How to Soundproof a Shed in 6 Steps (Cheap & Easy)
The very first thing we need to sort when you want to soundproof a shed, is what kind of shed you have. The structure needs to be sound in order for it to take the weight of the soundproofing. A feather board wooden garden shed is not going to be strong enough to take soundproofing, without reinforcement. The suggestions made in this blog are given with the assumption you have consulted a structural engineer and know how much weight your shed is able to support.
What is your budget and shed type?
Click on the option below that best fits your soundproof shed project. We would advise a cheaper soundproofing method for wooden sheds of lower value as the starting structure is of such low soundproofing that you would need to spend many times the sheds value to get studio-quality results. However, you can still soundproof wooden sheds and make a real difference to them with our cheaper soundproofing solutions.
Soundproof a Shed Cheaply
If you are looking to soundproof a shed on a budget, then the process is fairly simple and easy. You could soundproof a shed cheaply in a weekend and be jamming away in no time! If you are looking to soundproof a shed as a music room, then be sure to maximise on soft furnishings as a cheap addition to your music shed!
How much does it cost to soundproof a shed? (2023)
It costs £1,200 to soundproof a 3x3m wooden shed in 2023. This includes timber for additional structures and the finished wall surfaces.
How to Soundproof a Shed Cheaply
Total Time: 2 days
Step 1 – Prepare the shed for soundproofing
To soundproof a shed, start by removing all items in the shed. Then, remove any wood panels that are already on the walls to expose the stud work, (for some sheds this is not required).
Work around the shed with wood filler and plug any holes, gaps, or loose wood knots.
You can also choose to upgrade your windows here, if you have the budget, as double glazing is preferable. If you can’t install a double glazed window, consider removing your windows and boarding over.
Step 2 – Soundproof the door of your shed
This is a great way to ensure you strengthen ‘weak areas’ in your shed. Cut a piece of MuteBarrier to the size of your door and secure in place with tacks.
Over this layer of mass loaded vinyl, add a sheet of chipboard to seal (or MDF if you prefer).
This is also a good time to check the seal around your shed door. If the shed door does not shut tight, then add either isolation strips, or, window seal foam around the perimeter.
Step 3 – Soundproof the floor of your shed
Generally, a shed floor does not need soundproofing if it is sat on a concrete slab. As there is nothing below the shed, it is not a wise use of a small budget to soundproof the floor in your shed anyway.
Instead, either install carpet, or a rug to help absorb sound whilst saving your budget.
Around the edge of the inside of your shed, lay perimeter flanking tape in preparation for the walls.
Step 4 – Soundproof the shed ceiling
Cut the timber studs to size and screw into the shed roof. Be sure not to compromise the waterproof outer layer here!*
Add the noggins between the joists.
Apply isolation strip F5 to the surface of the joists.
Fill the cavities created with acoustic mineral wool.
Over this, screw in the chipboard panels to finish your ceiling.
*(If you already have good joist work, you can skip this and save more of your budget).
Step 5 – Soundproof the shed walls
Begin by sawing your timber stud work to size again and fitting it inside your shed. Be sure to add stud work above the doorway.
The stud work should sit atop the perimeter flanking band already installed.
Cover the exposed stud work with isolation strip F5 which will absorb sound.
Between the joists, install acoustic mineral wool.
Over the mineral wool, hang MuteBarrier in sheets. This can be tacked into place for now.
To finish, and support the mass loaded vinyl, cut and fix your chipboard panels to the joists.
Step 6 – Add acoustic panels (optional)
If desired, add acoustic panels to your shed. These can be easily fixed by simple brackets, a nail straight through the panel, or, by hanging them.
If your budget does not allow for acoustic panels, then be sure to add a rug, curtains and any other soft furnishings you have space for. A long, heavy curtain over the door is a good way to help add soundproofing strength without spending much money. Be sure to root through charity shops to find some cheap furnishings.
Estimated Cost: 1200 GBP
Tools:
- Drill
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Stanley Knife
- Sealant Gun
- Saw
- Ladder
- Putty Knife
Materials: Acoustic mineral wool, MuteBarrier vinyl, F5 Isolation Strips, Chipboard (or MDF to finish), Socket Inserts, Timber for stud work, Acoustic Panels (optional), Wood Filler, Perimeter Flanking
What is the cost of soundproofing a shed?
To soundproof a shed in 2023, our cheapest option totals in at £1,200 for the walls, ceiling and floor. There are options to make small upgrades here and there, which will bring you to about £1,500. So, you want to soundproof a shed cheaply, what are the options?
Soundproof a shed floor cheaply
As you’ve already seen in the how to section, we don’t need to go mad on the floor soundproofing. This is because the shed is likely sat on a concrete block. Concrete already has good soundproofing properties as it has a high mass. More importantly though, nobody – beyond a few worms – is living beneath your shed, so you aren’t disturbing people!
