How To Soundproof A Room On A Budget

Beginner Info, Soundproofing

How to soundproof a room on a budget
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Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through the various aspects of soundproofing a room cheaply.

A thorough reading of this article will help you in making an informed buying decision.

Two frequently asked questions that we’re gonna discuss in this post are as follows:

How to soundproof a room cheaply? And, how much does it cost to soundproof a room cheaply?

Moreover, we’ll discuss ten unique and cost-effective soundproofing ideas that you can implement in your apartment to achieve the epitome of silence.

Since you’ve landed on this post, I’m assuming that you’re looking for cheap yet effective soundproofing ideas.

 The good news is, I’ll be sharing some of the soundproofing hacks that you can easily implement, and you know what, for FREE. 

So, keep reading and don’t miss any of these methods:):):)

Well, most of us prefer living in metros because of the jobs, facilities, security, health care, etc., and you’ll definitely agree that there is a long list of benefits of living in a tier-1 city as well.

Nevertheless, there is definitely a downside to it.

Since I was born in the countryside and then moved to the metro, I think I’m the right person to evaluate the PROS and CONS of living in metros as well as the countryside.

After moving to the metro, one thing that I always miss is the epitome of silence.

It took me a while to understand that quietness is a luxury in a metro city.

You need to pay a good amount to the soundproof consultant to get the work done for you.

Nonetheless, you may be wondering, how can I say so with so much confidence, right?

Well, let me introduce myself.

 I’m a soundproof consultant with a decade of experience and have helped quite a few clients achieve peace by soundproofing their homes and offices. 

However, in this article, I’m not gonna talk about those high-end methods to achieve quietness that I’ve applied in commercial soundproofing projects.

This article will only talk about cheap soundproofing ideas that anyone can implement in their homes.

Does it make sense?

Trust me, you don’t need expensive instruments or soundproofing materials to dampen the noise.

In fact, soundproofing a room on a shoestring budget is completely doable, and you know what, all you need is, the placement of household items in the correct way.

Creativity and Innovation are the two important tools that you’ll need to soundproof a room on a budget or for FREE.

Even though you’re a newbie, the list of these 10 soundproofing cheap ideas is gonna change your life forever.

So, are you ready for the fast lane?

Is it Possible to Completely Soundproof a Room?

I hope you’ll also agree with the statement that there are numerous ways in which noise can ruin our day.

The situation can be pathetic if you’re living in an apartment that has bad insulation, and thus, you’re forced to compromise with your living standards.

Another possible scenario could be a noisy location.

For example, people living in the vicinity of a high-traffic zone such as an airport or a railway station are bound to tolerate high-pitch noises.

As a result, they are exposed to irreversible health hazards, unknowingly.

In case, your luck isn’t with you, then you may have an encounter with the noisy neighbors.

I always request my clients to NOT make loud noises a part of their daily routine.

Giving up against the loud and unwanted noise isn’t the solution.

The noise pollution is as harmful as other forms of pollution.

It can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even worse, it may lead to permanent hearing loss.

It’s your fundamental right to live in a quiet and peaceful ambiance, isn’t it?

In short, you deserve peace and quietness not less than the person living next door.

Unfortunately, you’re a culprit and no one else.

 It is you who has to take action to safeguard your peace of mind and not the person living next door. 

Am I RIGHT?

You’ll be astonished to know that there are lots of cheap soundproofing ideas that you can implement without spending a fortune.

Coming back to the question, “Is it possible to completely soundproof a room?”.

The answer is “YES”.

You can completely soundproof a room.

Moreover, you can even achieve a pin drop of silence.

But, for that, you’ll need to spend a good chunk of money.

In short, cheap soundproofing ideas will not help you to achieve the epitome of silence.

However, I can assure you that cost-effective methods can help you to dampen more than 50 percent of the airborne as well as impact noises.

To conclude, quietness isn’t as costly as you think.

Again I’m repeating, it is well achievable without spending a fortune.

Moreover, if we talk about the level of success, then without any doubt, it depends on lots of parameters.

External factors such as the environment and the type of noise that you want to combat can also influence the outcome of the soundproofing project.

