How to Soundproof a Stud Wall

How to Soundproof a Stud Wall: A Complete Guide for Quieter Spaces

Whether you’re trying to create a peaceful bedroom, a home office, or a music studio, soundproofing a stud wall is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise transfer between rooms. Stud walls, often found in modern buildings, can allow sound to travel easily due to their hollow structure and low mass. The good news? With the proper techniques and materials, you can significantly improve wall sound insulation and enjoy a quieter environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods for soundproofing a stud wall, including acoustic insulation, sound isolation clips, soundproof plasterboard, and direct-to-wall panels for tight spaces.

Why Soundproofing Your Stud Wall Matters

Soundproofing isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for comfort and well-being. Here’s why:

Improved privacy: Keep conversations, phone calls, and music private.
Better sleep: Reduce disturbances from noisy neighbours or traffic.
Enhanced productivity: Focus better in home offices or study areas.
Increased property value: Homes with quieter, well-insulated rooms are more attractive to buyers.

Soundproofing a stud wall can be done at two levels, depending on the severity of the noise, the space, and the budget.

Option 1: Direct-to-Wall Panels

Fixed to existing plasterboard
Adds mass to reduce airborne noise
Quick installation and minimal space loss
Suitable for low to moderate noise

Option 2: Full Soundproof System

Remove plasterboard to access the cavity
Install acoustic insulation between studs
Add isolation clips/resilient bars and multiple layers of plasterboard, MLV, and sealant
Delivers superior noise reduction, including low frequencies

View all wall soundproofing products

Best Products for Soundproofing Stud Walls

Acoustic insulation: Absorbs sound energy inside wall cavities and prevents resonance
Soundproof plasterboard: High-density boards that block airborne noise
Isolation clips: Decouple the wall from the structure, reducing vibration transfer
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): A flexible, dense material that blocks sound effectively
Acoustic sealants: Seal gaps and cracks around joints, outlets, and edges to prevent sound leaks

Acoustic Insulation Inside the Frame: The First Line of Defence

Acoustic insulation is a critical component of soundproofing any wall with a cavity. Installing insulation inside the stud wall cavity significantly reduces the amount of sound that can travel through the wall.

Key benefits of acoustic insulation:

Absorbs airborne sound and reduces echo.
Reduces the drum effect of an empty wall cavity.
Works with the wall structure to prevent vibration transmission.
Enhances thermal insulation while doing so.

Best practices:

Use mineral wool or fibreglass insulation for maximum sound absorption.
Use 60kg/m³ acoustic insulation slabs inside stud walls for the best noise reduction.
Ensure the insulation fills the entire cavity, with no gaps.
Avoid compressing the insulation, as this reduces effectiveness.

Sound insulation Slabs For Stud Walls

Acoustic Insulation Slabs - Soundproof Insulation

£43 exc VAT.

Sound Isolation Clips on the Frame: Breaking the Vibration Path

Sound travels not only through air but also through vibrations in wall studs. Sound isolation clips drastically reduce vibration transfer by isolating the plasterboard from the frame.

Why sound isolation clips are essential:

Minimise structural-borne vibration noise.
Isolating the stud from the plasterboard reduces sound transfer.
Provide a stable framework for multiple layers of soundproof boards.

Installation tips:

Attach clips at regular intervals.
Combine with resilient channels for even better isolation.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for load capacity.

AcoustiClip | Sound Isolation Clip

£4.95 exc VAT.

Soundproof Plasterboard: Adding Mass to Stop Noise

Once the insulation and clips are in place, the next step is to add soundproof plasterboard. These specialised boards are denser than standard plasterboard and block more noise.

Advantages of soundproof plasterboard:

Adds mass to absorb and block sound waves.
It can be layered for extra sound reduction.
Acoustic plasterboards are also fire-resistant.

Installation pointers:

Stagger seams to prevent sound leaks.
Use acoustic sealant around edges to seal gaps.
Consider double layers in high-noise areas, such as home theatres or nurseries.

Acoustic Plasterboard 12.5mm - 15mm Full & Half Size

£10.5 exc VAT.

MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl): Flexible Mass for Noise Reduction

After installing insulation and clips, adding Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a highly effective way to further block sound. MLV is a dense, flexible material that adds significant mass to walls, ceilings, or floors, helping to stop sound from passing through.

