Wall panelling + Wallpaper for sound deadeningd dead

Hi all,

Recently we have had some 'noisy neighbours' move in nextdoor. The issue is the big subwoofer used daily which it right on our adjacent wall in the front room, admittedly I would say from there side it isn't excessively loud, but the bass somes straight through and it plays right into the early hours most nights and with a baby I need to get this rectified.

Can anyone please advise what would be best to do in our front and back room shared wall to block out bass sounds as much as possible?

All help appreciated

Asked by Jordan on 2nd Jan 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"The bass sounds more profound from the side and back of the speaker. . if you can’t get your neighbour to move his speaker, you will need to create a cavity, intron of the wall in question. That cavity will need to be filled with dampening material, then covered with soundproof plasterboard, then whatever finish you want on top. Can be a little costly to soundproof.."
Answered on 2nd Jan 2025 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"I would be tempted to add a 2inch false wall using polystyrene and two inch x 1 inch batterns with some sound deadening plasterboard covering that..bit drastic but needs must"
Answered on 11th Jan 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"You can buy sound proof plasterboard it has foam on the back then plaster and paint that should dampen the noise"
Answered on 3rd Jan 2025 - Member since Jul 2024 - report
"Hi I would suggest creating a stud wall / void and fill with accoustic insulation plasterboard and skim the wall. The void would create a sound barrier. Another option is speak to the neighbour and explain the problem."
Answered on 8th Jan 2025 - Member since Nov 2024 - report
"I would probably try and sound proof the adjacent wall with foam back plasterboard then skim it all is probably the cheapesta solution, or using the sound block metal wall studding but it's not that cheap"
Answered on 4th Jan 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"Dealing with bass sounds from a neighbor’s subwoofer is challenging, as low frequencies penetrate walls easily. Here are steps to reduce the noise effectively:
1. Add Mass to the Wall

Soundproofing Panels: Install mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) or acoustic plasterboard to increase wall mass.
Green Glue: Use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound between layers of drywall for damping vibrations.
Double Drywall: Add a second drywall layer over the existing wall with Green Glue to block sound better.

2. Build a Decoupled Wall

Install resilient channels or acoustic isolation clips to create an air gap, then add acoustic insulation like rockwool slabs and new drywall. This helps absorb and block sound.

3. Add Wall Panelling & Acoustic Wallpaper

Use decorative acoustic wall panels made of foam or fabric-covered fiberglass.
Combine with acoustic wallpaper for additional insulation, though wallpaper alone is insufficient for bass.

4. Address Bass Frequencies

Install bass traps in room corners to absorb low-frequency sounds.
Add thick rugs, curtains, and furniture to help reduce bass reverberation.

5. Seal Gaps

Use acoustic caulk to seal gaps and cracks around outlets and edges.
Install soundproof gaskets on doors and windows to block leaks.

6. Additional Tips

White Noise Machine: Mask remaining sounds and make bass less noticeable.
Talk to the Neighbor: Politely ask them to reposition their subwoofer or use a vibration-isolating mat to reduce transmission.

By combining mass, decoupling, and acoustic treatments, you can significantly reduce bass noise and improve your living space."
Answered on 9th Jan 2025 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
""The bass sounds more profound from the side and back of the speaker. . if you can’t get your neighbour to move his speaker, you will need to create a cavity, intron of the wall in question. That cavity will need to be filled with dampening material, then covered with soundproof plasterboard, then whatever finish you want on top. Can be a little costly to soundproof..""
Answered on 6th Jan 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"To soundproof your living room walls and reduce the noise from your neighbors, consider the following options:

Add Mass: Heavier materials are more effective at blocking sound.
You can:
• Install drywall on walls to add mass and create a double layer.
• Use soundproof drywall, which contains special sound-dampening materials.
• Carpet and Rugs: Place thick carpets or rugs on the floor and add underlays to absorb sound.

Acoustic Panels:
Install acoustic panels or sound-absorbing tiles on your walls.
These are designed to reduce noise and improve sound quality within a room.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use acoustical caulk to seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets to prevent sound leakage.

Soundproof Curtains: Consider heavy, soundproof or blackout curtains for windows to reduce noise from outside.

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): This is a material designed specifically for soundproofing. You can place it behind your drywall or over existing walls.
Decoupling: If you're willing to undertake a more extensive renovation, you can decouple the wall by building a separate wall structure that minimizes direct contact and thus reduces sound transmission.

Furnishings: Incorporate heavy furniture, like bookshelves filled with books, to help absorb sound.

Combining several of these methods will yield the best results. It's also advisable to check local regulations, as some soundproofing techniques may require permits or specific building practices."
Answered on 10th Jan 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 - report
"In all fairness the only way to block out the noise would to install a small stud wall insulated with 100mm celotex boarded and plastered not only will it block out 85%of the noise it will also insulate the wall saving on the heating"
Answered on 6th Jan 2025 - Member since Sep 2023 - report
"I would cardboard the walls then re board it in thick plaster board"
Answered on 2nd Jan 2025 - Member since Nov 2024 - report
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