(Actual) Cost of Soundproofing a Room

If you live in a noisy neighborhood, soundproofing your room is the way to go—especially if you’re trying to record music or some other type of audio. The cost will depend on your room’s size, materials, labor, and, of course, the vicinity.

Soundproofing a room costs between $300 and $ 45,000. On average, $1000 – $ 3000 can give you a reasonably soundproofed room. The more you spend, the better the quality of your soundproofing will be.

In the next section, I’ll break down the cost for you. I’ll also show you less expensive methods of soundproofing your room if you’re on a tight budget.

Cost of Soundproofing a Room: The Breakdown

Soundproofing a room is all about adding mass. The aim is to pad hollow areas and seal all openings. The cost of the materials required varies based on the part of the room you want to soundproof.

The Ceiling

Soundproofing materials for ceilings are the most expensive. Some of the materials you can use are acoustic foam, textured paint, and mass-loaded vinyl. Some people decide to erect a separate ceiling.

Acoustic foam costs about $15 – $120 per panel.
Textured paint costs about $250-$350.
Mass-loaded vinyl can be used to line the ceiling. You can get it for about $100 – $200 for up to 50 square feet.

I have created a more detailed article on ceiling soundproofing costs which you can check out.

The Walls

The materials for soundproofing walls are not as expensive.

Drywall: You can find dry walls for $10 to $60 per sheet. Adding another layer of drywall will reduce noise.
Soundproof foam: Soundproof foam is popular in studios and comes in various colors for added beauty. Soundproof foam ranges from $1.50 to $5 per square foot.
Acoustic panels: Acoustic panels cost between $8 and $12., depending on the size

I have created a more detailed article on the costs involved in soundproofing walls which you can check out.

The Floor

The main purpose of soundproofing a floor is to reduce the effect of impact noise and vibrations. Rugs and carpets are the go-to options for floor soundproofing, but there are several others available.

Blown sound insulation: Blown sound insulation insulates sound when installed on the floor. You’ll spend $40-$200 to install it.
Green glue: Green glue is a multipurpose soundproofing glue. It is used for soundproofing ceilings, walls, floors, and other house parts. It costs about $15-$30 per 28 oz.

The Windows

Windows are one of the main avenues for sound to enter and escape a room, so don’t forget to soundproof them.

Acoustic caulk: Caulk is used to seal all openings around the window. You can get it for $15 – $100.
Soundproof curtains: You should go for thick curtains, like vinyl or velvet, or blackout curtains to block noise and sunlight. The cost of these curtains ranges from $100-$450.
Window inserts: Inserts are excellent noise reduction materials. They cost between $250 – $500. Inserts can be customized, and they blend in without distorting the original look of your window.
Soundproof window: Changing your window to a soundproof window can reduce up to 80% of sound. They cost $125-$2750.
Soundproof window plug: Soundproof window plugs are installed along the sides of the window frame. They cost $25-$75.
Window seal kit: You can get a window seal kit for about $20-$80.

A more comprehensive guide is here.

The Door

Soundproofing doors range from making minor changes to replacing the door. Here are some door soundproofing ideas and their costs.

Soundproof blanket: You can place a soundproof blanket over the door. Adding this extra layer will suppress noise. They cost between $300-$500.
Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a great way to seal the borders of your windows. It costs $35-$90.
Mass-loaded vinyl: Mass-loaded vinyl is a multipurpose soundproof material used for doors. It costs $100-$200.
Acoustic panel doors: Panel doors cost $100-$300.
Soundproof doors: You can replace hollow doors with solid doors or soundproof doors. They have a wide range, starting at $150 and going all the way to $4000.

Cheaper Alternatives to Soundproofing

As expensive as some of these options can be, you can still soundproof your room without breaking the bank. Here are some economical DIY ideas for soundproofing a room.

Reposition your furniture: You may already have furniture in your room, so this shouldn’t be difficult. Start by moving the furniture close to the wall, including upholstery, bookshelves, dresser, and wardrobes. They will absorb the sound filtering in from the wall. The softer and thicker your furniture, the better the absorption ability.
Fill your bookshelves with books and your wardrobes with clothes. The fuller they are, the more sound they’ll absorb.
Add underlay to your carpets: Use thick carpets on your room floor. However, before covering the floor, spread an underlay. The underlay will help in absorbing sound.
Use sound distraction: Distract your mind from the noise around you by playing background songs. A good stereo can give you rainfall, wind, or soft songs to keep your mind busy.
Use a blanket: An ordinary blanket will do if you can’t get a soundproof blanket. The heavier the blanket, the more sound it will absorb. Cover your walls, doors, windows, or any other place with a thick blanket.
Increase the fan speed: You should already have a fan. Increasing its speed will not only blow out bad air but also create a new controlled kind of noise that’ll suppress outside noise.

You can also check out DIY Soundproofing A Room Cheaply – An Easy How To Guide

Why You Should Soundproof Your Room

The sources of external noise are endless—cars, construction, loud neighbors, bars, etc. Soundproofing reduces external noise, which leads to many benefits.

Quiet: A soundproofed room is quieter and more peaceful.
Better sleep: Falling asleep is easier and more enjoyable if you’re in a peaceful environment. There won’t be any jarring noise to wake you up from sleep.
Increased focus: A soundproofed room quells distraction and helps you focus on tasks.
Prestige: A soundproofed house has more value and class. It’s more comfortable too.

Conclusion

The cost of soundproofing a room depends on the materials, location, and labor. If you want a lasting and substantial effect, you’ll need to raise your budget and purchase high-quality materials.

However, if you’re not ready to make the investment, there are several tips you can follow to improve noise absorption in your room.

Despite the cost, soundproofing a room is worth it. You get to sleep soundly and concentrate more easily. Your room becomes a haven.