When you soundproof a shed, adding carpet is a brilliant way to absorb some sound in the space, without blowing your budget. For a 3x3m shed, you can most likely find a cut off piece from a carpet outlet for very little. T’up north in Yorkshire, I can recommend Calvert Carpets in Ripon for some great deals on end of roll carpets. Be sure to go in person as end of roll stock is variable, they’ll even cut it to size for a small additional cost.
If you are playing the drums in your music shed and need a soundproofing drumming mat, then we would suggest buying a piece of MuteMat 2. This is an optional addition and you wouldn’t be needing very much of it, either! Simple lay it beneath your drum kit to help absorb the impact sound that travels down to the shed floor. This will help reduce flanking transmission through the shed, (learn more about flanking transmission here).
Soundproofing Mat
If you’re playing the drums and need a soundproofing mat or are using the space for a gym and need some absorption, then a piece of the MuteMat 2 would be a cheap, ideal solution.
Soundproof a shed ceiling on a budget
To soundproof your shed ceiling, we have advised keeping things fairly minimal. One of the reasons we would advice keeping the soundproofing minimal here, is that an ordinary wooden garden shed is unlikely to be able to support our higher mass options. Again, please make sure you have consulted a structural engineer before adding weight to your shed.
The simple solution to soundproof a shed ceiling, is to firstly install timber studs. If your shed already has deep enough stud work to accommodate the acoustic mineral wool, then you can save money here! When we priced up a 3x3m shed with a pitched roof, the stud work for the ceiling came to just under £30.
Between the timber joists, install the acoustic mineral wool. In the interest of keeping your costs low, we have gone with a single pack of the RW3 25mm mineral wool. This comes to just under £70 at the time of writing (May 2023). If you were to upgrade to the 50mm option, it would come to around £108 which is a good investment if you can afford it.
Acoustic Mineral Wool
We have budgeted for the RW3 25mm on the ceiling. For an additional £38, (with a ceiling of 10.2 m2), you could upgrade to RW3 50mm.
How to Soundproof a Shed Wall – Cheaply!
The walls are important to invest as much money into as we can. That’s why the largest proportion of our lean budget has been allocated to them. The main reason you need to soundproof a shed, is because the timber has low mass and lets sound bleed out. So, to soundproof the shed walls we are going to add mass and make them thicker. Be sure to follow through on the prep work first, as sound is like water and will seep through cracks and holes!
Shed Soundproofing with Isolating Strips
Follow the steps for how to soundproof a shed, then, after the stud work is in place, we add isolation strips to the fronts. This is done to help decouple the structure, whilst saving money and avoiding a whole clip and channel system. The isolation strips will help to absorb sound vibration and prevent quite as much sound energy transferring into the stud work and out of the shed.
This is a really cost effective soundproofing option for your music shed and should not be missed out!
Shed Wall Acoustic Insulation
We have chosen the RW3 50mm for the walls, an upgrade on the ceiling. Our usual recommendation is to use 100mm, so if you can upgrade, then now is the time. However, the 50mm acoustic mineral wool insulation is still going to give you a good absorption of sound vibrations and the wooden shed is also an absorbent material.
When you soundproof a shed, always keep in mind the value of the structure you are upgrading and how long it is likely to last, too.
Soundproof a Shed – Mass Loaded Vinyl
Over the mineral wool, we have the budget friendly mass loaded vinyl. This is similar to Tecsound, (which is triple the price!), and is a great way to add crucial mass to the light weight shed which will help to reflect sound.
Once again, if you would like to see the upgraded option, we are keeping it budget friendly but increasing the mass per kg squared to 10. The MuteBarrier 10kg/m2 has an increased performance of up to 6dB more than the 5kg/m2 option. Remember that 10dB is the equivalent of halving or doubling a sound, so 6dB is a good increase. This upgrade would cost our imaginary 3x3m shed an extra £80, which is very reasonable.
Adding mass is going to make a huge difference when you soundproof a shed as high mass materials reflect sound. Stretching your budget and opting for the higher mass vinyl would be a great investment when you soundproof a shed.
MuteBarrier 5kg/m2
This mass loaded vinyl is going to reflect sound back into the shed and prevent it escaping. You can upgrade to the 10kg/m2 option for an additional £80 (in our imaginary 3x3m shed).
Acoustic Panels for a Music Shed
Lastly, for how to soundproof a shed, we turn to acoustic absorption with a range of panels. This should help prevent too much reverb in the shed. So, if you are planning to record or have anyone else in your music shed to practice, make sure your absorption is good!
The Still Note panels are our fuss-free acoustic absorption panels. These are a Class A absorption product (the best you can get!), but they are super budget friendly, too, starting at £54.95. These come ‘naked’, with no fabric wrap finish (keeping your costs low), but you can easily cover them if you’d like to.
