How to Use Sound Deadening Material for Walls

Live in a noisy apartment ? Need to get some much needed sleep from hearing the neighbor's late night tv ? Maybe you're the noisy one and you want to give due respect to a neighbor or provide more privacy in your home between rooms.

Soundproofing, or sound deadening material, may be the answer you need to provide a bit more peace and quiet.

For an interesting and uniquely soundproofed wall; consider trying this upholstered wall project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sound deadening board
• Utility knife
• 2 inch drywall screws and corded, or cordless, screwdriver/drill
• Upholstery material (optional)
• Upholstery tacks

1. 
    
   Measure walls

   Take measurements of the wall area to be soundproofed for both fabric and sound deadening board; the latter of which can be found in most building supply companies starting at 15.00 and up depending on width.
   
   As upholstery material can also be expensive, it's important to figure a budget and stick to it as best you can. Soundproofing is seldom a cheap project, but this upholstered look is one of the least costly; especially if you can find fabric on sale.

2. 
    
   Apply sound deadening board

   Cut sound deadening board to wall measurements with a sharp utility knife. Change the blade frequently as it dulls quickly.
   
   Screw to wall with sheetrock screws. If there is existing floor or ceiling trim; this can be removed and reapplied over sound deadening materials, or sound board can be abutted to the trim work.

3. 
    
   Tack material in place

   Apply measured and cut upholstery material in panels, one at a time, tucking the sides under and tacking with upholstery tacks to give it a finished look.

4. As an added, optional, noise reducing measure; extend upholstery fabric down over existing floor molding if there is any. This tactic can help considerably with noise that channels under and around trim.

Tips & Warnings

• Corduroys and other textured synthetic fabrics tend to work the best for sound deadening.
• Gypsum board (sheet rock) can also be used over sound deadening board as an alternative to fabric. Remember it will create a heavier wall and take up more space. It also provides a bit more sound deadening ability than most fabrics will.
• Don't apply sound deadening board AND fabric with screws. Upholstery material will tear.
• Find an alternative to using upholstery tacks if the project is in a young child's room.
• This sound deadening project will do just that: deaden sound. Other than a concrete wall, there is little that can be done to totally soundproof without spending a LOT of money !

Resources

• Soundproof doors and windows

[ruf1950]

on 6/25/2009 Sound proofing a wall is an important topic with 3 teenagers ;)! Thanks for some great ideas. 5*****

[coffeefirst]

on 6/8/2009 This is very helpful, I may try this in the basement where there are a set of drums...YIKES, it gets loud!

[Jolocol]

on 5/31/2009 I like this idea! Great illustrations and directions!

[MariM]

on 5/19/2009 Awesome tips on soundproofing walls. My husband plays the drums and we definetely need to do this.5*

[copperhill]

on 5/18/2009 Excellent article on soundproofing a wall or room. Practical and stylish, just like the author.