Soundproof Drywall: How to Make a Room Soundproof

There are many reasons why you might want to create a sound barrier in your home. Maybe your home is on a busy street or intersection. Maybe you have thin walls between bedrooms. If you are looking for increased privacy, quiet, and comfort inside of your home, there are many ways to make a room soundproof. In this article, we will discuss one of the best ways to soundproof: using soundproof drywall.

How Does Soundproof Drywall Work?

While conventional drywall will help muffle sound, it won’t completely block out noise. Most drywall has a solid core made of gypsum. Gypsum is a mineral made of calcium sulfate, and it is commonly used in building projects. It creates a rigid piece of drywall that vibrates along with sound waves, which allows noise to pass through rooms or into a home.

In soundproof drywall the solid gypsum core is replaced with an inner layer of gypsum, viscoelastic, and ceramics. These materials work together to create a better barrier to block noise.

Cost Comparison: Standard Drywall vs Soundproof Drywall

Many homeowners are concerned about the cost-effectiveness of using soundproof drywall in their home.

Soundproof drywall costs $60 or more for a single sheet. Standard drywall costs an estimated $12.50 per sheet.

Soundproof Drywall

Soundproof drywall is very effective at creating a sound barrier

• Permanent solution

• Appropriate for bedrooms, offices, basements, and more

• More expensive than standard drywall

• Limited manufacturer options

Average Cost to Soundproof Drywall a Bedroom:

$375

You can calculate the amount of drywall you need by dividing a room’s square footage by either 32 (for 4 x 8 sheets of drywall) or 48 (for 4 x 12 drywall sheets).

Want to get a rough estimate right away without measuring your room?

The average U.S. home is about 2,000 square feet. The average bedroom size is about 200 square feet. Using the calculations above, you can estimate approximately $375 to purchase soundproof drywall for a bedroom.

To be mindful of your home improvement budget, limit using soundproof drywall to the rooms where noise is the largest concern. Many homeowners reserve soundproof drywall for the bedrooms or an office.

Are Different Drywall Options More or Less Soundproof?

Yes, they are. You can select the level of soundproofing you need by looking for the right rating.

Home improvement and construction efforts have created a rating system called Sound Transmission Class Levels, or STC. This rating indicates the transmission loss — or the difference between the volume of a particular noise — on either side of a wall.

Drywall that is more effective at blocking sound will have a higher STC number. And it will be more costly as a result.

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Soundproof Drywall Brands and Options

Brands producing soundproofing drywall are not as numerous as conventional drywall manufacturers. Still, there are a few different options on the market. 

QuietRock: QuietRock is able to boast of being the very first manufacturer of soundproof drywall, which they developed in 2003. This award-winning product is also fireproof and is manufactured using less labor and lower quantities of products. QuietgRock’s products take up less space in the home when compared with other soundproof drywall options. QuietRock’s 545 has a Sound Transmission Class Level of 80.

QuietRock also offers QuietCoat, which is a great option for homeowners who cannot replace their drywall entirely. This product goes on like paint and works to lower noise from appliances and electronics typically known for producing bothersome noise. This product can be applied on a wide variety of surfaces and is commonly used on air conditioning units, computers, and appliances.

Soundbreak XP: This brand of drywall is acoustically enhanced drywall with a Sound Transmission Class Level of between 55 and 60. While the STC of this particular soundproof drywall is lower than others, this is a more affordable option.  

If you want to consider other permanent ways to make a room soundproof, you can also learn more about soundproof windows for your home. Or you can click the banner below to find a local pro who can help you talk through a variety of soundproofing options and give you a quote.

No matter what you choose, you’ll be enjoying a quieter home soon.