How much does it cost to soundproof a room?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Noise carries quite noticeably throughout a home. Many homeowners opt for soundproofing solutions that reduce noise within their homes and make for a more comfortable, peaceful living environment. Soundproofing benefits any homeowner, especially those with young kids or pets who make more noise. Not only is soundproofing nice for homeowners, but it is also something neighbors will appreciate. The overall goal of soundproofing is to minimize the noise entering and exiting a certain room or even the whole house. Soundproofing is a smart home investment.

Soundproofing costs between $1,000 and $4,000. The average homeowner spends around $2,000 to add soundproof windows and a door, plus another layer of insulation in a 150 sq.ft. room. On the low end, the cost of soundproofing a 40 sq.ft. laundry room with an acoustic door threshold and wall panels is $420. At the high end, you can spend up to $45,000 for comprehensive soundproofing of a 1,500 sq.ft. home including double insulation on the walls, installing new soundproof windows, and adding solid core doors.

Room Soundproofing Price

How Does Soundproofing Work?

Soundproofing a space requires different materials to block two types of noise: airborne noise and impact noise. As the name suggests, airborne noise travels from room to room through the air. Whistling, shouting, screaming, and other high pitch sounds are common examples of airborne noise. Impact or flanking noise occurs when soundwaves travel through building materials like bricks, plaster, and timber. Sounds that pass through the floors, ceilings, and walls are impact noises and generally low pitched. The sound of feet, falling objects, and washing machines are usually impact sounds. Soundproofing materials vary for each type of noise. Foam and similar fibrous materials are preferred for blocking airborne noise, while impact noise is best blocked by rubber sheets. By using materials that absorb or reduce sound, you can achieve significant noise reduction.

Soundproofing is used in residential and commercial buildings throughout the country with a special rating system. In the United States, the sound insulation of buildings is measured in terms of sound transmission class (STC). While a poorly-made partition wall, through which you can hear everything happening on the other side, will have an STC score in the 20s, a luxury hotel room may have a score in the 60s. Most residential buildings have a score between 30 and 45.

Soundproofing Cost per Square Foot

The average cost per sq.ft. for soundproofing an existing room is $10 to $30 per sq.ft. For new ones, the average cost to soundproof a room is $12 to $25 per sq.ft. When soundproofing a new room, the contractor adds the soundproofing materials during construction and includes the soundproofing cost in the total cost to build the room. In contrast, soundproofing an existing room requires tearing down the old material to add the soundproofing solution or installing it over an existing wall or ceiling. Here is how much you can expect to spend on soundproofing a new or existing room.

Soundproofing an Already Built Room

The average cost of soundproofing an existing room is $10 to $30 per sq.ft. You can seal doors and windows or get newer insulated glass. Adding insulation works well but involves more labor to get inside the walls and redo the plaster. A few inexpensive options are available for soundproofing an existing room. These include adding a door sweep that reduces external noises and blocks insects, adding acoustic wedge panels, blowing insulation into the existing wall by drilling a hole or adding mass-loaded vinyl between two drywall layers. Sometimes homeowners build a soundproof wall over the existing wall for long-lasting sound reduction, especially in living rooms or studios.

Build a Soundproof Room

Expect to spend between $12 and $25 per sq.ft. to soundproof a new room. It is a great idea to soundproof a room during construction and save on unnecessary repair costs you may incur later. When you soundproof a new room, the contractor usually incorporates the soundproofing solutions into the initial building and labor costs. To soundproof the new room, the contractor adds noise-reducing insulation with the building frame instead of removing and installing the soundproofing materials like in an existing room.

Soundproof Cost per Room

A soundproof room price ranges from $420 for a laundry room to $30,000 if you soundproof a large basement. The cost to make a room soundproof depends on several factors, including the room’s size, layout, and design. For example, a smaller room with standard walls and ceilings will be less expensive to soundproof than a larger room with custom features. In addition, the level of noise mitigation you desire impacts the cost. If you want complete silence, you need to invest in more sound-proofing materials and techniques than if you want to reduce background noise. Making minimal changes to reduce sound in a living room will be much less expensive than decking out a home theater with state-of-the-art soundproofing solutions. Some homeowners prefer soundproofing the ceiling, which adds to the cost. There are also options to soundproof the exterior of your house if you want to increase privacy, security, and comfort throughout your entire property. With that in mind, here is how much you can expect the cost to be for making a whole room soundproof.