A bit of innovation and creativity is all you need to make a tangible difference.

How Does Soundproofing Work?

Soundproofing aka sound insulation is a phenomenon to dampen the airborne and impact noise to achieve a quiet ambiance.

The soundproofing method uses both sound-absorbing as well as soundproofing materials to dampen unwanted noise.

Let’s dive a little bit deeper.

Especially the newbies must understand the propagation of the sound wave.

The sound wave travels from a source to the destination in all possible directions.

However, sound waves can’t travel in a vacuum.

It always needs a medium such as air, water, etc. to propagate.

There are mainly two types of noise: airborne and impact noise.

As the name suggests, the airborne noise propagates through the air.

On the other hand, impact noise is the outcome of an impact event.

For example, footsteps sound or something falling on the floor creates impact noise.

Once airborne noise hits a surface, it either passes through it or gets reflected back.

At the same time, a percentage of it can pass through the surface and the rest can get reflected.

If you’re a victim of a noisy environment, then you’re left with only a few options.

Using soundproofing materials in the correct way can help you to achieve quietness without spending a fortune.

The performance of a soundproofing object depends upon various parameters such as size, thickness, density, and structure.

In the past, I was a part of various successful soundproofing projects such as soundproofing professional studios, office buildings, etc.

Nonetheless, soundproofing the aforementioned structures needs costly soundproofing devices and panels to dampen the noise.

Moreover, there are many ways to soundproof a room other than spending a good chunk of money on costly devices.

Again, I’m repeating, that soundproofing a room can be easily achieved on a budget, as long as you know what you’re doing.

The good news is, it doesn’t take long to learn and execute the basics.

Moving further, we’ll discuss what you should expect from Cheap DIY solutions and WHAT NOT.

What to Expect from Cheap DIY Solutions?

If you’re looking for a complete pin drop of silence, then let me tell you, it isn’t possible.

Cheap DIY solutions can’t suppress 100 percent noise.

However, using these solutions in a smart way can help you to enhance your living conditions.

Of course, I’m talking in the context of the noise.

The budget-friendly and the right way to soundproof a room cheaply is by closing all the gaps, cracks, and holes in the room.

As mentioned earlier, a high level of noise has the capability to pass through the thin layers, so to avoid it from happening, you need to soundproof your windows, doors, and even walls.

In case, the walls of your room are thin, then add a layer of drywall to increase the thickness.

Similarly, if the doors are hollow, then use soundproof curtains, etc. to add an additional layer of protection against the noise.

Finally, you can soundproof a room even though you’re on a tight budget.

How to Soundproof a Room Cheaply?

Well, as I promised to my readers in one of my posts I’ll walk them through some of the cheapest soundproofing ideas for rooms, and here I’m fulfilling my promise.

I’ve received lots of queries from my readers as well as clientele, particularly on this topic, and so, at the end of this post, I’ll be taking some really interesting and frequently asked queries.

Out of these 10 cheap soundproofing ideas, few will not cost you even a single penny, and the rest will require a reasonable yet affordable investment.

[Related]

Rearrange the Furniture

This is a totally free idea and doesn’t need any upfront investment at all.

However, you can only expect a tangible result if you’ve enough furniture.

You’ll be astonished to know that by simply arranging the furniture in an idiosyncratic way, a large percentage of external noise can be prevented from entering your room.

The results can be mindboggling if the walls of your room are thin.

You just need to push your wardrobe and bookshelves against the walls.

If you’ve got a very limited amount of furniture, then give priority to the walls that are facing the streets and also, shared walls, if any.

Another zero-investment idea could be to add some mass to the common walls.

This can be done by using canvas paintings or tapestries.

Pro Tip: The thicker the fabric the better will be the sound absorbing capabilities.

So, if you have an enticing rug, then simply install it on the wall and you’re done.

Things can’t be simpler than this, right?

You can’t ignore the soundproof wallpapers when it comes to improving the acoustics of your room.

They can do wonders and give you superlative results, but you must be well informed about their placement.

