How to Soundproof a Door

Soundproofing a door makes sense for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a home office and need a quiet work space. Some families find that children sleep better with good soundproofing. Whatever your reason, soundproofing a door is a moderately challenging process that can pay off in the end to reduce excess noise by 50 percent or more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Door sweep seal
• Screwdriver
• Acoustical curtain
• Curtain rod
• Padded gasket tape
• Acoustical foam mat

1. Measure the width of the door and purchase a door sweep seal that is the right length. Carefully attach the door sweep seal at the base of the door; this will seal the crack at the bottom but still allow you to open and close the door.

2. Purchase foam gasket tape that is slightly less than the width of the door jamb. Attach the foam tape around the inside perimeter of the door jamb. Again, be careful to ensure space for the door to open and close.

3. Attach an acoustical curtain to the door frame. You can screw curtain rod brackets into the doorframe and hang the curtain from the curtain rod.

4. Attach a second acoustical curtain to the other side of the door for maximum soundproofing.

5. Measure the surface area of the door (width x height) and purchase a piece of acoustical foam mat that can be cut to fit the door. Carefully attach the adhesive-backed foam mat to the door, being careful to smooth out bubbles.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure twice, cut once.
• Some doorframes have no insulation under the molding. Remove one piece of molding to see if this is true, and if so, fill the empty space with insulation to reduce noise.
• Always check the space in the doorframe. Too much foam tape or a poorly placed door sweep seal can create a door that won't close.

Resources

• Soundproofing information