Advantages of MLV:

Adds substantial mass without taking up much space.
Flexible, making it suitable for walls, ceilings, and floors.
Can be combined with insulation and plasterboard for superior soundproofing.

Installation pointers:

Hang or lay MLV so it covers the entire surface, avoiding gaps.
Overlap seams and seal edges with acoustic tape or sealant.
Consider layering with other materials (like plasterboard) in areas with heavy noise, such as home theatres, music rooms, or busy streets.

Tecsound Soundproof Membrane

£83 exc VAT.

Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Barrier Shield | 5kg & 10kg 1.2m x 1.2m

£10.05 exc VAT.

Direct-to-Wall Panels: Perfect for Tight Spaces

If you don’t have room to build out the wall, direct-to-wall soundproof panels are an excellent solution. These panels attach directly to your existing wall without additional framing.

Benefits of direct-to-wall panels:

Ideal for small rooms with limited space.
Quick installation with minimal disruption.
Soundproof panels, along with other soundproofing measures, provide maximum effect.

Installation tips:

Choose high-density acoustic panels.
Seal edges with acoustic caulk to prevent sound leakage.
Finish the panels with plaster skim or decorate directly onto the panel.

Silent Panel 30mm - Soundproofing Panels

£59.95 exc VAT.

Acoustic Panel 22.5mm - Soundproofing Panels

£43.95 exc VAT.

Noisestop 1 Plus Panel 18mm - Soundproofing Panel

£29.95 exc VAT.

Soundproofing Stud Walls FAQs

The most effective method combines multiple techniques:

Filling the stud cavities with acoustic insulation (mineral wool or fibreglass).
Installing sound isolation clips to decouple the wallboard from the studs.
Adding soundproof plasterboard or multiple layers of drywall.
Sealing gaps with acoustic sealant to prevent sound leaks.
Using all these together can significantly reduce both airborne and impact noise.

Yes! If space is limited, you can use direct-to-wall acoustic panels or soundproof plasterboard applied over the existing wall. This method adds mass and sound absorption without taking up much room or requiring major construction. Alternatively, use a soundproofing system like the AcoustiClip Stud Wall Kit to achieve the best possible soundproofing.

A properly treated stud wall can reduce sound by 30–60 decibels, depending on the materials used and installation quality. Using insulation, clips, and soundproof plasterboard together provides the highest level of reduction for both airborne and impact noise.

Yes! Soundproofing a stud wall also:

Improves thermal insulation, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Increases privacy in shared spaces.
Can enhance property value by creating quieter, more comfortable living areas.
Helps create professional-quality environments for home offices, music rooms, or studios.

Some of the most effective stud wall soundproofing materials include:

Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV): A dense, flexible material that blocks sound.
Soundproof panels: High-density soundproofing boards that block sound.
Acoustic insulation slabs: Help absorb sound within wall cavities.
Decoupling clips: Sound-isolation clips decouple the existing wall from the new wall, reducing vibration noise.
Soundproof Plasterboard: Denser than standard plasterboard, making it better at blocking airborne sound.

The cost varies depending on the solution you choose. If we assume the wall is 10 sqm, the average price of materials to supply soundproof panels would be between £42 and £51 per square metre (£420-£510 per 10sqm wall), depending on the type of panel.

For higher soundproofing levels, a complete acoustic wall system would cost between £55 and £65 per square metre (£550-£650 per 10sqm wall). These costs are approximated and do not include fitting.

Yes! Low-frequency noises, such as bass or vibration, can be more challenging to block. To reduce this, you will need to use a technique called decoupling, which separates layers of the wall to prevent sound vibrations from travelling through it.

Decoupling isolation clips applied directly to the wall or a stud frame will reduce vibrations from travelling through the wall’s structure. If you have space in the room, an independent soundproof wall will reduce sound transfer between the walls.

The best wall soundproofing solutions for reducing these noises are the AcoustiClip Direct System or the AcoustiClip Stud System, as they minimise vibration transmission through walls.

Conclusion: Enjoy the peace you deserve

Soundproofing a stud wall might seem complicated, but with the right combination of acoustic insulation, sound isolation clips, soundproof plasterboard, and direct-to-wall panels, it’s entirely achievable. Whether you’re looking to reduce noise from neighbours, traffic, or household activities, these solutions provide lasting results and improve your quality of life.

How To Soundproof a Stud Wall