Laundry Room Soundproofing

The average price of soundproofing a laundry room is $420 to $2,500. The main source of sound in the laundry room is the washing machine and dryer. Laundry rooms that are close to the garage or kitchen may also have noise from those rooms. Laying down rugs or interlocking floor mats is a good place to start. Insulated walls with double-layer drywall dramatically reduce noise coming in and out of the laundry room.

Soundproof a Garden Room

The soundproof garden studio price ranges between $480 and $3,500. These outdoor spaces come in different sizes, impacting the project cost. If the existing windows and doors are made of thin glass, they can be sealed or even switched out for double- or triple-glazed glass. A solid core door and acoustic panels work well for soundproofing a garden room.

Soundproof a Bathroom

The cost of soundproofing a bathroom is between $500 and $6,300. This is another small space in the house, so replacing the existing surfaces with soundproof ones can be more affordable than large living rooms and bedrooms. Bathroom rugs reduce noise on the hard floors. Insulated doors and windows positively impact the overall noise reduction.

Soundproofing for a Home Office

Most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $4,500 to soundproof a home office. Thick carpet and rugs are a smart investment to make home offices less noisy and more comfortable. Acoustic wall and door panels reduce noise filtering through the rest of the house. The whole point of a home office is to have a private, quiet place to work. Therefore, many homeowners pay a little more to have double insulated walls and ceilings in their office space.

Soundproof a Furnace Room

The cost of soundproofing a furnace room is $1,000 to $4,500. This price is relatively low compared to other rooms in the house because this is usually a mechanical space where the furnace, water heater, and pipes are located. Many homeowners want to minimize the sound coming from this machinery room and are not usually concerned about its aesthetic appeal. Simpler, less expensive soundproof methods like acoustic panels and door sweeps may do the trick.

Home Theater Soundproofing Cost

Soundproofing a home theater costs $1,200 to $10,000. This space requires special soundproofing methods because the acoustics are important to keep sound from escaping and entering the room and ensure the best possible sound quality. Acoustic paneling and sound absorbing materials are typically added across all the walls, ceilings, and floors to muffle as much sound as possible.

Soundproof a Bedroom

The average cost to soundproof a bedroom is $1,300 to $6,000. Installing carpet pads and an underlayer traps noise, as can heavy curtains and acoustic panels. To increase privacy and reduce sound in a bedroom, homeowners can use mass loaded vinyl and thick insulation throughout the floors, ceilings, and walls. Double glazed windows and solid core doors are also recommended for soundproofing a bedroom.

Soundproof a Home Gym

Soundproofing a home gym costs $1,500 to $7,500. While most home gyms are no larger than a bedroom or office, they usually contain some large workout equipment that produces its fair share of noise. Most people like to play music or TV while working out, so soundproofing the gym keeps the noise down in other areas of the house. Floor mats and acoustic panels on the wall are the most common soundproofing projects for home gyms. However, all the walls, ceiling, and floor can also be insulated for the best results.

Soundproof a Kitchen

Most kitchen soundproofing projects cost $1,600 to $7,200. A lot of noise naturally comes from the kitchen with cooking, cleaning, and gathering. To control the noise entering and exiting the kitchen, acoustic panels, double-glazed windows, and insulated drywall are smart soundproofing solutions. While hard flooring surfaces are preferred in a kitchen, a sound-absorbing underlayer or stylish rug reduces sound.

Soundproof a Garage

The cost to soundproof a garage ranges from $1,900 to $14,400. Homeowners decide to soundproof their garage to use it as a utility room and work on different projects, do rehearsals with music instruments, or simply minimize the sound from working vehicles. The majority of this project cost goes toward sound-absorbing garage doors with quiet operation motors. Adding weather stripping to the garage door so it is fully sealed assists with noise reduction. Acoustic panels and insulation within the garage block out neighborhood noise.

Soundproof a Basement

The average cost of soundproofing a basement is $5,000 to $30,000. Basements often need an insulated ceiling or acoustic ceiling panels to minimize sound from the upper levels. Carpet flooring throughout the basement and double drywall keep the space warm and quiet. Soundproofing in basements may include insulated windows and solid doors to keep the basement noise from interfering with the rest of the house.

