Soundproofing a room costs between $1,022 and $2,700, with an average of $1,861 depending on the room’s size and soundproofing materials.
Soundproofing a room costs $10 to $30 per square foot, on average.
Costs vary based on location, room size, materials used, and quality of installation.
Hiring a professional ensures proper installation and can potentially save money in the long run.
Soundproofing increases home value and provides added comfort and privacy.
To save on costs, focus on key areas where sound enters and leaves, and consider less expensive soundproofing methods.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Soundproofing a room enhances comfort and privacy, costing an average of $1,861. However, you could pay as little as $500 or as much as $5,000 depending on factors like location, room size, and material quality. Prices are the lowest for basic soundproofing, while you’ll pay far more for advanced projects like home theaters. In either case, professional installation ensures effective results. Expect to pay $10 to $30 per square foot.
Several factors determine the cost of soundproofing a room, including the room's size and type, the surface being soundproofed, the materials used, the project's complexity, and the cost per square foot.
The cost to soundproof a room based on its size ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot. While size plays a key role in the price tag, it's not always the driving factor. For example, heavily soundproofing a small children's bedroom from surrounding noise may require more material than simply quieting a home office.
Prices vary based on when local contractors soundproof a home. New construction soundproofing will range from $12 to $25 per square foot, while soundproofing an existing room costs between $10 and $30 per square foot.
The most common types of rooms to be soundproofed are bedrooms, home theaters, and gyms, but any room can be soundproofed to isolate noise from outside. Different rooms have different soundproofing requirements, impacting the cost of this project.
Room Type | Average Soundproofing Cost |
---|---|
Bedroom | $300–$1,500 |
Garage | $900–$5,600 |
Gym | $300–$1,600 |
Home theater | $1,000–$10,000 |
Home office | $100–$1,000 |
Basement | $300–$2,000 |
Living room | $1,000–$7,500 |
Bedrooms are some of the most commonly soundproofed spaces, especially in apartment buildings. Soundproof windows, doors, and ceilings are often needed for best results, while walls and floors may be necessary for loud homes. Soundproofing a 10-foot by 10-foot bedroom costs between $300 and $1,500, depending on the soundproofing tactics chosen.
Transforming a garage into a studio, recording space, or quiet area costs more than soundproofing other areas of the home. Garages are rarely insulated—if insulated at all—so they lack an initial barrier. Garage doors may also be less soundproof. Soundproofing a garage starts at $900 and can range up to $5,600 if planning to soundproof the exterior.
A home gym will cost between $300 and $1,600 to soundproof. Contractors may suggest focusing most materials on the floor to protect sounds of exercise from reaching the rest of the house. Acoustic panels will also block workout music and impact noise.
Home theaters, dens, and entertainment rooms are ideal places to consider extra soundproofing. Costing between $1,000 and $10,000, soundproofing a home theater is one of the larger projects on the list and is best handled by an experienced professional.
Soundproofing a home office is a great way to stay focused while hard at work, blocking out noise from outside or the rest of the house. Soundproofing an office will cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on the size of the office and the extent of soundproofing needed.
Because basements have natural soundproofing thanks to being underground, they're often less expensive to soundproof—even if they're quite large. On average, soundproofing a basement costs between $300 and $2,000.
To cut noise from the living room for better movie nights or more peaceful evenings entertaining, soundproofing is beneficial. Soundproofing a living room can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $7,500, depending on needs.
Another way to determine soundproofing costs is to take it surface by surface. The price of soundproofing depends on whether it involves windows, walls, drywall, ceilings, doors, or flooring.
