Soundproofing your doors can enhance your quality of life, whether you work from home, live in a bustling urban area, or simply want a quieter living space. There are many ways to soundproof, ranging from simple do-it-yourself (DIY) tricks to more advanced techniques. This guide covers the three primary methods for reducing sound transmission—adding mass, damping, and sealing gaps—plus cheaper fixes you can try on your own. Combining multiple methods usually yields the best results.
Adding Mass to Your Door
One effective way to reduce noise transmission is by adding mass to your door. Heavier materials are more effective at blocking sound waves.
From the Field: In a recent Ask This Old House episode, homeowner Henrik explained why he wanted to swap out his interior doors: “We’ve come to realize that we really would like to explore exchanging or changing these hollow-core doors to something more solid for two main reasons. One, just the feel of it, have something that feels a bit more solid. And the second one is really around sound insulation.” TOH carpenter Nathan Gilbert confirmed that upgrading to a solid-core door is one of the simplest ways to add mass and reduce noise between rooms.
Solid Core Doors
Switching to a solid-core door is a significant upgrade from a hollow-core door. Solid-core doors are denser and provide better sound insulation. They can be purchased at most home improvement stores and are easy to install. Although solid-core doors are more expensive and heavy, they’ll provide a better barrier for sound compared to hollow, air-filled doors.
Why It Matters: As TOH general contractor Tom Silva explains, a hollow-core door offers almost nothing between you and noise: “This veneer is actually all you have between each side of the door, except for some strips of cardboard or some other filler to hold the veneers together. And yeah, they are pretty tinny.” Upgrading to a solid-core door makes an immediate, noticeable difference in sound reduction.
Mass-Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a flexible, heavy material designed to block sound. It can be applied directly to the door or sandwiched between layers of material. To install MLV, cut it to fit the size of your door and attach it using adhesive or nails. This method adds significant mass to the door to reduce sound transmission.
Damping Vibrations
Damping is another method used to reduce sound transmission. This involves absorbing or dissipating the energy of sound waves, preventing them from traveling through the door.
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise. They’re made from materials such as foam or fiberglass and can be attached to the door’s surface. Acoustic panels come in various sizes and designs. Installation is straightforward, and they can be glued or screwed onto the door. If you want something less permanent, you can attach them to wood sheets, which allows you to remove them more easily in the future.
Green Glue
Green Glue is a damping compound that can be applied between layers of material to reduce sound transmission. Apply it between two layers of drywall or plywood, then attach the layers to the door. The compound absorbs sound waves and dissipates their energy, effectively reducing noise. This material is more complex to apply than other methods and is most often incorporated during a room’s construction.
Soundproofing Curtains
Soundproofing curtains are installed behind a door or inside a hallway. They’re made from thick cotton or fiberglass. The thicker the material, the more sound it will absorb. They create an additional layer of protection behind the door and can be effective at keeping heavy noise at bay. However, they can be obstructive, so we recommend installing them on a rod so they can be moved aside when not in use.
Sealing Door Gaps
Gaps around the door are a common source of sound leakage. Sealing these gaps can significantly reduce noise transmission.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, compares the principle to a kitchen appliance: “Just like a refrigerator door needs a good seal to keep cold air in, exterior doors need a good seal to keep cold air out.” The same logic applies to sound — if air can pass through a gap, so can noise.
One often-overlooked source of sound leakage is the gap between the door jamb and the rough framing — a space hidden behind the trim. Tom Silva fills this gap with expanding polyurethane foam, which seals off air (and sound) better than fiberglass. But he cautions against overfilling: too much expanding foam can bend the jamb and throw off the door’s alignment, undoing careful installation work.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is an effective way to seal gaps around the door. You can use various types of weatherstripping materials, such as foam tape or rubber, depending on the size of the gap. Apply weatherstripping along the sides and top of the door frame to create a tight seal. For more information, read our guide on choosing the best weatherstripping materials.
Installation Detail: When installing kerf-style weatherstripping into a slotted door jamb, TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends pushing the barbed tongue into one end of the slot and working carefully toward the other end without stretching the material — stretched weatherstripping will return to its original length and leave gaps. An alternative method: cut the product to length first, fit its ends into both ends of the slot, then push in the barb at the halfway point, continuing at each quarter point until the entire strip is secure. Finish by driving the weatherstripping into its slot with a spline roller, and use butt joints — not miters — where strips meet at the head jamb for the best seal.
Pro Tip: Norm Abram, master carpenter on This Old House, advises that the most cost-effective strategy for blocking outside noise is to seal what are called “flanking paths” — gaps that allow sound waves to enter a house unobstructed. “You can stop a lot of noise simply by weatherstripping doors and windows,” he says.
Door Sweeps
A door sweep is a piece of rubber or brush that attaches to the bottom of the door, creating a barrier that prevents sound from traveling underneath it. Most door sweeps are screwed directly onto the base of the door, while some attach with adhesive strips.
