How can I soundproof a room myself on the cheap?

Question

I live in a shared building with my boyfriend who is a drummer. We've had a few complaints about the noise but obviously he doesn't want to give up his drums so soundproofing seems to be the best option. We live in a first floor flat and are on a budget. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You could simply just buy some drum mute pads. This would be cheapest and easiest.

Maybe some foam if you insist with the walls

Or, If you got the dough, pay for a electric pad drum set. They look kinda plastic like, but are quite quiet, and have a great number of programming and recording capabilities

Answer 2

This is an answer I just provided.  If this is an apartment re-insulating isn't going to be an option, but tacking sound board, which a link to is provided, and the egg cartons is.

In recording studios we use sound batt insulation, which is very similar to insulation used in typical construction, but engineered for sound, and sound board. The following is an address that will help you out on the product: http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/sou...

Now, I'll tell you another way to achieve the same results for less money and how to get the materials locally. Contact you local egg supplier and buy the egg cases that are the grey paper or foam 2 dozen carriers. . . you know the square commercial ones; the grey paper type are better. Now cut and staple them in place to the underside of the flooring in between the floor joists. Now install the appropriate size typical batt insulation you can buy anywhere into the cavity; not compacting or compressing it in and foam fill any holes and penetrations. Cover up by installing the 1/2" "Ceiling Board" type of drywall and finish. "Ceiling Board" is the correct type of drywall to be used in sheetrocking ceilings, not typical drywall, it's a harder, more dense drywall that has a better fire rating and simply the right product to use in ceilings. . . not to mention the extra density will give you what your brother was eluding to in his recomendation.

This method I conveyed to you in the aforementioned paragraph will work excellent for your particular situation and circumstance and give you professional results. Getting the egg cartons? Just go to your local grocer and ask for the contact info for his supplier and give them a call. They'll likely send in your order with the truck on the next delivery.

Mike Lonergan

TradesProfessional, Inc.

http://www.tradesprofesional.com

Answer 3

http://www.instructables.com/id/Soundpro...

Answer 4

Buy him an electronic drum kit!

In the long run it's cheaper as it doesn't require any DIY.

Also he can play all those samples.

Answer 5

cover the walls and ceiling with egg boxes the two dozen tray type. the theory being that the sound waves are deflected off the irregular surface in all directions lessening echo and sound travelling through a flat wall. fit underlay on floor the type used under laminate flooring and carpet. you could use a couple of layers of old carpet.on top.

Answer 6

I would suggest that high low foam stuff that some people put on their beds. I've seen it at sewing stores. It's sometimes an aqua green color and sometimes it's that yellowish light golden color. Some people have used this for their walls. It definitely absorbs sound.  

Answer 7

I don't know if it will make it completly sound-proof. But:

I know egg cartons reduce the sound a lot and;

I've heard that thick or compressed foam (not polystyrene) reduces the sound too.

I also know, because my cousin was looking at one, you can purchase electronic drum kits that you can change to make noise aloud or just through some headphones. They also come with pre-recorded sound effects and you can program them to do different things. These are about $1000 - $3500 though

Good luck

Answer 8

Hi.. I think what you want to achieve is not practical, as to carry out work to just begin to have an effect will cost a lot of money..

& you could spend quite a lot without sucessfully soundproofing your room from your immediate neighbours above or below or adjacent.

It is probably a better option (a lot cheaper) to rent a local community centre hall, a room in a pub, or a garage or anywhere away from 'home' for him to practise, & you will both get out more too.

goodluck with the flat & also with the band

Answer 9

You can get some insulation backing wallpaper but it wont stop the sound, it will make it abit quieter, but being a drummer i dont think there is anything you can do him not heard.  

Answer 10

Find somewhwere else for him to practice (or use a silent simulator), or consider moving.

It really is the best way: the other tenants have a right to live in peace(and you will find this is reinforced by the lease) and could well seek an anti-social behavioural order, or court injunction, to stop him from doing it. Larking about with egg boxes is not going to solve anything, and serious sound proofing of the kind we are talking about here is very expensive.

Answer 11

Drums are just too loud. Whatever you do in a small apartment wont work.  

Answer 12

Put a layer of plywood or sheetrock around the hole room Good Luck

Answer 13

Egg Cartons And Lots Of It