The cost of soundproofing a window ranges from $100 to $1,500. At the low end, basic sounds can be blocked with soundproof caulk, curtains, or a home window sealing kit. At the high end, replacing the entire window with soundproof glass is an option. The following table outlines the costs associated with each soundproofing technique.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost per Window (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Caulk or window sealing kit | $20–$100 |
Sound-dampening curtains | $15–$100 per panel |
Window insert | $250–$500 |
Soundproof window | $500–$1,500 |
The walls are often the first consideration when soundproofing a room. Since there is such a long list of soundproof wall materials on the market, it is advisable to consult with a professional about the level necessary for your needs. Soundproofing costs an average of $1 to $10 per square foot of wall or $65 to $400 per wall.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Rockwool insulation | $1–$2 per square foot |
Foam insulation | $2–$3 per square foot |
Mineral wool batting | $2–$3 per square foot |
Soundproof paint | $2–$4 per square foot |
Mass-loaded vinyl | $2–$5 per square foot |
Acoustic wall panels | $2–$5 per square foot |
Acoustic tile | $10 per tile |
Soundproof drywall installation costs about $40 to $60 per panel. Experts use techniques to double up, insulate, or structure drywall to protect against noise. These steps are taken during home construction or by fortifying walls with additional drywall layers in an existing home.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Soundproof drywall or double drywall | $40–$60 per panel |
Drywall crack sealant | $100–$350 per wall |
Resilient channel | $150–$200 per wall |
Similar to walls, ceilings can be soundproofed using acoustic panels, insulation, mass-loaded vinyl, or soundproof tiles. Doubling or tripling drywall layers also enhances soundproofing. Soundproof ceilings are essential in spaces with loud roofs or upstairs neighbors. Soundproof ceiling replacement costs $150 to $1,400 on average.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Soundproof blanket | $300–$450 |
Acoustic wall panels | $2–$5 per square foot |
Foam insulation | $2–$3 per square foot |
Mass-loaded vinyl | $3–$5 per square foot |
Soundproof drywall or double drywall | $40–$60 per panel |
There are low-cost and flexible ways to soundproof doors, such as installing blankets and curtains to absorb noise once the door is closed. More permanent door soundproofing materials include thresholds, sealant, and acoustic panels or mass-loaded vinyl. In extreme cases, replace the door with a solid core door, soundproof glass door, or specialty soundproof door design.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Soundproof paint | $2–$4 per square foot |
Sound-dampening curtains | $15–$100 per panel |
Soundproof threshold | $30–$100 |
Door sealant | $40–$100 |
Acoustic panels | $100–$300 per door |
Solid-core door | $500–$1,600 |
Sound-proof glass door | $1,000–$4,000 |
Soundproofing a floor is easier in new construction. In an existing room, carpeting can dampen sound, and a soundproof underlayment between the rug and the floor adds further soundproofing. Interlocking carpet mats also reduce noise.
Soundproofing Technique | Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Carpet | $4–$11 per square foot |
Floor mats | $1–$3 per square foot |
Floor underlayment | $0.20–$0.50 per square foot |
Blown insulation | $40–$200 |
Mass-loaded vinyl | $3–$5 per square foot |
Soundproofing materials and techniques block airborne and impact noises from outside or adjacent rooms. They also contain sounds within a space, protecting neighbors from noise like loud music or exercise.
Specialty soundproof paints, panels, drywall, curtains, and more absorb sounds to dampen noise. However, not all rooms or levels of sound require the same soundproofing tactics. The main factors that sway the cost of a soundproofing project include materials, room size, and complexity.
There are numerous materials that soundproof different areas of the room. Some of the most common soundproofing material costs include:
Foam insulation: $1 to $3 per square foot
Textured acoustic panels: $2 to $5 per square foot
Acoustic tiles: $5 per 4-inch square
Soundproof paint: $2 to $4 per square foot
Acoustic drywall: $40 per sheet
Sound-dampening curtains: $15 to $100 per panel
Mass-loaded vinyl: $2 to $5 per square foot
Soundproof insulation pairs with thermal insulation to absorb sound. This insulation costs $1 to $3 per square foot, slightly more on average than traditional varieties.
Soundproof tiles and panels come in a range of materials, shapes, and colors. The panels and tiles contain absorbent materials like foam, mineral wool, fiberglass, or polyester and are often wrapped tightly in fabric. Panels cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, while individual press-on tiles cost about $5 per 4-inch square.