Acoustic Caulk
Acoustic caulk is a sealant designed to block sound. It remains flexible after drying, allowing it to seal gaps and cracks around the outside of the doorframe. Apply acoustic caulk around the edges of the door frame and any other areas where sound may be leaking through. This type of caulk is available at most home improvement stores and is easy to apply with a caulking gun.
This material should not go between the door and the frame—doing so could jam the door or damage the hinges. It should only be applied to the outside of the frame or in gaps between the frame and the surrounding wall.
Advanced Soundproofing Techniques
Advanced techniques may be necessary for those seeking the highest level of soundproofing. While these methods can be more complex and expensive, they offer superior noise reduction.
Soundproof Door Kits
Soundproof door kits contain materials and components designed to enhance a door’s soundproofing capabilities. These kits typically include items such as MLV, door sweeps, and acoustic seals. Installation instructions are provided, making it easier for homeowners to upgrade their doors.
Soundproof Door Installation
If you want the maximum amount of sound dampening, buy and install a soundproof door. There are several kinds to choose from at varying costs and effectiveness. Common types of soundproof doors include those with acoustic inserts, acoustic gasketing, and acoustic glazing. While these doors can be installed on your own, we recommend hiring a professional for the best results.
DIY Soundproofing Solutions
If you’re on a budget or prefer a DIY approach, there are several affordable options. These methods may not provide the same level of soundproofing as high-end materials, but they can still make a noticeable difference.
Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are simple devices designed to block air and sound from passing through gaps under doors. They’re typically made from fabric and filled with sand or foam. These can be purchased online or through major home improvement retailers.
For a more lasting fix than a fabric draft stopper, Tom Silva’s preferred method for sealing the bottom of an entry door involves routing a groove in the bottom edge to accept a silicone gasket that remains hidden from view. But he has also used an easier-to-install version that works just as well: a visible flange that simply screws to the bottom face of the door and keeps vinyl fins pressed tightly against the threshold.
Don’t overlook interior doors, either. Cold air can enter the house through gaps around any door leading to an uninsulated space, such as a garage or basement. TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends a wood sweep that you can stain or paint to match your door, with an attached nylon brush to follow the contours of irregular flooring or carpeting. Be sure to measure the width of the door first, as sweeps usually need to be cut to size.
Pro Tip: TOH general contractor Tom Silva points out that while draft stoppers work in a pinch, a more permanent solution is a door sweep. As he explains: “The principle is the same; fill the gaps, so the cold air won’t blow under the door.” Silva notes there are many options, from basic sweeps that attach to the bottom of the door and hit the threshold when closing, to versions with “a series of like squeegees that when you open and close the door, it rubs against the threshold, filling that space, stopping the air flow.”
Rugs and Carpets
Placing rugs or carpets near the door can help absorb sound and reduce noise transmission. Rugs and carpets are particularly effective in rooms with hard flooring, such as tile or hardwood. By adding soft surfaces, you can decrease the amount of sound that travels through the door.
Material Matters: According to TOH Magazine, you’ll get the best sound-absorption results from a high-pile-weight wool rug paired with a dense sponge-rubber pad. A layer of ½-inch Homasote 440 Sound Barrier panels under the pad will make the floor even quieter, if your doorways can accommodate the extra thickness.
Heavy Curtains
Hanging heavy curtains over the door can provide additional soundproofing. Curtains made from thick, dense materials, such as velvet or thermal fabric, can help block sound waves. Install a curtain rod above the door and hang the curtains so they cover the entire door surface.
Furniture Placement
Strategic furniture placement can also help reduce noise. Positioning bookshelves, cabinets, or other large pieces of furniture around the door can create an additional barrier to block sound waves. This method is particularly useful for doors that are infrequently used. While not as effective as other techniques, it can still contribute to overall noise reduction.
Combining Methods for Best Results
Achieving the best soundproofing results often requires combining multiple methods. Adding mass to the door, damping vibrations, and sealing gaps creates a comprehensive soundproofing solution. For example, you could install a solid core door, apply mass-loaded vinyl, and use weatherstripping and a door sweep to seal gaps. Incorporating DIY solutions such as heavy curtains or clever furniture placement can also help.
Cost Considerations for Soundproofing a Door
When planning your soundproofing project, costs can add up quickly. The total price will depend on the methods and materials you choose. Here’s an overview of the costs associated with various soundproofing techniques:
- Solid core doors: $100–$500
- Mass-loaded vinyl: $2–$5 per square foot
- Acoustic foam panels: $10–$100 each
- Green Glue: $22 per tube
- Weatherstripping: $15–$30 per door
- Door sweeps: $15–$50 per door
- Acoustic caulk: About $10 per tube
- Soundproof door kits: $150–$300 per kit
- Soundproof curtains: $100 per curtain set
- Draft stoppers: $1–$10 per stopper
*Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and firsthand pricing research.
Our Conclusion
Soundproofing can enhance the peace and livability of your space. Whether you opt for simple DIY solutions or more advanced options, each method contributes to reducing noise. By adding mass, damping vibrations, and sealing gaps, you can create a tranquil space with reduced unwanted noise. We recommend combining multiple methods for the most peace and quiet.
