How to Soundproof a Door

Outside noises can greatly disturb your peace and sleep. Interior doors that let in a lot of sources can also affect your sense of privacy and security. Thankfully, there are several ways you can soundproof a door to make your home more comfortable and quiet.

Soundproofing Rubber
Weatherstripping
Door Sweeps
Door Gasket
Acoustic Panels
Thresholds
Acoustic Caulk or Foam
Acoustic Blankets or Curtains
New Door

We recommend combining the following suggestions to improve your door soundproofing. Many of these options are simple and straightforward, and only require basic DIY skills. Some are a bit more complex, so weighing your options before committing to the task is best. If all fails and your door still allows too much noise transmission, your best option is to upgrade your door to one that will meet your soundproofing needs.

Why is Door Soundproofing Important?

Your home is a sanctuary—a place to retreat and unwind from the outside world. It is a safe place where one can relax and unwind. It also happens to be where we sleep every night.

Noise pollution can dramatically impact the comfort of our homes. When unwanted noise from the outside world come into our private space, it can feel like there is no escape. It can affect your productivity and ability to concentrate on tasks. This is especially true in dense urban areas with city noise is constant at all hours of the day and night.

Noise negatively affects us the most when it disrupts sleep. Low-quality sleep has a profound impact on our well-being. It can weaken our immune system, dysregulate our digestive system, stress the nervous system, and affect several other physiological and psychological functions.

A soundproof door will stop or reduce noise transmission inside and outside the home. A soundproof exterior door will significantly muffle outside noises, such as traffic, sirens, trains, and other loud noises, while a soundproof interior door can add another layer of privacy and comfort inside the home.

Soundproofing interior doors is especially important in apartment complexes to reduce noise transmission between neighbors. It is also important in rooms that are used for noisy hobbies, such as home theatres, musical instruments, or loud video games.

In this way, soundproofing a door isn’t just for leisurely comfort or to create better acoustics—though those are very valid reasons to soundproof a door. More importantly, though, a soundproof door improves your well-being by supporting better sleep and promoting a sense of peace and safety.

How to Soundproof a Door

Now that you know why soundproofing a door is important, it's time to learn how. Start by sealing the gaps around the door, where most sound transfer happens. After that, you can explore additional methods to further reduce noise. Keep reading for more details on specific soundproofing options.

1. Soundproofing Rubber

One easy solution for sealing the gap between the door and door frame is to install soundproofing rubber. Soundproofing rubber is a form of dense neoprene—a synthetic rubber that is highly durable and water-resistant. This is a great option because it reduces unwanted noise and prevents air and water leaks, boosting your home's energy efficiency.

Many soundproofing rubber options are available online and at home improvement stores. Most of them are “stick-on” with adhesive on one side. Simply apply them to the door's perimeters, including the jambs and top.

At this point, you may want to read up the parts of a door so you can easily follow the soundproofing rubber application instructions.

2. Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is similar to soundproofing rubber but is specifically designed for exterior doors. This makes it the best option for soundproofing front doors or garage doors.

Weatherstripping seals the gap between the door and door frame, creating a barrier that blocks noise, air, and moisture from entering the home. It is also used to insulate exterior doors, and is a great way to seal doors for winter.

Apply weatherstripping to the door jambs and the tops of the door frame. If possible, measure the gap and see what thickness you need. If the weatherstripping is too thick, it will prevent your door from closing properly, and you will need to buy a thinner type.

Because weatherstripping is exposed to the elements and is subject to regular wear and tear, you’ll want to purchase a high-quality material. While higher-quality weatherstripping may be more expensive, it lasts longer, is more durable, and provides better soundproofing.

3. Door Sweeps

The gap between the bottom of the door and the floor is usually the largest, which makes it one of the main culprits for unwanted noise. This gap requires a different type of seal known as a door sweep or privacy sweep.

Installing a door sweep is important for creating a soundproof door. Even if you adequately seal the gap between the door and the door frame, you’ll still have sound leaks if there’s a gap at the bottom of the door.

A door sweep is typically installed on the door itself, and faces the room’s interior. When closed, the door sweep seals the bottom gap, creating an acoustic door seal. A door sweep can be used to soundproof both interior and exterior doors.

When installing a door sweep, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. You’ll most likely need a drill and screws for this project. While some door sweeps are installed on the ground, it’s usually better to install a door sweep on the door itself.