Cost of Soundproofing by Area

Depending on the area you are soundproofing, your costs range from $15 to $4,000. Aside from the walls, homeowners often decide to soundproof other areas to minimize the flow of sound everywhere in the home. Depending on the area, the professional will use a different soundproofing solution, which affects the overall soundproof house cost. This can be done by installing thicker walls, soundproof windows, heavier doors, and using sound-absorbing materials. Some areas are more complicated to soundproof than others, which also increases the cost of soundproofing. The areas outlined in the table are the most common parts of a room that can be soundproofed, with the average costs to soundproof them.

Window Soundproofing

Soundproofing a window costs from $15 for acoustic caulking up to $1,500 to buy a soundproof window. Homeowners can soundproof just one area of a room or make changes throughout the entire space. Some may choose to soundproof just the windows or doors and see if that makes a difference or if they need to invest in more soundproofing solutions. Here are the average costs of popular home soundproofing projects. DIY projects can be done by a homeowner or a professional. However, because of the simplicity of the project, it will not add much to the labor costs, especially when combined with other soundproofing tasks.

Several methods may be used to soundproof a window. Acoustic caulking seals gaps between window frames to block outdoor noise. Adding window seals is also a budget-friendly method to add an extra layer of insulation and noise protection. A soundproof window plug provides an airtight fit that does not let sounds in and out of a room. It blocks outdoor noise like cars, barking dogs, and loud neighbors. Putty, UPVC glue, or epoxy wood filler can also plug holes where sound may be entering. Velvet, vinyl, and similarly thick curtains can also be used to absorb some sounds and prevent echoing for quieter living spaces. All these can be DIY projects if you have the right tools. However, you can also hire a professional to do them. Noise reduction window inserts are essentially an extra layer of protection against noise vibrations inside the windows. Finally, adding soundproof windows is the most efficient method to soundproof a window, but it also costs the most. Below is a table with the average costs to install each window soundproofing solution. The last two should be done by a professional to ensure the installation is done correctly and no sound penetrates through the window. The table below shows how much each of these methods costs to install.

Door Soundproofing

Soundproofing doors cost around $20 to $4,000, depending on the option used. Homeowners often start with smaller, less expensive changes and see if they provide a suitable level of soundproofing before replacing the doors. However, it depends on personal preference and each home. Some soundproofing projects may be completed by a homeowner or a professional. Acoustic thresholds are installed on floors next to doors to prevent noise from filtering in through the bottom of the door. Weather stripping around the door covers the sides, top, and bottom of the door. This prevents noise from going in and out of a room through the door. A door sweep can also be attached to the bottom of the door to seal the threshold gap where noise may leak. Another option is adding a soundproof blanket made from heavy, sound-absorbing materials. They cover the door and muffle the sound. All these are simple solutions that can be DIY projects.

Adding mass-loaded vinyl that absorbs sound waves and reduces vibrations is also an option. Because this material can be cut, different sizes are available, including thickness levels and fire-resistant or odorless varieties. Acoustic panels hang over the door frame to reduce noise transmission while blocking sound and reducing echo. If you have a door with a hollow core, you can replace it with a solid core door for a more soundproof solution. Solid core doors have a thin wood, vinyl, or MDF veneer covering the wood pulp core but can also be made of steel and aluminum. Finally, installing a soundproof door is the most expensive and efficient soundproofing solution, which can be newly built with a sound-absorbing inner layer or a sliding glass door that cuts sound transmission by over 75 percent. These are typically performed by professionals. The table below shows the average prices to soundproof a door for each method.

Soundproofing Floor

A soundproof floor costs from $40 to $800 per room. If you want to soundproof your room against impact noise (the sound of footsteps or objects falling against the floor), a heavy carpet and rug pad offer a quick and easy fix. For new construction, you can install resilient underlayment, vinyl barrier, and soundproof insulation between the floor joists and sound clips below the joists for best results. Carpet underlayment, which consists of a resilient acoustic foam layer with a vinyl barrier on one side, offers good results for carpeted floors.

Soundproof floor underlayment is placed beneath carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate floor to serve as a protective layer against sound transmission. Adding a soundproof carpet pad made of rubber is also a great option to create a barrier to minimize unwanted room noise. Similarly, interlocking floor mats provide a cushion against sound and can be placed on top of existing hard floors. In addition, special acoustic carpets and sound dampening rugs are optimized to absorb the sound of voices, music, and footsteps. Another option for soundproofing floors is to install blown sound insulation made of fiberglass or cellulose. The blown insulation creates a tight fit that seals around all the flooring framework, including pipes and openings. Finally, green glue can be added to floors. This sound reduction compound is used for floors, ceilings, and other home surfaces. Here is the average cost to soundproof a floor in one room using different methods.

