There’s a common widespread misconception that soundproofing a space requires significant financial investment and professional expertise. Such a notion couldn’t be further from the truth, and today, we’ll debunk this myth by exploring some clever and cost-effective cardboard soundproofing hacks any DIYer can implement.
Noise reduction or soundproofing can be broadly divided into two categories: blocking out the noise and absorbing the noise. Blocking out the noise involves preventing sound from penetrating the room, whereas absorbing sound involves nullifying the echoes within the space to avoid a reverberation.
Here’s how you can use cardboard for both aspects:
1. Cardboard Wall Panels
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to soundproof an area using cardboard is by creating wall panels. These cardboard panels act as a barrier that absorbs sound, reducing its effectiveness. The denser the cardboard, the better it will be at sound absorption.
To do this, start by cutting the cardboard into uniformly-sized panels. Cover these cardboard pieces with fabric or decorative paper to improve their aesthetic appeal. Then, attach these panels onto your walls using adhesive or mounting hooks. Ensure the panels are not touching each other to avoid creating a flat surface for soundwaves to bounce off.
2. Locally Sourced Cardboard Egg Crate Panels
A derivative of cardboard wall panels, cardboard egg crates are incredibly efficient at diffusing sound. Due to their uneven shape, egg crates distort the direction of noise, disrupting sound waves and causing them to scatter, which in turn reduces echoing and reverberation.
The multi-directional shape of each individual compartment in the egg crate effectively traps the sound. You can source these crates from the local grocery, thereby saving money and recycling simultaneously.
Cover the egg crates in fabric or paper of your choice and attach them to your walls or ceiling. It’s a smart, cost-effective soundproofing hack that is easy to implement.
3. Cardboard Window Inserts
Windows are a significant source of noise infiltration. However, they can present a challenge as you still need to let sunlight through. Cardboard window inserts are an inventive solution to this problem.
Take accurate measurements of your windows and cut cardboard pieces to fit into them perfectly. These cardboard inserts help reduce noise infiltration while allowing you to remove them whenever you need sunlight.
4. Cardboard Flooring Underlayment
Underlaying your flooring with a layer of thick, dense cardboard helps dampen the sound. This layer works by introducing a soft, noise-absorbing medium between the hard floor and your footfalls or furniture.
Begin this project by cutting out cardboard pieces to fit the size of your floor. Apply an adhesive to the underlayment material and then lay it on your floor, ensuring there are no gaps between each piece. Once this layer has dried, you can install your flooring material on top.
5. Cardboard-Lined Furniture
The interior of large furniture pieces can cause reverberation, which amplifies sound. You can solve this issue by lining the interiors of these pieces with cardboard. The cardboard absorbs the sound, reducing the noise.
Start by measuring the interior dimensions of your furniture. Cut the cardboard to fit these dimensions and stick it inside the furniture using adhesive. This method is especially effective for wardrobes, cabinets, and large storage units.
6. Cardboard Door Sweep
Gaps under the door are a significant source of noise leakage. Blocking this gap using a thick roll of cardboard not only provides a sound barrier but also helps in thermal insulation.
For this hack, measure the width of your door, then cut and roll-up cardboard to fit this width. Ensure the roll is thick enough to seal the gap perfectly when the door is closed. Hold the cardboard roll in place against the bottom of the door using an adhesive.
7. Suspended Cardboard Baffles
Hanging baffles in your room’s corners and from the ceiling can effectively diffuse sound waves through the space, reducing echo and reverberation. These baffles can be made using thick cardboard.
To do this, you will cut your cardboard into large rectangular pieces. Use cloth or decorative paper to cover the cardboard, then hang it from your ceiling. It provides an aesthetically pleasing means of soundproofing your room.
Through these seven methods, a DIYer can begin to alleviate noise issues in their personal space without compromising on decor. However, different spaces have distinct requirements, so it’s essential to assess which method will meet your specific needs. The key lies in understanding that soundproofing does not have to be expensive. With resourcefulness, imagination, and effort, an effective and pocket-friendly solution is at the tip of your fingers.
