How to Soundproof Thin Walls | Soundproof Cow (2024)

September 11, 2023

Table of Contents:
Benefits of Soundproofing
Materials Needed
Tips for Sound Reduction

Few things frustrate apartment dwellers more than a noisy neighbor. From barking pets to late-night gatherings, neighborly disturbances can range from mildly annoying to absolutely maddening. Thin walls can also keep you on your toes worrying that neighbors can hear your private conversations. Fortunately, there’s a solution. If your walls are flimsy and transfer noise easily, try soundproofing your space. Soundproofing thin walls is an easy yet effective way to make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Benefits of Soundproofing Thin Apartment Walls

A soundproofed apartment offers plenty of perks to apartment dwellers, including:

• Enhanced privacy: Keeping outside noises where they belong will give you greater peace of mind knowing your neighbors won’t be able to overhear your conversations.
• Improved quality of life: Loud neighbors can be irritating and lead to disturbed sleep. Soundproofing your apartment ensures you won’t be bothered by obtrusive outside noises, allowing you to relax and enjoy your own personal space.

Shop Wall soundproofing Materials

Materials You’ll Need for Soundproofing Thin Walls

Soundproofing materials can help control the acoustics in your space and absorb any noise coming in through your thin walls. You’ll likely need a combination of popular soundproofing materialsto get the job done right.

Soundproof Blankets and Curtains

Soundproof blankets and curtains offer outstanding flexibility when treating rooms where you can hear sound through the walls. You mighthang a soundproofing quiltnext to a bed or shared living room wall as necessary to catch up on sleep or enjoy time with family. These products are also helpful when you’re trying to prevent loud noises from reaching your neighbors.

Using a soundproof blanket or curtain is a fantastic idea for thin walls because you can fold these products up and store them between uses. An added benefit is that, whether you’re trying to relax or entertain, you can apply these temporary sound reduction solutions without rearranging rooms or spending a great deal of money.

Rubber or Mass-Loaded Vinyl Materials

It’s common for reverberations from footsteps, dropped objects and pets to move through the floor and into walls. If you plan on redoing your floors or walls and want to add soundproofing products while you’re at it, consider usingrubber flooring underlayment materialsormass-loaded vinylfor walls.

No matter if your neighbors are making noise or you are trying to be courteous to others living around you, these treatments can make a difference for both parties when done correctly.

Acoustic Foam Panels

There are plenty of options on the market foracoustic foam panelsthat are ideal for quieting your living spaces. These panels come in a range of sizes and give you a way to reduce the transfer of noise between walls in minutes. Figuring out how to hang acoustic foam panels is straightforward, as select products use peel-and-stick adhesives, clips, hooks or magnets to stay put. The foam options are lightweight and come in colors that match your living space.

A reputable soundproofing material supplier may let youcustomize acoustic panelswith pictures and images that work for your living space’s aesthetic.

Request An Acoustic Panel Quote

Soundproof Insulation

You can add soundproofing insulation materials to the inside of walls for a noticeable difference in sound reduction. Thebest insulation for thin wallswill also be compatible with ceilings and provide the added benefit of keeping rooms warm or cool depending on the time of year.

By installing these products between wood and metal studs, you can mitigate unwanted noise for the long haul.

Noiseproofing Glues and Compounds

Another way you can lessen sound moving between your thin walls is to use noiseproofing glues and compounds. These sound reduction products are useful when you’re completing a serious interior repair or renovation. Line your drywall materials withodor-free and mold-resistant compoundsto seal off spaces and prevent noise from entering and exiting.

How to Reduce Noise Problems Through Walls in Apartments

Once you’ve determined a budget, pinpointed the areas of your apartment that are especially noisy and gathered your materials, it’s time to get to work. These five soundproofing methods will help you reduce your sound levels quickly and inexpensively.

1. Stack Furniture Against the Walls

The trick to a quieter place might be as simple as some interior redecorating. Stack big pieces of furniture, like wardrobes and bookshelves, against your wall to add mass. You can even place thick blankets or foam padding between the furniture and the wall to further absorb any sound.

2. Cover Your Walls With Absorbent Materials

Soundproofing curtains or even thick blankets are an easy solution to soundproof thin walls. Stick with mounting putty to be on the safe side, or use nails if you’re not concerned about wall damage. In addition, acoustic foam panels come in all shapes, sizes and levels of thickness to effectively keep noise from exiting or entering.

3. Add a Layer of Drywall

Constructing a layer or two of drywall is a relatively easy way to pad thin walls and create a few extra layers between yourself and any noisy neighbors.If you’re renting an apartment, check with your landlord first to make sure this is acceptable.

4. Seal Visible Holes or Cracks

Even small gaps and cracks can make a big difference. Inspect your walls for any visible holes and seal them on your own or with the help of a professional to find out how to block sound between rooms.

5. Hang Rubber-Based Materials

Rubber-based materials and mass-loaded vinyl are fantastic ways to keep your space quiet. As an added bonus, these layers can help insulate your apartment to keep you cozy and potentially reduce your utility bills.

ShopMass Loaded Vinyl

Other Cost-Effective Methods to Try

Some solid solutions when you’re on a limited budget or are looking for a short-term fix include:

• Positioning throw rugs or carpets on wooden floors.
• Installing thick curtains over windows close to thin walls.
• Decorating your room with cork photoboards or tapestries.
• Picking up a white-noise generator to drown out excess noise from neighbors.
• Incorporating additional furniture into the room you want to be quieter.
• Using door draft stoppers to line baseboards on the shared wall.

Contact Soundproof Cow for More Soundproofing Solutions

Soundproofing thin walls doesn’t always require a major construction overhaul. Your project can be as simple as strategically incorporating acoustic foam panels and padding to particularly loud areas of your space. Block out the noise to enjoy improved privacy and a better night’s sleep!

Ready to get started? Soundproof Cow is just a phone call away. Contact us today to learn more about how to reduce noise by soundproofing your thin walls.

Learn More About Wall Soundproofing

• How to Soundproof a Wall
• How to Soundproof a Wall Behind a TV
• How to Soundproof Concrete Walls

Learn More About Soundproofing Areas of Your Home

• Basem*nt Soundproofing
• Living Room Soundproofing
• Multipurpose Room Soundproofing
• Kitchen Soundproofing
• Bedroom Soundproofing
• Nursery Soundproofing
• Bathroom Soundproofing
• Garage Soundproofing
• Stairs Soundproofing
• Sunroom Soundproofing
• Hallway Soundproofing