How to Soundproof a Room With Dividers

Dividing walls can soundproof a room relatively cheaply.

Soundproofing is important in many aspects of life, whether recording music or audio in a studio or simply trying to keep the noise level of a busy office to a minimum so people can get work done. Whatever your reason for installing soundproofing, you can complete the job using high Sound Transmission Class (STC) room dividers in a way that can be modified cheaply and repeatedly as needed.

Things You'll Need

• STC 45-plus dividers

Instructions

1. Sketch out the layout of the room as you wish it to be divided up on a piece of paper. The layout should take into account any necessary arrangement of furniture or equipment.

2. Purchase enough dividers with a STC of 45 or higher. The STC rating of the dividers determines their efficiency at blocking sound. A rating of 50 or more is the most efficient at soundproofing, but effective soundproofing begins at an STC of 45.

3. Lay out the dividers in the positions indicated on your sketch. Place your equipment and furniture around the dividers as indicated on your sketch.

Tips & Warnings

• To soundproof an entire room using dividers, simply line the walls with dividers. You can then stand folding soundproof dividers in front of any doors to allow movement in and out.

• If you're attempting to make a room fully soundproof, consider the windows, floor and ceiling. Windows must be rated to an STC of 45 or more to be soundproof. Floors and ceilings will also require specialist high STC coverings.

References

• Soundproof Windows: STC Ratings
• JML Products and Designs: Movable Walls