Soundproof Walls

Many different ways are available to soundproof your walls, ranging in price from $65 to $400. If a room in your home is very noisy, soundproofing the walls makes a big difference. Some of the same soundproofing solutions recommended for doors can also be used on the walls. Or, you can renovate the walls themselves to reduce sound transmission. Depending on what method you use, your costs will vary.

Rockwool sound insulation is a stone wool insulation used to absorb sound and reduce noise within stud walls and floors. Mineral wool batts are also used to reduce sound in steel stud interior walls and floors that protect against fire and offer impressive thermal performance. Another option is adding soundproof foam directly to the wall that absorbs echo inside the house. Mass-loaded vinyl is a great option for noise control that is sandwiched between layers of drywall to reduce sound transmission. Acoustic panels are also good for noise reduction and sound control because they cover the existing wall and absorb sound effectively. Sometimes, homeowners use home decor to soundproof their homes. Sound-absorbing wall art with different patterns and colors can improve soundproofing while respecting the home’s interior design. Adding soundproof paint can also block mid-level frequencies like tinning, ringing, and echoing.

Decoupling is another soundproofing technique that mechanically separates the two sides of a wall so that sound cannot pass through it easily. Another option is to tie a new block wall into an existing wall. This option is most popular with brick or concrete walls where the worker builds a second wall in front of the main one while leaving a small gap in between that is filled with foam, rubber, and fibrous material to absorb noises. If you have drywall you want to soundproof, there are several options. Acoustic caulk can be put between the drywall layers to deaden vibrations and seal cracks or holes in the wall. A resilient channel can also be added over existing drywall to improve its soundproofing. If you have cracks in the drywall, they may contribute to sound transmission. By filling and smoothing them, you improve the sound protection in your home. Finally, you can add double drywall to provide better insulation and protection against sound. Here are the most popular methods of soundproofing a wall and the cost of each.

Soundproofing a Ceiling

Soundproofing the ceiling in one room costs $150 to $1,400. Ceiling soundproofing solutions are especially popular in homes with basements or hardwood floors on the main level that carry sounds more than carpet. To block sound waves traveling through the ceiling, you can add insulation between ceiling joists, including on top of any recessed ceiling lights, add resilient sound clips on ceiling joists, add a second layer of drywall using green glue, or fill the space between seams and the perimeter using acoustic caulk. Acoustic panels and mass-loaded vinyl add density to the ceiling to prevent sound transfer. The average costs for different ceiling soundproofing projects are highlighted below.

To soundproof a ceiling, homeowners can add acoustic ceiling panels or insulation to absorb noise from the roof or upper levels of the home. Acoustic foam panels are typically added to existing roofs in studios, theaters, and entertainment rooms because the foam keeps in the sound of music and noise and absorbs echoes. During construction, workers can add flexible rolls of mass-loaded vinyl to absorb sound and produce quieter living spaces. Resilient sound isolation clips can be added to ceiling joists to improve the sound transmission class (STC) rating. Another soundproofing method is adding green glue, a noise-proofing compound that forms a damping system between two rigid drywall layers. Finally, you can add double drywall to create a double layer of insulation. You can even add a soundproofing compound between the layers to minimize noise. Most ceiling soundproofing solutions are best added when constructing the room to prevent having to tear or drill the ceiling later. Acoustic foam panels are added to an existing ceiling. Ceiling insulation can be added to an existing roof only if there is enough room between the ceiling and the other level or material inside it. The table below shows the cost of soundproofing your ceiling using different projects.

Labor Cost to Soundproof a Room

While a few soundproofing projects can be done by yourself, such as laying down a rug or using a door sweep, most soundproofing work should be done by professionals. Dedicated soundproofing companies specialize in acoustic paneling and setups, but handymen can perform many soundproofing projects. Generally, handymen help with insulation, flooring installation, and window/door replacements. If you want premium professional experience and are focused more on achieving the best possible acoustics, it’s best to call a specialized soundproofing company.