Adding acoustic absorption panels to a music room is the best way to give you that ‘studio sound’ and really enjoy your space. We would suggest installing some on the ceiling to help prevent sound bouncing up and down, as well as on the walls.
In general, when you soundproof a shed, look to cover around a 1/3 of your wall/ceiling space in absorbent materials. However, budget is a factor here and if you haven’t got the cash then skip these out but make sure to bring in soft furnishings like cushions and curtains.
Also keep in mind that the project can be on going. When absorption panels start at less than £25, you could always save up and add them incrementally.
Acoustic Absorption Panels
These are not in the budget, however, they start at only £24. They could easily be added to your space over time, as budget allows.
What do absorbent panels sound like?
If you’re wondering how sound can change when the acoustics have been address, then we have a sample for you! The lovely Beth Parsons, a voice over artist, recently wrote a blog on her experiences with absorption panels. She recorded a before and after reading to showcase the difference the panels made to her space.
How does a soundproof shed work?
If you’re a musician and want to practice your drums without disturbing your neighbors, you might want to soundproof a shed. Soundproofing a shed involves incorporating materials that can absorb or block sound waves, preventing them from escaping the shed and disturbing others.
When considering how to soundproof a shed, it’s essential to think about both mass and absorption. High mass materials can reflect airborne noise, helping to keep your music inside the shed. However, it’s also important to add absorption materials, (as we’ve heard), to reduce the echoing effect of reflection and prevent sound from bouncing around inside the shed.
To effectively soundproof a shed, you need to seal any gaps and use soundproofing materials on the door, windows, and walls. By taking these steps, you can create a well-soundproofed music shed that allows you to practice your instrument without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.
How to Soundproof a Shed – Next Steps
If you want more information on how to soundproof a shed, then get in touch with us. Nobody wants to end up as the noisy neighbours, so get your soundproofing right the first time. Our technical team will be able to give you free, bespoke advice on how best to soundproof a shed and make it fit for purpose! Call us today to find out more.
What is the cost of soundproofing a shed?
To soundproof a shed in 2023, our cheapest option totals in at £1,200 for the walls, ceiling and floor. There are options to make small upgrades here and there, which will bring you to about £1,500. So, you want to soundproof a shed cheaply, what are the options?
Soundproof a shed floor cheaply
As you’ve already seen in the how to section, we don’t need to go mad on the floor soundproofing. This is because the shed is likely sat on a concrete block. Concrete already has good soundproofing properties as it has a high mass. More importantly though, nobody – beyond a few worms – is living beneath your shed, so you aren’t disturbing people!
When you soundproof a shed, adding carpet is a brilliant way to absorb some sound in the space, without blowing your budget. For a 3x3m shed, you can most likely find a cut off piece from a carpet outlet for very little. T’up north in Yorkshire, I can recommend Calvert Carpets in Ripon for some great deals on end of roll carpets. Be sure to go in person as end of roll stock is variable, they’ll even cut it to size for a small additional cost.
If you are playing the drums in your music shed and need a soundproofing drumming mat, then we would suggest buying a piece of MuteMat 2. This is an optional addition and you wouldn’t be needing very much of it, either! Simple lay it beneath your drum kit to help absorb the impact sound that travels down to the shed floor. This will help reduce flanking transmission through the shed, (learn more about flanking transmission here).
Soundproofing Mat
If you’re playing the drums and need a soundproofing mat or are using the space for a gym and need some absorption, then a piece of the MuteMat 2 would be a cheap, ideal solution.
Soundproof a shed ceiling on a budget
To soundproof your shed ceiling, we have advised keeping things fairly minimal. One of the reasons we would advice keeping the soundproofing minimal here, is that an ordinary wooden garden shed is unlikely to be able to support our higher mass options. Again, please make sure you have consulted a structural engineer before adding weight to your shed.
The simple solution to soundproof a shed ceiling, is to firstly install timber studs. If your shed already has deep enough stud work to accommodate the acoustic mineral wool, then you can save money here! When we priced up a 3x3m shed with a pitched roof, the stud work for the ceiling came to just under £30.
Between the timber joists, install the acoustic mineral wool. In the interest of keeping your costs low, we have gone with a single pack of the RW3 25mm mineral wool. This comes to just under £70 at the time of writing (May 2023). If you were to upgrade to the 50mm option, it would come to around £108 which is a good investment if you can afford it.
Acoustic Mineral Wool
We have budgeted for the RW3 25mm on the ceiling. For an additional £38, (with a ceiling of 10.2 m2), you could upgrade to RW3 50mm.
How to Soundproof a Shed Wall – Cheaply!
