Wooden strips (furring strips)
  2. Foam or insulation board
  3. Fabric (like old blankets or upholstery)
  4. Staple gun
  5. Hanging hardware (if needed)
• Instructions:
  1. Build a frame with wooden strips.
  2. Fill the frame with foam or insulation.
  3. Cover it with fabric using a staple gun.
  4. Hang the panels on walls where you want less noise.

7. The Egg Carton Myth

Using egg cartons was once thought to be a good way to soundproof because of their shape; however, they don’t really block noise well but can help reduce echo when used alongside other methods.

How Much Does it Cost to Soundproof a Room?

Soundproofing a room can vary widely in cost depending on several factors, including the size of the room, the materials used, and the methods of soundproofing chosen.

Average Costs

• Typical Range: Most homeowners spend between $1,022 and $2,703 to soundproof a room, with an average cost of around $1,858.
• Cost per Square Foot: Soundproofing an existing room may cost between $10 and $30 per square foot, while new constructions may cost between $12 and $25 per square foot.

Cost by Room Type

Different rooms have different soundproofing needs and costs:

Room Type	Average Cost Range
Bedroom	$1,300 – $6,000
Home Office	$1,000 – $4,500
Home Theater	$1,200 – $10,000
Garage	$1,900 – $14,400
Basement	$5,000 – $30,000
Laundry Room	$420 – $2,500

Cost Factors

Several factors influence the overall cost of soundproofing:

1. Room Size: Larger rooms require more materials and labor.
2. Type of Soundproofing: Different materials (e.g., acoustic panels, soundproof drywall) have varying costs.
3. Installation Method: Professional installation can add to the cost compared to DIY methods.
4. Specific Areas: Costs can differ based on whether you’re soundproofing walls, ceilings, floors, windows, or doors.

Material Costs

Here are some common materials and their average costs:

• Acoustic Panels: $100 per panel
• Soundproof Curtains: $100 per set
• Mass Loaded Vinyl: $2 – $5 per square foot
• Soundproof Drywall: About $40 per panel
• Acoustic Foam Insulation: $1 – $3 per square foot

Overall, the cost to soundproof a room can range from a few hundred dollars for basic treatments in small spaces to several thousand for comprehensive solutions in larger areas. It’s important to evaluate your specific needs and budget when planning a soundproofing project.

Read also: What is a Keeping Room?

How To Soundproof a Room For Drums

If you play the drums, you know that practicing can be really loud. Whether you want to keep the peace with neighbors or family members, soundproofing your drum room is a smart idea.

1. Find and Seal Air Leaks

Before adding materials, look for places where sound might escape. Sealing these gaps will help keep noise inside.

• Check Doors and Windows: Look for gaps around doors and windows. Use caulk to fill in these gaps.
• Use Weather Stripping: Put weather stripping around doors and windows to create a tighter seal.
• Seal Electrical Outlets: Use putty pads around electrical outlets to block noise from sneaking through.

2. Add Soft Materials

After sealing gaps, add materials that will soak up sound.

• Carpets and Rugs: Lay down thick carpets or rugs on the floor. They help absorb sound and reduce echoes.
• Acoustic Panels: Hang acoustic panels on the walls. These panels are designed to soak up sound waves.
• Heavy Curtains: Use heavy curtains over windows. They can block outside noise and add extra absorption.

3. Treat Your Walls

To improve soundproofing, consider adding more materials to your walls.

• Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): This heavy material can be added to walls to block sound. It’s effective but can be a bit pricey.
• Extra Drywall Layers: Adding another layer of drywall with a special glue (called Green Glue) between layers can really help block sound.

4. Soundproof Your Ceiling

If you have neighbors above you, treating your ceiling is important.

• Acoustic Ceiling Tiles: Install special tiles on your ceiling that absorb sound.
• Insulation Between Joists: If you can get into the ceiling space, adding insulation between the beams can help reduce noise from above.

5. Soundproof Your Door

Doors can let in a lot of noise if they aren’t treated properly.

• Solid Core Door: If possible, replace hollow doors with solid core doors. These are heavier and block more sound.
• Door Sweep: Install a door sweep at the bottom of the door to cover any gaps where sound can escape.
• Door Seal Kit: Use an acoustic door seal kit to make sure there are no air gaps around the door frame.

6. Consider Building an Isolation Booth

If you have enough space, building a small booth just for your drum set can be very effective.

• Isolation Booth Construction: You can build a small room using soundproofing materials to keep the noise contained while you play.

Estimated Costs for Soundproofing a Drum Room

Here’s a rough idea of how much different soundproofing materials might cost:

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Weather stripping (per door)	$10 – $20
Acoustic panels (per panel)	$30 – $100
Mass Loaded Vinyl (per roll)	$100 – $200
Extra drywall (per sheet)	$10 – $15
Green Glue (per tube)	$15 – $30
Heavy curtains	$50 – $150
Rugs or carpets	$50 – $300
Isolation booth materials	$200 – $500+

Total Estimated Cost

Depending on how much work you want to do, costs can range from around $200 for basic improvements (like sealing gaps and adding rugs) to over $1,000 for more extensive solutions (like building an isolation booth).

Extra Tips on How to Soundproof a Room on a Budget

1. Layering Materials Again: Adding more layers of material (like drywall) will improve your soundproofing because it adds mass.
2. Use Resilient Channels Again: If you’re willing to do some construction work, installing resilient channels before adding drywall can help minimize vibrations.
3. Regular Maintenance Checks Again: Regularly check seals around windows and doors; replace weather stripping as needed to keep everything tight.

Read also: How To Turn My Bedroom Into a Escape Room | 6 Easy Steps

Conclusion

Soundproofing a room from outside noise and noisy neighbors is possible with creativity and resourcefulness! By using soft furnishings, sealing gaps, treating walls and ceilings, and doing some DIY projects, you can make your space much quieter without spending too much money. While complete soundproofing may not be possible, these strategies will help you feel more comfortable at home as you learn how to soundproof a room on a budget! 

FAQs on How to Soundproof a Room on a Budget