I always vouch for white brick pattern wallpaper (Check the Current Price On Amazon) because it syncs well with my home decor.

It not only makes your room look beautiful but also, adds mass to the walls.

 Unlike regular wallpapers which are very thin, the soundproof wallpapers have a good thickness as it is made of thicker foam material. 

I recommend it for the walls that are exposed and naked even though you’ve used all the bookshelves, paintings, etc.

Another thing that you need to consider is the room occupancy.

In simple terms, the room shouldn’t be vacant.

Bonus Tip: The more the room is filled the better will be the acoustical properties of the room.

Placing some sofas and chairs can fill the room and rule out problems such as echoes, reverbs, and vibrations.

If the room is bigger than a mid-sized room then I would recommend you add some sitting areas.

Try to cover as much hard surface as possible to reduce the bouncing of the sound waves.

Soundproof Door Using Household Items

If you’re an avid reader of this blog then you’ll be well aware of the fact that time and again, I’ve highlighted the importance of soundproofing doors and windows.

Even I moved a step further and claimed that no soundproofing room projects could be successful if windows and doors weren’t soundproofed properly.

Moreover, doors are quite tricky to soundproof. 

Most of the interior doors are hollow and lack the required thickness to combat noise.

There are lots of small holes, gaps, and cracks in the vicinity of the door if it is an old one.

Adding to the problem, the gap between the door and the frame can be a cause of concern because it’s a bit difficult to seal.

Even the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor needs to be sealed properly.

As we can see there are many loopholes when it comes to soundproofing a door.

Moreover, for a successful outcome, you need to have a proper plan in place to seal these gaps effectively.

The easiest solution could be to replace the hollow doors with solid core/ solid doors.

Solid core doors perform better than solid doors in the context of soundproofing.

In case, you’re on a shoestring budget and you can’t afford to change the doors, then you can be a bit tricky with the household appliances and play around with them.

First and foremost, you need to tactically place your furniture in the front of the edge of the door in a way that provides an additional layer of protection.

Secondly, use a good door sweep (Check the Current Price On Amazon) to airtight the space between the bottom of the doors and the floors.

As an alternative to door sweep, you can even try some thick rugs or similar fabrics.

Now, you’ve to enhance the sound-dampening capabilities of the doors, and you can achieve it by either adding mass to the door or multiple layers of thick materials.

You can even try adding thick towels at the bottom of the door.

Out of the aforementioned methods, you can try one or a couple of them together.

Use Moving Blankets to Soundproof a Room

Soundproofing blankets are one of the cheapest ways to soundproof a room.

In fact, if you already have these blankets in your home then soundproofing can be done for free, isn’t it?

 As a soundproof consultant, I always prefer moving blankets when it comes to soundproofing a room. 

I know lots of you’ll say that hanging these thick blankets on the doors and windows may not be aesthetically appealing.

Well, I totally agree with your view.

Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with using them as a temporary solution or in an emergency.

Trust me, it is effective in any sort of emergency.

Pro Tip: The thicker and denser the blanket the better it will combat unwanted noise.

A few of many clients have even registered success with the wool blankets, can you believe it?

In my career as a soundproof consultant, I’ve registered maximum success with these blankets when I was given permission by my clients to hang them on the walls and windows.

Just a small hack, try to cover as much area of the walls as possible.

And, if the walls are thin then keep on adding layers until you achieve the desired thickness.

Whether you’re working with moving blankets or soundproof blankets, you need to consider these things for the optimum end result.

  • Either nail or glue them on the wall
  • Install curtain rods to hang them on doors and windows
  • Cover hard surfaces as well as furniture with these moving blankets

Installing curtain railings will definitely add to the decor and you can easily install them around the wardrobe or even along the walls.

Wait, curtain railing isn’t the only one that will make these blankets decorative.

The market is flooded with decorative items that you can install on the soundproof blankets.

Though lots of people consider moving and soundproof blankets as same, let me tell you, there is a slight difference between the two.

I’m sure that the aforementioned article will be a great value addition in case, you want to soundproof your room cheaply.