Acoustic paint relieves low levels of noise and is often used in tandem with other methods like panels or insulation. Instructions often dictate using two coats to absorb maximum sound. Painting a room costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.
Specialty drywall contains multiple layers of dense materials to keep out sound and prevent echo. Designers can often add layers of drywall during or after construction to maximize soundproofing. The specialty panels cost between $40 and $60 per sheet.
Thick curtains that absorb sounds act as extra barriers for windows, doors, and walls. These are suitable additions to rooms requiring temporary soundproofing, such as a nursery. Soundproof curtains cost between $15 and $100 per panel, depending on the brand and thickness.
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a highly useful and easy-to-install tool. Typically sold in a long roll, the dense material can line the inside or outside of walls, floors, and ceilings to cut sound. Expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot or $100 to $200 per roll.
Project complexity significantly impacts the overall cost. Complex tasks like installing drywall, working on ceilings, or installing soundproof windows should be handled by local soundproofing professionals. Soundproofing companies' prices reflect the project's complexity, including:
Time it takes to complete the project
Access to the soundproofing area
Labor rates
Removing existing materials
Modifications to existing structures
Certifications or permits necessary for installation
Soundproofing a room costs $10 to $30 per square foot on average, but the price varies by room and home type.
You can use the average cost of $10 to $30 per square foot to estimate the standard price of different spaces. Keep in mind that not all spaces require the same level of soundproofing. Gyms and home theaters will likely need more labor and materials than a living room or bedroom.
For example, a 12-foot by 12-foot room will cost between $1,400 and $4,300 to soundproof. A smaller 9-foot by 12-foot bedroom will cost $1,100 to $3,200.
The average square footage of a home is around 2,300 square feet. If you plan to soundproof the entire house, the cost will add up to $23,000 to $46,000. However, the price tag depends on which rooms you plan to soundproof, whether you opt for some DIY installations, and how much sound you're looking to keep out.
Condos and apartments tend to include some soundproofing tactics during construction. Builders may double up on drywall in louder areas or install sound insulation with thermal insulation when finishing walls, floors, and ceilings. Sound insulation installation costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, plus the costs of additional materials.
Yes, soundproofing generally increases home value. While dollar-for-dollar ROI may not be seen when selling a soundproofed home, most people will see quality soundproofing as an added benefit. This is especially true if the house has a home gym, home office, or home theater, all of which should be at least somewhat soundproof to be practically used.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Using recycled egg cartons to soundproof a room is ineffective because these thin, porous materials fail to block sound waves. High-quality sound-dampening foam panels absorb sound energy completely and have a flat backing for secure attachment. This method guarantees enhanced noise reduction and an improved aesthetic, making it the reliable choice for soundproofing.
Soundproofing performed during new construction is more cost-effective than retrofitting an existing room. Incorporating soundproofing while building eliminates the need for extensive retrofits later, reducing labor and material expenses. New construction projects invest $15 per square foot, while retrofitting requires $30 per square foot. This proactive approach significantly enhances acoustic performance and value.
The best soundproofing approach is determined by the noise severity, room function, and the quality of materials used. For minor ambient noise, installing soundproof curtains may suffice. However, spaces exposed to heavy traffic or industrial sounds require insulation, specialized drywall, and superior window installations. Professional consultation ensures that every element meets the room’s acoustic requirements.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) quantifies a material's ability to block sound; higher STC ratings indicate superior soundproofing performance, ensuring less noise passes between spaces. This rating is essential when selecting windows, doors, or wall materials to meet specific acoustic performance standards.
While completely soundproofing a room is technically possible, it is not cost-effective due to extensive material and labor requirements. Targeting a noise reduction between 25% and 50% delivers significant acoustic improvement without exorbitant costs. An investment between $1,000 and $2,000 achieves outstanding results. Therefore, attaining complete silence is impractical for most residential projects.