Even if one isn't building a recording studio, there are times when a home or business owner will want to reduce the amount of sound coming into, or out of, a room. While many methods are available, choosing one will depend on the room itself and the amount of money the owner is willing to spend.

To understand how to soundproof a room, it is first necessary to understand a little about "sound." Sound is composed of waves that travel through a medium. Some mediums, or materials, are more resistant to sound than others. Air, for example, offers little resistance and is therefore a major contributor to unwanted noise in a room. To soundproof a room, however, more is needed than just blocking the flow of sound through air.

Another source of unwanted noise in a room can come from vibrations. A vibration occurs when a sound wave travels back and forth from one object to another. This can happen, for example, when a sound wave strikes one wall in a room, bounces off that wall, and transfers its energy to the opposite wall. That vibration can create an annoying noise problem.

The best way to prevent the noise problem altogether is to construct the room with building materials that dampen noise. Preplanning in this way is not always a possibility, however, especially for renters. The effort to soundproof, then, centers on how to buffer unwanted noise after the walls have been put in place.

If money is a concern or time is limited, a less drastic, inexpensive approach to soundproofing is needed. Dampening noise can be accomplished by actions as simple as laying down carpet or hanging drapes. Although these solutions won't eliminate all unwanted noise, both are relatively inexpensive and simple.

Another way to soundproof a room is to decorate it with rough-surfaced furnishings. Rough surfaces absorb sound, unlike smooth surfaces, which allow sound waves to travel back and forth. Applying an acoustic spray texture or other rough material to the ceiling, for example, can help soundproof a noisy room.

Walls can also be treated to help make a room soundproof. This usually involves tacking on some sort of heavy material that will block sound waves. The material can range from carpeting to blankets to manufactured paneling -- even cardboard egg cartons are an option.

Doorways and windows can also be sources of noise. A nearby draft of air can travel through leaks around a door or window, thereby allowing unwanted sound to enter a room. Rooms with doorway-related problems can be more soundproof if weatherstrips are applied to the gaps around the doorway or by buying a solid door. Window-related noise can be reduced by purchasing vinyl-framed or double-paned windows. If a cheaper solution is necessary, then the old standby of hanging drapes may suffice.

If the person owns the home, he may want to know if a sound problem may be caused by inadequate insulation, gaps in the insulation, or even a hole in the attic! A qualified contractor can be consulted on all these issues, and although it may not be inexpensive to put in new insulation, it may lower the noise, as well as the homeowner's energy bills!

Many possibilities exist for making a room more soundproof, including buying manufactured materials designed specifically to reduce noise. Money, time, and necessity are all factors to consider before tackling a noise problem.