Install Soundproof Curtains to Soundproof a Room Cheaply

Well, noise-canceling curtains are one of the most popular soundproofing materials that can be used for both absorbing sounds as well as blocking noise.

Unlike moving blankets, these acoustic curtains are aesthetically appealing and you can install them on your own, without a need for professional help.

Pro Tip: Prefer the curtains that are heavy, thick, and multi-layers with grommets embedded.

These heavy soundproof curtains are quite thick and act as an additional protection layer against external noise.

Moreover, these acoustic drapes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs, and colors.

Nonetheless, I always suggest, going for the curtains that have grommets/eyelets already installed.

Installing the grommets on your own can be a costly affair and time-consuming.

Bonus Tip: The length of the curtain must be at least 10 cm more than the window and breadth at least twice that of the window.

The length and breadth of the noise-deadening curtains also play a crucial role when it comes to effectiveness.

Moreover, for the best result, install a curtain rod as near as possible to the ceiling.

Consider the breadth of the acoustic drapes to be at least twice the width of the window, so that it will cover all the gaps, cracks, and holes in the vicinity of your window.

You can also use these noise-canceling curtains to cover the drywall, furniture, etc.

 If we compare the moving blankets with the soundproof curtains in the context of sound-dampening capabilities, then you know what, the soundproof blankets are the ones that will march away with all the credits. 

But, it doesn’t mean that the soundproof curtains aren’t effective.

Nonetheless, most of my clients have shown a preference for heavy soundproof curtains as compared to blankets because of the aesthetical appeal of the former.

But, what if you aren’t interested in investing in soundproof curtains?

The answer is SIMPLE.

Fold the regular curtains and layer one over the other to achieve the desired thickness and then hang them on your doors and windows.

Furthermore, the market is saturated with soundproof curtains.

There are certain curtains that fall under the “value for money” category while some are complete garbage.

Another benefit of using sound-canceling curtains is that they enhance the acoustical properties of your room.

Moreover, these curtains come with an additional benefit in terms of thermal insulation.

In short, soundproof curtains will keep your room warm in cold weather conditions and vice-versa.

So, you’ll find a decrease in the electricity bill.

Wait, I’m not finished.

Some of the soundproof blankets come with 100% blackout features.

It simply means that the curtain will not only prevent the sunlight from entering your bedroom but also, the UV rays.

So, it will cost you just a few bucks to create a quiet ambiance for your candlelight dinner.

So, what are you waiting for?

Take Action…:):):)

Weatherstripping and Sealing Gaps

Once you’ve installed either moving blankets or soundproof curtains, more than half of your work is done.

But, at the same time, you also need to keep track of the holes, gaps, and cracks present in and around the doors and windows.

You may be wondering why I’m blabbering so much about the gaps, right?

Well, let me tell you the truth, even the smallest of the gaps if left unsealed can spoil all your efforts.

So, let’s see the common steps that you can follow to successfully complete the project.

  • It is highly recommended to use either a rubber gasket or weatherstripping (Check the Current Price On Amazon) where the doors/windows touch the frame. These products can help you to achieve an airtight seal.
  • It goes without saying that Rubber door stoppers can be easily installed, and they are great at dealing with the gaps between the doors and the thresholds.
  • Another feasible option could be a soft draft blocker. (Check the Current Price On Amazon) You can slide this heavy cushion under the door, and since it is made of textile, it won’t damage your floor even though you open and close the door frequently and quickly.
  • Lastly, you could even set up a stationary rubber threshold on the floor itself, if you don’t like to slide one against your floor every time you open or close the door.

Do Egg Cartons Work For Soundproofing?

Egg cartons for soundproofing is a very controversial topic.

I can confidently say that people are very inquisitive about whether an egg carton can be used for soundproofing purposes or NOT.

 Today I’m gonna settle this age-old debate, and henceforth, you’ll never have any doubt related to this query. 

Sorry to offend you, but egg cartons are one of the most popular word-of-mouth solutions.

Have you ever asked anyone about how to soundproof a room for free?

Well, as a soundproof consultant, I did a random survey wherein I asked a group of soundproof enthusiasts about cheap soundproofing ideas.

