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How to Soundproof a Door DIY: A Guide to a Quieter Space
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A customer recently reached out with a common complaint—every conversation from the hallway and every clink from the kitchen seemed to pass right through the door into their home office.
Why Soundproof a Door?
Even a small gap around your door can let in a surprising amount of noise. Unlike walls, which usually contain insulation and multiple layers of drywall, most interior doors are hollow-core and light—offering minimal resistance to sound.
Airborne noise, such as voices or traffic, travels easily through gaps, thin panels, and under-door openings. Soundproofing a door involves sealing these gaps to block unwanted sound.
Gaps around the doorframe allow sound to leak in or out. Sealing the perimeter with high-quality materials dramatically improves isolation.
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Recommended Product:
PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Door Seal Kit This comprehensive kit includes adjustable jamb seals and a drop-down bottom seal(used on solid core doors only), creating a tight acoustic barrier around all edges of the door.
- Installs easily on most standard door frames
- Helps achieve a solid, compression-style seal
- Durable and long-lasting materials
If you’re dealing with a similar situation—regardless if it’s home office noise, a bedroom next to a loud TV room, or just some extra peace and quiet you’re after—you may be able to solve it yourself.
If you have the typical hollow door that is installed in a home, your options are as follows:
- Add perimeter trim to the door jamb on the two vertical sides and the top horizontal as shown in the picture above.
- Replace the hollow door with a solid core door then you could add the bottom drop seal as shown in the picture above. This is where the largest sound leak comes from with any door.
- The last option would be to install a Soundproof door.
Another product that can be used to treat the door Jamb:
Air gaps between the door and jamb are another source of noise bleed.
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Recommended Product:
PrivacyShield® Door Jamb Bubble Seal This flexible seal compresses when the door closes, creating an airtight seal while still allowing easy operation.
- Ideal for residential, studio, or office doors
- Simple peel-and-stick installation
- Works well in combination with the PrivacyShield® Door Seal kits
Install a Door Sweep or Threshold Seal
Sound can travel under the door just as easily as around it. Installing a quality door sweep or threshold seal addresses this issue.
Options include:
- Basic brush or rubber door sweeps
- Automatic door bottoms that seal only when the door is closed (for use on solid doors only)
Be sure to check for even contact with the floor or threshold to avoid gaps.
Extra Tips for DIY Door Soundproofing
- Combine methods for better results: sealing, mass, and absorption all play a role
- For best effectiveness, address the entire door assembly, not just the slab
- Periodically inspect and replace worn seals or adhesives
When to Consider a Pre-Engineered Solution
For environments with high sound control needs—like recording studios, server rooms, or commercial offices—a DIY approach may not be enough. In these cases, consider a pre-engineered acoustical door system designed to meet specific STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings.
Quiet Starts at the Door
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Credit: Image by freepik
Dealing with noisy neighbors, setting up a distraction-free podcast studio, or just aiming for a quieter home—DIY door soundproofing is a smart and effective solution. With quality products like the PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Door Seal Kit and Door Jamb Bubble Seal from Acoustical Solutions, you can take control of your environment—one door at a time.
Need help choosing the right setup for your space?
Let’s talk. Our team is here to guide you through product selection and installation strategies that match your goals and budget. Contact us or explore our full range of soundproofing materials online.
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.
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