
Soundproofing Timber Joist Ceilings
High performance acoustic ceiling soundproofing solutions for ceilings with timber joists minimise noise transfer through timber joist ceilings
View All Ceiling ProductsSolutions to Soundproof Timber Joist Ceilings
Our solutions to soundproof timber joist ceilings minimise noise transfer. The best method of soundproofing ceilings with timber joists is to apply the AcoustiClip soundproofing system. Adding mass, isolation, and increasing sound absorption will ensure you achieve the best soundproofing results. The AcoustiClip Timber Joist Ceiling Kit is a DIY friendly sound insulation kit that has been tried and tested to soundproof against noisy neighbours and increase privacy.
If you require a slim soundproofing system to reduce space loss, the Ceiling System 2 provides a good level of noise reduction with minimal effect on the ceiling height. All our ceiling soundproofing system kits incorporate sound insulation for the joists to add mass and reduce sound resonating, a sound isolation system to reduce vibrations, and high density soundproof panels to block airborne sounds.
Soundproofing systems to soundproof ceilings with timber joists
How to soundproof ceilings and minimise noise transfer
The most effective method of soundproofing ceilings is adding mass, creating separation and increasing sound absorption. Adding mass to the ceiling with soundproof plasterboards, acoustic membranes, and acoustic insulation will block airborne sounds. Decoupe the ceiling and enhance its ability to absorb vibrations with the AcoustiClip system, reducing sounds transferring via vibration through ceilings. Isolating the existing ceiling will make it more difficult for sound to pass between rooms. Improving the sound absorption with decoupling and extra mass dampens the sound’s energy, resulting in a soundproofed ceiling that will minimise unwanted noise transfer.
Effective soundproofing principles
Adding mass: Increasing the mass/density of a ceiling is crucial for soundproofing and reducing airborne sounds. Product combinations with different levels of mass, including soundproof panels, acoustic membranes and sound insulation slabs, will increase the mass of a ceiling.
Decoupling: Decouple the ceiling using a sound isolation clip system. The AcoustiClip system provides the best sound isolation for timber joist and concrete ceilings.
Sound absorption: Soundproof panels can increase the sound absorption of a ceiling. The AcoustiClip isolation clip also provides sound absorption, absorbing vibrations and reducing the sound’s energy.
Key components of an acoustic ceiling system
- Decoupling: Isolating the ceiling structure to prevent sound vibrations from travelling directly through. The AcoustiClip sound isolation clip is used on timber joists and concrete ceilings.
- Absorption: Using materials like acoustic insulation to absorb sound energy.
- Mass: Adding dense materials to block airborne noise.
- Damping: Applying damping compounds to dissipate sound energy. The mass-loaded vinyl combined with the acoustic plasterboard to form the Noisestop 1 Plus Panel enhances the sound damping within the ceiling.
- Sealing: Ensuring airtight installation to eliminate sound leaks.
Soundproof timber joist ceiling solutions in more depth

AcoustiClip Timber Ceiling System (Recommended ceiling soundproofing solution)
The highest-performing timber ceiling soundproofing solution, the AcoustiClip Timber Ceiling System, will reduce airborne and impact sounds. Combining products with mass, sound absorption, and the decoupling effect of the AcoustiClip means this is the best ceiling solution for soundproofing timber joist ceilings.
- System thickness 77mm (from the ceiling joist)
- Noise reduction
- Airborne 64db (higher the better)
- Impact 54dB (lower the better)
- Part E compliant
- Cost approx. £65sqm plus VAT

Ceiling System 2 (Slim ceiling soundproofing option)
Slim ceiling system with minimal height loss in the room. This soundproof system combines acoustic insulation and soundproof boarding for mass and sound absorption with soundbreaker bars to isolate the ceiling joist from the new ceiling.
- System thickness 35mm (from the joist)
- Noise reduction
- Airborne 58dB (higher the better)
- Impact 59dB (lower the better)
- Part E compliant
- Cost approx. £43sqm plus VAT
Popular soundproof ceiling products

AcoustiClip Concrete Ceiling System Soundproof Kit
£332.65 exc VAT.

AcoustiClip Timber Joist Ceiling System Soundproof Kit
£379.16 exc VAT.

Acoustic Plasterboard 15mm Full & Half Size
£11.95 exc VAT.

AcoustiClip - Sound Isolation Clip
£4.95 exc VAT.

AcoustiChannel 1800mm Metal Furring Channel
£4.45 exc VAT.

Ceiling System 2 Timber Joist Soundproof Kit
£245.11 exc VAT.

Noisestop 1 Plus Panel 18mm - Soundproofing Board
£29.95 exc VAT.

Acoustic Insulation 100mm DFM Per Pack
£43 exc VAT.

Acoustic Sealant 310ml & 900ml
£3.95 exc VAT.
Soundproofing timber ceilings FAQs
The best method of soundproofing a ceiling is to use a combination of products in a soundproof system.
Soundproof systems will add mass, increase sound absorption and decouple the existing structure from the new.
We recommend using the AcoustiClip system to soundproof your ceilings. The combination of materials supplied with the AcoustiClip Timber Ceiling System comprises all the required products to sound insulate the ceiling against impact and airborne sounds effectively.
The best-performing timber joist ceiling solution is the Acousticlip Timber Joist System.
The product combinations supplied with this system achieve a high level of noise reduction against airborne and impact sounds.
Timber joist ceilings will benefit from the AcoustiClip’s decoupling effect and the increased mass/density and sound absorption of soundproof panels and acoustic insulation.
The best-performing sound insulation system for concrete ceilings is the Acousticlip Concrete Ceiling System.
The product combinations supplied with this system achieve a high level of noise reduction against airborne and impact sounds.
Concrete ceilings will benefit from the AcoustiClip’s decoupling effect and the increased mass/density and sound absorption of soundproof panels and acoustic insulation.
Unless you have very high ceilings, you will probably need to remove the plasterboard or lathe and plaster to soundproof your ceiling effectively.
Removing the existing ceiling will allow you to use acoustic insulation inside the ceiling joist, which is a great way to add mass. Using the AcoustiClip system, you will decouple the ceiling, which isolates the joist from the new ceiling.
Removing the ceiling means you can use the AcoustiClip Timber Ceiling System, our recommended solution.
If you are using downlighters in your ceiling, you should fit acoustic/fire hoods over the lights to ensure the acoustic integrity of the ceiling.
Stopping impact sound through the floor above is difficult to stop from below. In an ideal world, you would soundproof the floors to stop the impact sound. If you can’t access the floor, the best solution is to install a ceiling isolated from the existing.
If you have very high ceilings, you could install a completely new ceiling with joists without connection to the existing ceiling. If this option does not apply, you must use a system that isolates the new ceiling even if it is in contact with the joist.
The best solution for achieving isolation is to use The AcoustiClip Timber Ceiling System.
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