Though the response wasn’t overwhelming I would say, most of them answered confidently that egg cartons are the best cost-effective way to get rid of the unwanted noise.

Let’s see whether the claim made has some truth in it or is a mere urban myth.

An egg carton can dampen noise or not can be evaluated by comparing the characteristics of egg cartons with an ideal soundproofing object.

Egg cartons are lightweight, porous, thin, and don’t have enough barriers.

So, in short, egg cartons can’t soundproof your room.

However, you can use egg cartons to enhance the acoustics of your room.

Well, the uneven and undulated structure of the egg cartons plays a significant role in combating the echoes.

Since the shape of the egg cartons is different, it reflects that sound waves are in different directions resulting in a reduction in the echoes.

I’m assuming that you’re well aware of the fact that when sound waves reach surfaces like windows and walls, a majority of the waves are reverted back, and it’s a continuous ongoing process.

As a result, the room starts echoing, and you’ll be astonished to know that these echoes form a great portion of the overall noise levels.

  • If you’re successful in placing these cartons in critical locations, then you can expect a small reduction in the echoes, reverbs, and vibrations.
  • To some extent, the air gaps in the carton also act as an insulating agent.
  • In my opinion, more than their capabilities as a sound absorbing agent they are popular because of their easy accessibility.

Will Acoustic Foam Soundproof a Room?

Acoustic foam is one of the cheapest soundproofing materials available on the market.

However, when you do some research online, you’ll find that the acoustic foams can’t block the noise.

So, what can it be used for?

Does that mean we shouldn’t use it for soundproofing?

Well, soundproofing is a bit different than sound absorbing.

I too agree that these panels aren’t the ones you should be looking up to if you’re searching for something that could block the noise.

In fact, like many other soft materials, it can also trap the sound waves inside its fiber, so what is the benefit of it?

In layman’s terms, you can expect a reduction in the echoes and reverbs as these panels transform the sound energy into heat energy.

Installing foam panels can help you to take control of the echoes, reverbs, and vibrations.

Though it may not completely solve your sound problems still it would make a tangible difference in terms of sound reduction.

Another important reason for the popularity of these foams is their accessibility.

In case, you’re looking for a recommendation, you can check out my article on best bass traps.

The article will help you with all the information from a buying perspective.

I’ve got a question for my readers, “Are Auralex the best bass traps for small rooms?”

Let me know your view on the above query in the comment section.

Lastly, the market is nowadays saturated with soundproof products, and finding one that satisfies your needs at an affordable price is a tedious task.

So, I would suggest, you should acquire some basic knowledge about the product before going on a buying spree.

Does it make sense?

DIY Soundproofing Panels

You may be astonished to know that by putting in a little effort you can make your own soundproofing panels.

So, are you ready for the ride?

Moreover, would you like to know more about how to soundproof a room cheaply yet effectively?

Follow the steps, it will help you to achieve your goal.

  • First and foremost, you’ll need to figure out a soundproof material that can be used as a base for the soundproofing panel. It can be acoustic foam, mineral wool, or something similar. You need to keep in mind that the soundproofing material that you choose should be definitely cheap as well as easily accessible.
  • Now, I’m assuming that you’re ready with the material, so it’s your turn to construct a wooden frame where we can install the soundproofing material. Are both of us on the same page? This step is a bit tactical. The size of the panel should match the dimensions of the area that you want to cover. To achieve the same, you can use standard wood glue or even spray adhesive over the insulated area.
  • Lastly, you need to place the soundproof material inside the frame and also, you need to wrap the construction up in fabric. Moreover, you need to be very careful in the selection of the fabric. The most important thing is, that the fabric should be aesthetically appealing as it will be the part that will be visible to most people. If you want the sound waves to reach the core of the panels, then you can use a simple fabric rather than a soundproof one.

DIY Soundproof Window Plugs

Always pay attention to your doors and windows if you want your soundproofing project to be successful.

It’s not always the case that you need to replace your window with a soundproof counterpart.

If you’re like me and looking for a cost-effective solution, the DIY soundproof window plug is the way to go.

