How Thick Should Foam Be For Soundproofing? 

The thing about using foam to soundproof is that it does almost a perfect job of keeping sound locked in, and it’s no wonder sound studios and booth installers prefer it in their design. However, there has been almost an uncertainty when it comes to how thick a foam should be, with some asking “How Thick Should Foam Be For Soundproofing?” 

According to experts in this field, the foam should be at least 2″ (inch) thick if you want to keep sound locked in. However, the thicker the foam, the better. But this will depend on your budget as it may cost more to install thicker foam. In whatever you do though, don’t let your budget go below a two-inch foam. 

In this blog post, we’d be discussing the best foam to be used for soundproofing and other topics about soundproofing. Kindly read on to find out more.

Does thick foam absorb more sound? 

Yes, thick foam absorbs more sound as I have earlier stated, but the thinner foam does a better job of absorbing high frequencies. 

Simply put, if you aim to absorb more sound, make the foam as thick as you possibly can. For higher frequencies, do the reverse. 

It’s one of the reasons why you’ll hardly hear a sound from a room having more furniture, especially in rooms filled with cushioned chairs and pillows. 

The sound made in such rooms is usually absorbed by the foam, as well as other furniture around which is why owning lots of this kind of furniture is a way to soundproof your room without the need for an expert. 

Although this might be an expensive approach, it’s usually worth it in the long run. 

What foam is best for soundproofing? 

To have a definite answer to what foam is best for soundproofing, you have to understand the concept of the foams involved. 

There are two types of foam; Open cell foam and Closed cell foam. 

Open cell foam

As the name suggests, open-cell foam is made with certain kinds of openings that are not necessarily visible to the naked eye. 

These openings trap sound and liquid alike into its chambers making it ideal for trapping high-frequency sounds. 

Closed cell foam

Just like the name, the closed-cell foam does not have the pores you’ll find in open-cell foam, a design that makes them very suitable for sounds with low frequencies. 

So, depending on the sound you wish to keep insulated, any of these should do. However, because you may not have an idea of what they look like, simply use this analogy; thick foams are for low-frequency noise and thin foams are for high-frequency noise. 

How do I stop noise coming through my walls? 

Sound entering a room passes through what we call a point of entry. These points of entry can be from the window, walls, and even the ceiling above you, which is why it’s imperative you know the point of entry of the noise before you can apply a lasting result to the problem. 

Noise coming from walls is not usually easy to combat because of the large surface area they occupy. Not only that, arresting this problem will likely alter the decor of the room in question. 

As a result, I have listed certain ways you can stop noise coming through walls without completely distorting your room’s appearance, which includes, using cushion furniture, wall curtains, Bookshelves, etc. 

Step 1: Place a cushion on the wall 

The best place to start would be to place your cushion on the wall, not just the wall the sound is coming from, but in the opposite direction as well. 

A noise will have less effect in a room if it bounces off a soft surface, and by placing a cushioned chair in the opposite direction, it absorbs the sound that might have escaped the cushion placed on the wall. 

If it’s a bedroom, consider placing your mattress on the wall where the sound is coming from. A lot of pillows will definitely help a lot. 

Step 2: The use of wall curtains

Another cool option you can consider is the use of wall curtains. Wall curtains can add a certain amount of beauty to your room, whilst blocking out unwanted noise from the walls in the process. 

You’ll be fighting with a double-edged sword if you can implement both steps 1 and 2 in the same room. 

Wall curtains are also an excellent addition to bedrooms, however, you may want to remove them during the summer as they may cause heat. 

Step 3: Bookshelves 

Placing a bookshelf directly on the wall where the noise emanates from is an excellent way to block it out. 

Aside from the shelf itself, the books also help to absorb the sound penetrating the wall. Not only is sound prevented from entering the room, but it is also prevented from leaving. 

If you’re an avid reader, then it’s likely you already have one in place. Simply redecorate your room and place the bookshelf on the wall causing the disturbance. 

And if books aren’t your thing, you may want to reconsider as I believe they help put you in high esteem with visitors. It kinda gives a serious vibe to your personality even if you may be the complete opposite LOL. 

Having books in hard copies will never get old, no matter how old the practice has been. 

Step 4: Use Artwork 

It’s hard to hate a good work of art even if you aren’t really into the whole concept. The use of artwork on the wall with the noise problem will help reduce it drastically. 

Not just that, it also gives a lift to the decor of the room without you having to change much, and with as little as $50, you can get decent artwork for this purpose. 

Before going ahead to soundproof your wall, kindly note the following bullet point below. 

• Some of these options might not be ideal during the summer or for a hotter climate, however, if you have the means to counter the side effects then good for you. 
• The overall decor of the room may need a drastic change. If it’s something you can proceed with then you have nothing to worry about. 
• Seek other non-soundproofing options listed below before making up your mind on any of the following listed above. 

Also read: Are hotel rooms soundproof?

What can I use instead of soundproof? 

Aside from choosing to block out the sound, you can try any of the following alternatives. 

Step 1: Dialog 

Not everyone might be open to reason, but it’s always worth a try. Before you spend on soundproofing, how about talking to the owner of the room on the other side? It could be a sibling, colleague, or a random person, regardless, try and let them know their activity on the other side of the wall is keeping you up. 

If they fail to see the reason, you may also want to involve the building manager. If this doesn’t yield any results, you may now proceed to block out whatever sound is keeping you up. I know you may not want to go through all these processes, however, you could save a few quid in the process. 

Step 2: Counter noise

Using another noise to counter the noise causing you disturbance is also something you can try. You can start by using your sound system to play something soothing as the noise persist. 

Sounds like beach noises will help not only in drowning the noise, but also help you sleep properly. However, this might be ineffective if the noise in question is a constant bang on the wall. 

FAQs 

What is the difference between acoustic foam and regular foam? 

The major difference between acoustic foam and regular foam boils down to the construction properties. Acoustic foams are carefully made of open-cell structures to absorb sound regardless of the frequency. Acoustic foams are also preferred in a professional setup compared to regular foam. 

Can I use mattress foam for soundproofing? 

Yes, you can use mattress foam for soundproofing, but it won’t do a good job of keeping noise out, but it does a great job of keeping the sound locked in. 

How much soundproof foam do I need? 

According to experts, you’ll need to cover at least 25% of the room if you want to do a good job of soundproofing your room. However, other factors such as the windows and the ceiling might mean you need to take a more calculated approach.

Is it possible to completely soundproof a room? 

According to the reports of people who have tried to completely soundproof a room, YES, it’s possible. As long as you can fill in all the air gaps, decouple the walls, and use the right insulating materials as well as the right doors, amongst other things, It’s very possible. 

However, you may need professional help to get this done. 

Conclusion – How thick should foam be for soundproofing? 

The thicker the foam, the better. But generally speaking, using a 2-inch foam should get the job done as earlier started. Other areas of soundproofing such as soundproofing a wall was also covered. Do well to drop your comments and suggestions in the space provided. 

Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers.