How to Soundproof a Theater

When people think of the arduous task of soundproofing a room, many imagine it is going to take tons of time and lots of money. A theater is an especially tricky room to soundproof. However, with a little effort, there are cheap ways to soundproof your theater that are just as effective as any professional soundproofing job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carpet
• Acoustic spray
• Protective mask
• Material for walls

Soundproofing a Theatre

1. Lay carpet down throughout the room. Carpet is an effective material to absorb sound waves that bounce off of smooth surfaces.

2. Check the walls and ceiling in the theater to ensure the walls are properly insulated. In addition to keeping the air either cold or warm (depending on your house's environmental settings), insulation works to dampen sounds you would otherwise hear.

3. Spray a thin layer of acoustic plaster on the walls of the theater. Allow the plaster between 30 and 45 minutes to dry before continuing.

4. Place rough-surfaced materials on the walls of the theater once the plaster has dried. If money is no option, stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot have materials specifically designed to soundproof walls. If you are on a budget, use extra carpeting or even cardboard egg cartons.

5. Apply a layer of acoustic plaster on the ceiling of the theater. If you live in a single-story home, consider skipping this step, although it is still recommended.

Tips & Warnings

• When deciding on what materials to use on your floor or walls, look for rough materials. Rough surfaces absorb sound waves, while smoother surfaces merely reflect them back into the room.
• When applying acoustic plaster or any other kind of plaster, wear a protective breathing mask. Inhaling plaster particles can be hazardous to your health.

References

• WiseGeek: How Can I Make a Room Soundproof?
• How to Soundproof a Basement