These plugs will also block the light, so if you want to install them at a place where you’re in frequent need of light, then you can make the window plug removable.

But, if you’re installing them in areas such as a bedroom where you may not need light, then I would recommend you to attach them permanently for an optimum result.

Constructing a window plug is easier than you think.

All you need is a soundproofing mat, a wooden frame, and an adhesive.

Other than soundproofing a room cheaply, it also enhances the thermal insulation by making the room warmer in the winter and vice-versa.

For more details, you can check out our article on soundproofing a window cheaply.

Does Carpet Help With Soundproofing?

Well, if you’re not using carpet for soundproofing, then you are NOT utilizing the carpet to its full efficiency.

Most of the newbies may not be aware of the fact that the carpets shouldn’t be only used for aesthetic purposes.

They can also be used for noise reduction purposes.

For example, thick carpets can do wonders against the impact of noise.

I hope most of you have definitely observed that when something falls on the naked floor, it makes more noise as compared to the floors covered with thick carpets.

Wooden and concrete floors are more prone to impact noise.

The thick carpets reduce the vibrations that get transferred to the building structure, and as a result, the impact noise is dampened.

Personally, I use a thick carpet to prevent the “impact noise” from penetrating into my basement ceiling.

These carpets consist of fibers that are great at tapping sound waves.

The carpet performs better if it covers the entire floor rather than covering a certain portion.

I’ve seen people hanging rugs from the walls but recently only I came to know that rugs can also be hung from the ceiling.

What an irony, isn’t it?

Needless to say, the carpet alone couldn’t help you to get rid of all unwanted noise.

The reality is that the carpet can’t block incoming noise rather it can only improve the quality of the sound inside your room.

So, for the best result, use the carpets along with other sound-blocking materials.

You can install cheap acoustic underlays to enhance the effectiveness of your carpet.

Well, the good news is, it will not only cushion the impact of footsteps but will also make your room that much cozier.

Till now, our discussion revolved around the cheap and DIY ways to soundproof your room cheaply.

Henceforth, we’ll discuss the professional soundproofing methods.

Professional Soundproofing Method

To be honest, the methods that I’m gonna discuss henceforth will make a dent in your pocket.

It goes without saying that these methods are more effective than free and DIY.

If you’re looking for the FREE methods, then you can skip these steps.

Focus on Windows and Doors

If weatherstrip tape and green glue didn’t dampen the majority of external noises, then you can’t negate the presence of more holes, gaps, and reverbs in the vicinity of your doors and windows.

If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to green glue, then you can try QuietRock.

You can perform a simple experiment to find almost all the holes and cracks in and around the affected areas.

In most of the cases, after you’ve sealed all the gaps, you can expect a quiet ambiance.

But, even after applying door stoppers and plugging air gaps, if you’re hearing unwanted noise, then I would recommend you replace the existing door with a new one.

If you’re ready to spend a decent amount then it’s good to go for a thicker and denser door.

Solid core doors are the ones that I vouch for.

If you want to replace the door of your audio recording studio then the best possible option could be heavy-duty soundproof doors.

These doors are exclusively made for combating noise.

They are filled with either foams or other insulation materials and are made of high-quality materials.

On the contrary, the window presents different sets of problems.

At times, it has been found that even after you’ve sealed all the gaps, you’re not able to achieve the desired result.

The culprit is nothing else but the thin glasses of the window pane.

You don’t have to worry there are a few fixes for this as well:

Install Window Inserts

If you’ve got a single-pane window then installing window inserts could be a great way to soundproof your window as well as prevent the heat from escaping the thin glass.

DIY Window Plug

You can also try a DIY window plug, the good thing about it is that it can be fully customized as per your requirements. Moreover, it will also prevent light from peeking into your room.

Buy New PVC Windows

PVC Windows is a feasible option to combat air gaps.

The thing that I REALLY admire about these windows is that they come with their own weatherstripping tape and double-pane glass.

As a result, they perform extremely well against the external noise.

To prevent the sound waves from bouncing off the window glasses, you can install fabric blinds.

