Can You Soundproof Using Cardboard?

Plumbers, musicians, students and more might require soundproofing solutions to optimize a home setup. We have all been in a situation where the transfer of noise interrupts our focus. Thankfully, there are simple DIY projects that can limit the movement of sound for desirable results. Of course, we’re talking about the use of cardboard as acoustic panels.

Cardboard is an inexpensive material found in most households, but does it actually absorb sound? If you’re in the market for a minor sound reduction fix, you can turn to your recyclables for a noticeable difference.

Does Cardboard Absorb Sound?

The short answer to this popular question is no. Cardboard does not actively absorb sound, but the material will significantly reduce the transfer of noises and echoes when placed along walls, ceilings and floors. Sound waves require open space to move, so anything obstructing this process has the potential to limit unwanted sound.

You can find corrugated boxes with numerous “flute” styles to cater to the needs of your sound isolation project. Generally, the closer together spaces are within corrugated sections, the better. Try to find packing cardboard with E-fluting for a material that can bend into the shape of a soundproof panel.

Dampening Sound With Cardboard

Cardboard soundproofing is a trick that sound engineers, teachers and mechanics have used for decades. While the material is prone to wear and tear, cardboard acoustic panels are known to control rattling, vibrations and slap-back in open spaces. Whether you live in an apartment complex with loud neighbors or you’re the one making the noise, you can make a difference with just a few everyday items:

• Cardboard boxes
• Box cutting knife
• Tape or glue
• Velcro or wire to keep items in place

Simply cut your corrugated boxes to the desired size, and stack multiple pieces together for increased performance. You can even apply sheets of aluminum foil to the backside of the corrugated cardboard to further prevent sound waves from passing through. Note that cardboard is flammable, so always mount DIY panels away from equipment that gives off extreme heat.

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Cardboard and Alternative Sound Absorption Methods

Since cardboard can only reflect sound, there’s a good chance you’ll need to step up your soundproofing game. Fortunately, Soundproof Cow caters to professionals and property owners with affordable sound solutions made simple. When you demand consistency with soundproofing efforts, products like our Quiet Batt® insulation and Udderly Quiet® acoustic panels provide excellent sound absorption.

Quiet Batt® Insulation

Looking to incorporate soundproof materials at the structural level? Add Quiet Batt® soundproof and thermal insulation within ceilings, attics and walls. Our 3-inch insulation products are ideal for residential and commercial buildings, eliminating the sound of street traffic, construction jobs and beyond.

Udderly Quiet® Fabric-Wrapped Panels

We enable you to add a professional touch to your recording studio, office suite or classroom with soundproof acoustic panels in 20 exciting colors. Our customers love the Udderly Quiet® acoustic panels, available in several dimensions for quick mounting. Place our products on surfaces such as drywall, brick, wood and concrete in seconds.

Contact Soundproof Cow for Sound Reduction Solutions

Soundproof Cow utilizes high-quality materials for dampening, absorbing and eliminating sound at the home and workplace. We understand that no two soundproofing projects are exactly alike, so we bring you tailored solutions for immediate results. For more information about any of our products, complete a contact form with us online today!

 

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