Soundproofing a room can be very beneficial if you have bad neighbours or you’re a musician.
In this article, we are going to be revealing the best way to soundproof a room from start to finish. For this method of sound proofing, you are going to need:
- Pencil
- Masonry drill
- Driver
- Hand saw
- Hammer
- String line
- Level
- Stanley knife
- Screws 4″ & 2″ + wall plugs
How To Sound Proof Your Walls
Soundproofing your walls is simple and it only needs a little bit of experience when it comes to DIY. We are going to use insulation 80mm and CLS timber because it’s dense and cheaper when compared to aluminium and other sawn timbers.
- CLS timber 2.4m X38mm X89mm
- Kingspan GA4080 1.2m x x2.4m x80mm or Rockwall
- Plasterboard SoundBloc Tapered edge (L)2.4m (W)1.2m (T)12.5mm
You will need to measure the room and order enough materials to cover the job.
These products can be purchased or ordered online from Wickes, B&Q plus other DIY outlets around the UK.
1) Preparation
Make sure you remove any plug sockets and light switches before you cover them with plasterboard. Plan your power supply to the room and be sure to install a pull light instead of a switch.
These issues seem minor now, but when you have finished and you cannot find a power supply or light switch then you will have to find them.
Screw your CLS onto the wall making sure you leave enough room for half a sheet of insulation and a full sheet of plasterboard.
This means you only have to cut the top from the plasterboard until you get to the last sheet. Depending on the wall you are drilling into masonry (brick) or stud wall.
If your drilling into a masonry wall then use your hammer drill and use the plugs and 4″ screws. Turn the CLS timber so the side so the 80mm is away from the wall. This will be perfect when it comes to cutting and inserting your 80mm insulation.
Top tip: If you increase the thickness of insulation you will reduce more sound but lose more floor space
2) Cutting and Fixing Insulation
Once you have your timbers securely fixed to the wall now is the time to cut the insulation.
You can do this with your hand saw, just mark each end and use your string line to make a mark. Or a long level to make a straight line.
You must cut the insulation so it fits tight, this will prevent any sound from leaving the room.
If you have fixed the CLS lengthways you should have enough room for 80mm thickness which is sufficient to keep any noise inside that room.
3) Fixing Plasterboard
The plasterboard we advised you to use is designed to soundproof, plus it’s tapered so you can dryline the joints.
Yes, you can use a cheaper type of plasterboard but this one makes all the difference when added to the insulation 80mm.
When you screw your plasterboard make sure the screw heads are flush and not prominent because when you come to start drylining they will stick out.
Continue working your way around your room, if you have a window then you can board over it for maximum soundproofing or cut out the window.
4) Ceiling Soundproofing
Once you have completed the walls, then it’s time to do the same on the ceiling.
We would advise you to turn the electricity off in the room and remove the bulb and pendant so you can thread the cord through the insulation/plasterboard attached on the roof.
Once you have plasterboarded the ceiling add the light fitting back on the long cord and you have light in the room.
5) Floor Soundproofing
You can soundproof the floor in two different ways. The first is with a heavy-duty sound matt that covers the floor and is very dense so sound cannot travel through as fast.
The other option is to take the floorboards up and pack the cavity with insulation. Just loft insulation will suffice for this task.
Be sure to wear protective equipment when using loft insulation because it is fibreglass and will affect your eyes, nose and chest.
For maximum soundproofing, I would suggest both methods unless your floor is solid concrete.
6) Extras Soundproofing
If you want to take your soundproofing further then here are some other methods you can make use of for maximum soundproofing.
Doors: Clad your doors the same way as the walls and ceiling, but make sure the door opens outwards because it will not open inwards after you clad it with insulation and plasterboard.
Acoustic Foam. Ta make your studio even more soundproof than we would suggest you cover the room in acoustic foam. This will make your room extra soundproof and will make all the difference.