 I consider it a complete solution and this method even performs when other methods aren’t giving you output. 

Soundproofing the Walls

If you’re an avid reader of this blog then you would have definitely read the article on how to soundproof walls cheaply.

In the article, I’ve explained in-depth what it takes to complete a soundproof wall project successfully.

Some of the materials used in the process are as follows:

  • Thick soundproof insulation
  • Mass-Loaded Vinyl
  • Resilient Channels
  • Multiple layers of drywalls with layers of green glue in between
  • Acoustic Caulk to seal the gaps

Using a combination of these methods in the correct way can help you to soundproof walls in the best possible way.

Needless to say, high-quality soundproofing materials and techniques come at a price.

After all, there is no free lunch in the business.

Even installing a resilient channel is a feasible and cost-effective solution.

Click for Recommended Resilient Channel Price On Amazon

Once installed, the resilient channel disperses the impact noise before it reaches your room.

Well, if you’re thinking that you’ll have to strip the existing wall for better soundproofing then let me tell you, you don’t have to.

Just put new studs on the top of your wall and perform some of the steps on the top of it.

On the downside, the room will get smaller and you’ll need to work around the power lines and air ducts.

Air ducts aren’t the holes that can be ignored.

For an optimum output, you’ll need to plug them as well.

I would recommend you install a sound maze inside the vent or else you can cover these air ducts with some soundproofing materials.

Remember, you need to prevent sound from traveling through the ventilation system.

Soundproofing Floors and Ceilings

In case, you’re living in the vicinity of an airport, a railway platform, or a high-traffic zone, then installing rugs or foams may not be alone enough to help you with a quiet environment.

Let’s start with the floor.

  • Use thick and dense carpet to cover as much area of the floor as possible
  • Install rubber floor mats and MLV under the carpet
  • To add to it, you can also use a thick foam carpet under the topmost carpet

For the best results, you’ll have to lift the floor until you reach the subfloor.

Then, you’ll have to lay down the underlayment, green glue, and plywood sandwiched, and return the hardwood floor.

I would recommend you go for soundproof floor underlayment methods only if the rest of the methods don’t work for you.

FAQs

  • I’ll be taking a couple of questions related to this topic.
  • These questions have been asked by my clientele as well as my readers.
  • If you also have any questions related to soundproofing a room cheaply then you can let us know in the comment section or even mail us your queries or doubts.

How much does it cost to soundproof a room?

  • The budget includes the cost of soundproofing materials, tools, and professional labor.
  • Well, the cost of soundproofing materials could fall in the range of $150 to $250.
  • Moreover, the cost of professional labor could lie in the range of $200 to $300.
  • And, the cost of tools for the project could be around $50.
  • Remember, the aforementioned budget is for a mid-sized room.

How much is soundproof drywall?

  • Soundproof drywall will cost you much more as compared to standard drywall.
  • A single sheet of soundproof drywall will cost at least $40.
  • On the other hand, a single sheet of regular drywall will cost you $10.

It’s A Wrap

  • As a soundproof consultant with a decade of experience, I can assure you that all the aforementioned methods have shown great results to me in the past.
  • Nevertheless, the performance depends to a great extent on the selection of the soundproofing materials as well as the soundproofing techniques.
  • Furthermore, if you can afford high-quality soundproofing materials then it’s good to try them.
  • Cheapest soundproofing methods may not be the BEST one.
  • Soundproofing a room isn’t as difficult as it seems to be if you’re well informed about the various aspects of soundproofing projects.
  • I would advise you to NOT make an impulse decision but rather make an informed one.
  • If you think the projects could be tedious and time-consuming then you can hire a soundproof consultant to help you achieve the result.
  • Soundproofing a room cheaply is very well possible if you know the tricks.
  • What are your favorite methods to soundproof a room cheaply?
  • Moreover, what is your budget for soundproofing a room cheaply?
  • Do you use any other method than the ones mentioned in this post?
  • If yes, then let us know about the method and its performance against airborne as well as structural noise.
  • Did I miss a method to soundproof the room cheaply?
  • Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are looking for similar information.
  • After all, sharing is caring.

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