How much does it cost to soundproof a room?
How much does it cost to soundproof a room?
$10 – $30 soundproofing cost per square foot
$1,400 – $4,300 average cost to soundproof a room (12' x 12')
$960 – $2,900 average cost to soundproof a wall (12' x 8')
Average cost to soundproof a room
The average cost to soundproof a room is $1,400 to $4,300 or $10 to $30 per square foot with installation, depending on the material and room size. Acoustic wall panels cost $2 to $17 per square foot for materials alone and are a popular choice for DIY soundproofing.
| Room | Size (square feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 100 – 180 | $1,000 – $5,400 |
| Primary bedroom | 180 – 250 | $1,800 – $7,500 |
| Living room | 250 – 350 | $2,500 – $10,500 |
| Home theater | 200 – 300 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Home office | 100 – 180 | $1,000 – $5,400 |
| Laundry room | 50 – 100 | $500 – $3,000 |
| Home gym | 150 – 250 | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| Basement room | 180 – 300 | $1,800 – $9,000 |
| Garage | 280 – 580 | $2,800 – $17,400 |
Cost of soundproofing by surface
The cost of soundproofing varies by surface and method. A curtain or door sweep costs much less than new windows or a full wall of soundproofing panels but typically does not block as much sound.
| Surface | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Wall | $100 – $2,000 |
| Floor | $100 – $1,000 |
| Ceiling | $150 – $1,200 |
| Window | $50 – $1,500 |
| Door | $50 – $1,600 |
Soundproof wall cost
Soundproofing a wall costs $100 to $2,000 with labor, depending on the method. Hanging a blanket or acoustic panels is easy and relatively cheap, while upgrading the wall itself is more complex:
Drywall – Standard drywall costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed. Specialized soundproof drywall costs$30 to $100 per 4' x 8' panel for materials alone.
Insulation – Spray foam insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot with installation, while fiberglass blown-in insulation costs $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot. Open-cell spray foam and blown-in fiberglass are considered the best insulation materials for soundproofing.
Soundproof flooring cost
Soundproof flooring costs $100 to $1,000 installed, depending on the material. Carpet and rugs are the most effective types of soundproof flooring. A simple rug is affordable and easy to DIY. Installing carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot with labor, or $200 to $1,000 for a 10' x 12' room.
Soundproof ceiling cost
Soundproofing a ceiling costs $150 to $1,200 on average. Adding a few acoustic tiles yourself costs less than having a professional remove the ceiling and install new insulation and drywall. A new drywall ceiling costs $2 to $4 per square foot with installation or $300 to $600 for a 12' x 12' room.
Soundproof window cost
Soundproofing an existing window costs $15 to $500, depending on the method. A new soundproof window costs $550 to $2,000 installed, including the frame. Acoustic caulk costs $15 to $100, while sound-blocking curtains cost $20 to $400.
Soundproof door cost
Soundproofing a door costs $50 to $1,600 total. A simple door sweep reduces noise and costs less than a new door. Acoustic doors offer more soundproofing but cost more than average.
Moving your dresser or bookcase to a hallway-facing wall may help block noise and costs nothing.
Soundproofing installation cost factors
Soundproofing installation costs $1,000 to $9,000 total, depending on the material, room size, and amount of noise reduction needed.
| Factor | Average cost (100 – 300 SF) |
|---|---|
| Materials | $200 – $5,100 |
| Labor | $800 – $3,900 |
| Total cost | $1,000 – $9,000 |
The following factors affect installation costs:
Surfaces being soundproofed – Soundproofing large sections of walls, floors, or ceilings costs more than adding curtains or a door sweep.
Removing existing surfaces – Removing drywall from existing walls or ceilings to add new insulation costs extra.
Adding walls – Building a new wall costs $25 to $64 per linear foot, including framing and drywall. Prices depend on the wall materials and height.
Labor – Simple jobs like hanging curtains can be done yourself, while more complex projects should be done by a professional.
A soundproofing professional charges $8 to $13 per square foot.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour but may not have as much expertise.
Soundproofing material prices
Acoustic wall panels are a popular material that can be added and removed easily. Most soundproofing materials work well, though acoustic paint is considered one of the least effective methods.
| Material | Price per square foot* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic panels | $2 – $17 | Made of foam with spikes that reduce echoes |
| Acoustic tiles | $4 – $10 | Smaller version acoustic panels, often used decoratively |
| Acoustic paint | $1 – $4 | Heavy paint with fillers and ceramic |
| Soundproof drywall | $2 – $7 | Gypsum and metal composite, more dense than normal drywall |
| Mass-loaded vinyl | $3 – $5 | Thin sheet of vinyl and metal composite, commonly used |
| Sound-dampening curtains | $1 – $5 | Best for reducing outdoor noise |
*Not including installation.
Soundproofing FAQs
How does soundproofing work, and is it possible to completely soundproof a room?
Soundproofing absorbs sound and prevents it from leaving or entering a room. It is possible to completely soundproof a room by addressing all entry points with the right materials. Highly soundproof materials have a greater Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating.
Is soundproofing worth the money?
Soundproofing is worth the money if you want:
Relief from noisy neighbors
Fewer echoes
Better sleep
Higher quality acoustics for music or recording
What is the cheapest way to soundproof a room?
The cheapest way to soundproof a room is with commonly found items such as rugs, curtains, blankets, door sweeps, and weather stripping. The thicker the material, the more sound it will absorb and block.
Does it cost more to soundproof an existing room or new construction?
It typically costs more to soundproof an existing room because it requires removing the existing drywall or plaster walls and ceilings. During new construction, contractors can easily add soundproofing to walls, ceiling, and floors as they install the insulation, drywall, and flooring.
How much soundproofing do I need for my room?
The amount of soundproofing you need depends on how much external noise you need to block and how soundproof your walls already are. When using acoustic panels, cover at least 15% to 30% of the wall's surface area.
Getting estimates from soundproofing professionals
When hiring a soundproofing company near you, remember to:
Get at least 3 written estimates to compare.
Select a licensed, insured, and bonded company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Browse reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Have them take measurements in person.
Get a contract and warranty in writing before work begins.
Avoid the lowest quote, which may indicate low-quality materials.
Never pay in full before the project begins.
Questions to ask soundproofing pros
Ask the following questions to find the right contractor:
How many soundproofing projects have you worked on?
Can you give me references with contact information?
Do you have a portfolio with photos I can review?
Do you charge a fee for in-home estimates? If so, can you apply it to the final price?
Does the estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
How long will this project take?
Are there any other fees I can expect?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?