The average labor cost for soundproofing one room is $200 to $400, with hourly rates of $50 to $100 for handymen and $75 to $200 per hour for soundproofing professionals. Whether they charge per hour or offer fixed rates depends on each individual company. Most contractors and soundproofing professionals offer both pricing options depending on the project and labor required. The time it takes to complete soundproofing varies greatly depending on the project. For example, a simple door sweep or acoustic panel installation can be done in under an hour, while installing new soundproof windows, doors, and insulation can take several hours or a full day.

Soundproofing vs Acoustic Treatment

Soundproofing a house is $1 to $5 per sq.ft., while acoustic treatment costs $2 to $8 per sq.ft. Soundproofing and acoustic treatment methods are similar, although the latter is usually more expensive because they are done by acoustic professionals rather than general contractors who handle soundproofing. While soundproofing controls and isolates sound from an undesirable source, acoustic treatments improve and direct sound to a particular area. Acoustic treatments are commonly done in home theaters, where the direction and flow of sound make a huge difference. If the way music, TV, or movies sound in a room is the top priority, professional acoustic treatment is the best choice. If the main concern is absorbing noise coming from the outside or other rooms in the house, standard soundproofing solutions will work.

Acoustic Insulation vs Thermal Insulation

Thermal insulation costs $0.65 to $7.50 per sq.ft. while soundproof insulation costs $1 to $5 per sq.ft. When looking into soundproofing, many homeowners wonder whether acoustic insulation or thermal insulation is better. The main difference between the two is what they restrict. Thermal insulation reduces heat transfer, and acoustic insulation minimizes sound reverberation and transfer. Acoustic insulation is preferred for a higher level of soundproofing, while thermal insulation helps, although not as much. Thermal insulation is targeted toward preventing heat loss and improving the energy efficiency and temperature control in a home. Due to the demand for both these products, there is now thermal acoustic insulation that reduces both heat and noise transfer.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Soundproofing Weather Stripping

The average cost of weather stripping a home in the U.S. is between $200 and $600. Weatherstripping works by creating a seal around doors and windows, preventing sound from entering or escaping. Many different types of weatherstripping are available, so it is important to choose the right product for the job. For example, foam weatherstripping is very effective at blocking out sound, but it can be difficult to install. On the other hand, adhesive-backed weatherstripping is much easier to install but may not provide as much sound insulation. Regardless of the option you choose, weather stripping creates a better seal and reduces sound leaks.

Chimney Soundproofing

Soundproofing a chimney costs between $35 and $600, depending on the method you use. You can soundproof a chimney by adding a flueblocker, using a chimney balloon, or installing a chimney cap. If the chimney is not properly insulated, the noise from the fireplace crackling, the wood popping, and the air whooshing echo through the house. In addition, outside noises from weather, animals, and neighbors can enter your home, affecting the calm atmosphere and silence. Chimney soundproofing is a process that reduces the noise level from the fireplace and outdoor elements by up to 80%. Chimney soundproofing effectively improves energy efficiency in your home because it prevents heat from escaping through the chimney.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Rental. If you are renting your home, make sure you check with the landlord before beginning any soundproofing projects. It’s important to avoid issues and fines by getting approval for drilling and door replacements. Non-permanent solutions like hanging a soundproof blanket or laying down a rug should be fine, but anything that changes the home structure itself requires approval just to be on the safe side.
• Best siding for soundproofing. The thicker the siding, the better it absorbs sound and stops outside noise from entering your home. Stone and brick are stronger soundproofing materials than wood and vinyl.
• Air quality. Be on the lookout for air quality problems when soundproofing a room. When you make a room airtight, it reduces noise, but it makes the room stuffier unless you have a forced air heating/cooling system. Improper ventilation can cause health problems for people with asthma and other respiratory issues.
• Egg cartons. Egg cartons don’t do much in terms of soundproofing. Because these boxes are made of very thin cardboard, sound waves go straight through them with little, if any, noise reduction. The only benefit is that egg cartons may slightly reduce echo and sound deflection.
• Home resale value. Something small like door sweeps or hanging blankets won’t make much of a difference in your home value. Switching to solid core doors and double glazed windows may slightly improve a home’s resale value. A home theater with full acoustic panels would boost the home value the most.
• Home decor. You can also use home decor to soundproof a room. Couches, chairs, cushions, curtains, carpets, and rugs all offer some level of soundproofing. Wall art such as paintings or photographs can soundproof the walls while placing rugs over carpets helps soundproof the floors. Upholstered soft furniture works better at soundproofing than hard tables and wooden chairs.