Learning and playing an instrument can be problematic when you have neighbors.
If you’re new to learning the drums you might be curious to know: How can I soundproof a room without damaging the walls?
In this article, I cover some key tips on soundproofing. So, you can get the most out of your drum set without worrying about disturbing the the whole neighbourhood!
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Playing the drums can feel antisocial at the best of times. If your only opportunity to play is in the evening, you’ll need to find a solution.
No one wants to bug their neighbors. Check out the methods to soundproof a shared apartment wall below.
It is worth mentioning that how effective these options are will depend on the noise level. You might have to try a few in conjunction with one another to maximize their effectiveness.
- Mass loaded vinyl - Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) works to decrease sound. Apply it to your apartment wall to help with the noise pollution produced by your instrument. MLV not only offers effective sound reducing abilities but is also easy to apply. This makes it a great option for any DIY novice, and it is inexpensive, too.
- Soundproofing blankets - Another soundproofing method is to hang soundproofing blankets on the wall. These blankets feature noise-reducing material. Soundproofing blankets are often used in recording studios. They absorb echoes and reverberation to deaden soundwaves. Yet, you’ll need a hand to install them as they can be difficult to hang.
- Acoustic foam panels - These panels come in handy sizes (typically 12"x12") that allow you to cover the walls bit by bit. They are the same type of panels that you've probably seen in professional recording studios but are now readily available for home use. This will allow you to practice your drums for longer periods of time.
How do you soundproof a wall cheaply?
If you’re on a tighter budget when it comes to soundproofing a wall, there are cheap methods that you can look into.
Below are some methods that you can try to soundproof your wall cheaply:
Cover the walls - Covering your walls is one of the easiest ways to muffle sound in your apartment. Try hanging tapestries, felt, or wall hangings on a wall. Covering the walls decorates your apartment, but also helps to reduce noise pollution.
Rearrange bookcases and furniture - Bookcases and furniture muffle sounds when you line the wall with them. They look great and provide a barrier. Alongside this, rearranging furniture that you already have won’t cost anything. As a cost-effective option, rearranging the furniture also means that you can avoid altering the design of a room.
Install drapes - Installing drapes is a versatile, inexpensive soundproofing option. There are various benefits to installing drapes. They block disturbing light and provide you with privacy from neighbors. Additionally, drapes muffle sound that enters and leaves your home.
Apply weatherstrip tape - Sealing up gaps is another way to soundproof a wall cheaply. Weatherstrip tape is often used to seal drafts and works to keep dust, dirt, and insects out of your home. Applying weatherstrip tape can help to muffle sounds, making it a great option to soundproof a room. Felt is one of the most common types of weatherstrip tape. Alongside this, weatherstrip tape is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply, too.
What can I put on walls to absorb sound?
Living in an apartment complex can feel limiting, especially if you like to listen to and play music. To avoid upsetting the people around you, you might be looking for a sound absorption method. Sound absorption is different than soundproofing. Soundproofing refers to the action of blocking sound. Sound absorption refers to the application of materials to walls or ceilings that absorb the sound from within the room.
Install acoustic panels - Acoustic panels work to absorb sound. They help to ‘reduce, but not entirely eliminate resonance within the room’. Made from materials like foam, rubber, cork, and polyester fiber, they are noise-dampening. If you are renting your apartment, you should check with your landlord to ask if you can install them.
Wall hangings - Hard surfaces, such as plaster and drywall amplify sounds. This means that your drumming is likely to sound even louder if you don’t have something as a buffer. Using wall hangings to absorb the sound is another great way measure to take. Whether it’s a temporary thick blanket or quilt that you use or a permanent tapestry, wall hangings can significantly help.
Foam tiles - Foam tiles absorb sound through their density. They work to dampen the strength of the noise transmitted. Foam tiles aren’t difficult to install, which is great if you’re new to DIY. They can be easily applied to doors by either using glue or screws to fix them into place.
Apply soundproofing paint - Soundproofing paint can absorb sound. It is a relatively inexpensive product, though not always heavy-duty. If you want a solution that will allow you to bang on the drums all night, you might want to consider something else. Alternatively, you could use it in conjunction with another method, too!
In summary
Some of the options discussed take more work to install than others. To ensure that you're not in breach of your tenancy, you must talk to your landlord. Failure to do so could result in you receiving a large fine or even worse, an eviction notice.
No soundproofing method is worth you losing your apartment. You need to prioritize your landlord’s wishes and work with them, not against them. Although there are good intentions in soundproofing, it might not seem like that if you damage the place.
Bearing this in mind, before making changes to your apartment, it's better to be safe than sorry. Check with the property owner before soundproofing your apartment. Once you have established that they are happy for you to soundproof, you can set about making changes.