You can also consider automatic door sweeps. These move up away from the floor when the door opens and close again when the door shuts.

4. Door Gasket

Door gaskets are similar to weatherstripping and soundproofing rubber. They seal the thin gap around the door's perimeter and provide excellent sound insulation.

However, they differ from weatherstripping and soundproofing rubber in that they are permanently attached to the door’s perimeter. In this way, door gaskets are more heavy-duty and long-lasting than the other options. However, they are also more expensive.

Since they are a permanent addition to the door, adjustable door gaskets are available. These allow you to fit them perfectly on your door jambs.

Door gaskets are a great option for exterior doors because they require strong and durable materials.

5. Acoustic Panels

Consider using acoustic panels if you want to further increase the soundproof efficiency of your door. Acoustical panels are installed on the inside of the door, and are used for sound absorption. They are especially useful for metal doors, which sound vibration easily passes through.

An acoustic panel absorbs sounds, muffling exterior noise and preventing sound transmission. They cover the entire door surface, and are perfect for bedrooms or rooms where privacy is needed. Soundproofing panels are also an effective option for hollow core doors, which allow much more noise transmission than solid wood doors.

Acoustic panels should be used in combination with some sort of gap seal. If the gaps around the door aren’t sealed, then the acoustic panels won’t be as effective.

Avoid heavy acoustic panels that need to be screwed into the door, as these can damage the door itself and be too heavy for the door hinges. Rather, look for acoustic panels that stick to the door using a heavy-duty adhesive.

6. Thresholds

Another option for sealing the bottom gap between the floor and the door is to install a door threshold.

The main difference between a door threshold and a door sweep is that door thresholds are installed on the floor below the door. When the door is closed, it rests on top of the threshold.

If installed correctly, there should be a minuscule gap between the threshold and the door. The gap is just large enough to allow the door to open and close, but small enough to reduce sound leakage.

Door thresholds are usually used on exterior doors, but can also be installed under interior doors. They are a great option if you don’t want to install a door sweep on your door.

7. Acoustic Caulk or Foam

There’s a sneaky little gap between the door frame and wall that allows noise to enter your home or room. This gap is often sealed with caulk when the door is installed, but over time, the caulk can degrade or the door can warp, creating a gap. This tiny gap is often overlooked, but if left unsealed, can make all your other soundproofing efforts a waste.

Acoustic caulk or foam is the soundproofing solution for this gap, and is available online or at home improvement stores. It is specifically designed to reduce noise transmission, and can be used on the inside of exterior doors and interior doors.

Before applying acoustic foam to your door frame, remove any old caulk from the frame. After you apply the acoustic caulk based on the manufacturer’s instructions, it will become semi-hard and take on a rubbery texture.

8. Acoustic Blankets or Curtains

If you’re looking to make your room even quieter, consider hanging an acoustic blanket or soundproofing curtain over your door. This is a great solution for an interior hollow core door.

Mass is a key factor for a soundproof door, which is significantly lacking in a hollow core door. An acoustic blanket adds more mass to the door without adding too much weight. However, the gaps around the door must first be sealed in order for soundproof curtains to be effective.

Acoustic blankets, also known as sound blankets, are available online and are specifically designed to absorb noise and reduce sound transfer.

9. New Door

If you’ve tried all the door soundproofing tricks above and your room or house is still too noisy, it may be time to invest in a new door. As previously mentioned, mass is a critical factor in soundproofing a soundproof door. So, if your door has a hollow core, then there isn’t a whole lot you can do to make it more soundproof.

Investing in a high-quality solid wood door is a long-lasting solution for noise reduction. Whether for exterior or interior use, a solid wood door is an excellent choice. You may also consider a solid-wood soundproof door. These are specifically designed to block outside noise and provide more efficient sound insulation when compared to regular solid wood doors.

Create a Quiet, Comfortable Home with a Soundproof Door

There are many ways to keep noise out of your home, such as sealing gaps, adding door sweeps, or using acoustic blankets.

However, sometimes the best option is to invest in a new door. For a high-quality door that will help you create a quiet and peaceful home, check out Rustica’s wide selection premium doors. All of our doors are handcrafted in the USA, and can be custom-designed to meet your exact needs! Browse our collection today to find the perfect door for your home.