The walls are important to invest as much money into as we can. That’s why the largest proportion of our lean budget has been allocated to them. The main reason you need to soundproof a shed, is because the timber has low mass and lets sound bleed out. So, to soundproof the shed walls we are going to add mass and make them thicker. Be sure to follow through on the prep work first, as sound is like water and will seep through cracks and holes!
Shed Soundproofing with Isolating Strips
Follow the steps for how to soundproof a shed, then, after the stud work is in place, we add isolation strips to the fronts. This is done to help decouple the structure, whilst saving money and avoiding a whole clip and channel system. The isolation strips will help to absorb sound vibration and prevent quite as much sound energy transferring into the stud work and out of the shed.
This is a really cost effective soundproofing option for your music shed and should not be missed out!
Shed Wall Acoustic Insulation
We have chosen the RW3 50mm for the walls, an upgrade on the ceiling. Our usual recommendation is to use 100mm, so if you can upgrade, then now is the time. However, the 50mm acoustic mineral wool insulation is still going to give you a good absorption of sound vibrations and the wooden shed is also an absorbent material.
When you soundproof a shed, always keep in mind the value of the structure you are upgrading and how long it is likely to last, too.
Soundproof a Shed – Mass Loaded Vinyl
Over the mineral wool, we have the budget friendly mass loaded vinyl. This is similar to Tecsound, (which is triple the price!), and is a great way to add crucial mass to the light weight shed which will help to reflect sound.
Once again, if you would like to see the upgraded option, we are keeping it budget friendly but increasing the mass per kg squared to 10. The MuteBarrier 10kg/m2 has an increased performance of up to 6dB more than the 5kg/m2 option. Remember that 10dB is the equivalent of halving or doubling a sound, so 6dB is a good increase. This upgrade would cost our imaginary 3x3m shed an extra £80, which is very reasonable.
Adding mass is going to make a huge difference when you soundproof a shed as high mass materials reflect sound. Stretching your budget and opting for the higher mass vinyl would be a great investment when you soundproof a shed.
MuteBarrier 5kg/m2
This mass loaded vinyl is going to reflect sound back into the shed and prevent it escaping. You can upgrade to the 10kg/m2 option for an additional £80 (in our imaginary 3x3m shed).
Acoustic Panels for a Music Shed
Lastly, for how to soundproof a shed, we turn to acoustic absorption with a range of panels. This should help prevent too much reverb in the shed. So, if you are planning to record or have anyone else in your music shed to practice, make sure your absorption is good!
The NudeNote panels are our fuss-free no frills acoustic absorption panels. These are a Class A absorption product (the best you can get!), but they are super budget friendly, too, starting at £24.95. These come ‘naked’, with no fabric wrap finish (keeping your costs low), but of course the final finish is basic.
For a small increase in budget, you could get a much higher quality finish with the Still Note range instead. These are incredibly easy to install with just an adhesive spray! This works for walls and ceilings of panels up to 1200x1200mm.
Adding acoustic absorption panels to a music room is the best way to give you that ‘studio sound’ and really enjoy your space. We would suggest installing some on the ceiling to help prevent sound bouncing up and down, as well as on the walls.
In general, when you soundproof a shed, look to cover around a 1/3 of your wall/ceiling space in absorbent materials. However, budget is a factor here and if you haven’t got the cash then skip these out but make sure to bring in soft furnishings like cushions and curtains.
Also keep in mind that the project can be on going. When absorption panels start at less than £25, you could always save up and add them incrementally.
Acoustic Absorption Panels
Find a range of sizes and tones for the Still Note panels that will transform the way your space sounds – and your music!
What do absorbent panels sound like?
If you’re wondering how sound can change when the acoustics have been address, then we have a sample for you! The lovely Beth Parsons, a voice over artist, recently wrote a blog on her experiences with absorption panels. She recorded a before and after reading to showcase the difference the panels made to her space.
How does a soundproof shed work?
If you’re a musician and want to practice your drums without disturbing your neighbors, you might want to soundproof a shed. Soundproofing a shed involves incorporating materials that can absorb or block sound waves, preventing them from escaping the shed and disturbing others.
When considering how to soundproof a shed, it’s essential to think about both mass and absorption. High mass materials can reflect airborne noise, helping to keep your music inside the shed. However, it’s also important to add absorption materials, (as we’ve heard), to reduce the echoing effect of reflection and prevent sound from bouncing around inside the shed.
To effectively soundproof a shed, you need to seal any gaps and use soundproofing materials on the door, windows, and walls. By taking these steps, you can create a well-soundproofed music shed that allows you to practice your instrument without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.
How to Soundproof a Shed – Next Steps
If you want more information on how to soundproof a shed, then get in touch with us. Nobody wants to end up as the noisy neighbours, so get your soundproofing right the first time. Our technical team will be able to give you free, bespoke advice on how best to soundproof a shed and make it fit for purpose! Call us today to find out more.
