How To Make A Soundproof Box Just In 5 Steps

Making a DIY soundproof box can be a great way to reduce noise in your surroundings. Whether you want to soundproof a generator, air compressor, or other noisy machine, building your own insulated container is an effective yet affordable noise reduction solution.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of how to make a soundproof box from start to finish using common soundproofing materials like acoustic foam, mass-loaded vinyl, and fibreglass insulation.

How to Make a Soundproof Box: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a custom noise-isolating enclosure that blocks irritating sounds.

Materials and Tools Needed

Constructing a quality soundproof box requires gathering the right supplies. Here are the key materials and tools you’ll need:

• Soundproofing materials – The inner lining of acoustic treatment materials blocks noise. Some top options include:
• Acoustic foam – Lightweight sound-absorbing foam that reduces echoes and reverberation. Acoustic foam panels are affordable and work well for lining smaller boxes.
• Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) – Heavy dense vinyl material containing weighted pellets that block sound through mass. Excellent noise barrier for walls and ceilings.
• Fibreglass insulation – Lightweight yet efficient absorbent insulation material that soaks up noise. Fiberglass works well for lining boxes, along with acoustic foam.
• Acoustic caulk – Special soundproofing caulk fills in cracks and gaps to prevent sound leaks.
• Weatherstripping tape – Self-adhesive foam tape placed around edges to block noise.
• Plywood or MDF – For building the outer shell of the box.
• Hinges and latches – Hardware required for a door or lid.
• Tools – Saw, drill, box cutter, scissors, screwdriver etc. to construct the box.

Step 1: Choose the Right Soundproofing Materials

The first step is selecting the right soundproofing materials for your box, based on the noise source and your budget.

Factors to consider when choosing materials:

• Type of noise – Lower frequencies require more mass, while high pitches are easier absorbed using acoustic foam. Using a combination of barriers and absorbers works best for blocking wide-band noise.
• Box size – The dimensions of your box determine how much raw material you need. Measure the appliance or machine you want to soundproof beforehand.
• Noise levels – Higher decibel noises may need thicker, denser materials like MLV and multiple layers.
• Budget – factor in material costs when deciding what to use. Acoustic foam is inexpensive while MLV costs more.

Once you determine the requirements, pick which soundproofing materials make the most sense for your particular soundproof box project.

Here are some top material options:

• Acoustic foam – Affordable sound absorption panels perfect for smaller boxes. Wedge foam tiles or bass trap foam work great.
• Mass-loaded vinyl – Provides excellent noise blocking for walls and ceilings. The thick dense material stops sound effectively.
• Fiberglass insulation – Makes a lightweight noise-absorbent liner. Use rigid boards or batts lined with acoustic foam.
• Rubber mats or cork – Help dampen vibrations that cause noise. Place under appliances.
• Heavy curtains – Add an extra sound barrier layer when hung inside the box.

Selecting the right sound insulation materials is key for creating an effective DIY acoustical box.

Step 2: Build the Outer Shell

Once you’ve got your soundproofing materials ready, it’s time to construct the outer shell.

• measure the size of the object you’re soundproofing, leaving several inches of clearance on all sides.
• cut panels to size from plywood, MDF, or other rigid materials using a saw. Screw or glue panels together to form a box frame.

TIP: Use thicker material like MDF or double-up plywood for a sturdier box.

• Make sure edges and seams are tightly sealed with acoustic caulk to prevent sound leaks.

Consider adding:

• Angles or bevelled edges – Prevent standing waves and echoes inside the box.
• Vents – Allow airflow which reduces humidity and condensation. Install an inline fan for active ventilation.
• Caster wheels – Enable conveniently moving the box.

Constructing a solid rigid outer shell is crucial for containing noise inside the box.

Step 3: Line the Box Interior with Soundproofing Materials

Now that you’ve built the sturdy outer shell, it’s time to transform the interior into an acoustic chamber using soundproofing materials.

Follow this process:

• Cover walls/ceiling with MLV – Use adhesive and overlaps for full coverage with no gaps.
• Line floors with rubber mats – Isolate vibrations and dampen sound.
• Install fibreglass insulation – Stuff interior cavities full to absorb noise. Can be wrapped in acoustic foam.
• Apply acoustic foam panels – Use adhesive to mount foam tiles and bass traps directly onto box walls. Strategically place panels at parallel walls and room corners.
• Hang heavy curtains – Add an extra sound-blocking layer (optional).

Layering different soundproofing materials creates a noise-isolating box within a box effect. Remember to seal edges with acoustic caulk.

Step 4: Add a Soundproof Door

You’ll need to add a fully soundproof door to contain noise yet still access the box’s contents.

To make a soundproof door:

• Construct door frame from plywood/MDF to fit box opening.
• Adhere MLV sheets onto both sides of the door to block noise.
• Attach high-density acoustic foam inside the door frame.
• Seal all edges and gaps with acoustic caulk.
• Install a latch and weatherstripping around the perimeter to close tightly.
• Add door hinges and mount them onto the box frame.

A well-insulated soundproof door prevents noise leakage when closed.

Optional: Extra Soundproofing Tricks

To further improve noise isolation and absorption, you can optionally add:

• Double thick walls
• Soundproof drywall like QuietRock
• Green glue noise-proofing compound between layers
• Additional mass-loaded vinyl layers
• Higher-density insulation like Roxul Rockwool
• Larger bass traps in corners
• Isolation risers or vibration pads under the box

If you really want maximum sound blocking, these extra tweaks help enhance performance.

is cardboard soundproof?

Cardboard is a lightweight material that does not have the density or mass to block sound waves. Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air, and cardboard is too thin and porous to prevent them from passing through.

However, cardboard can be used to dampen sound, which means that it can absorb some of the energy from the sound waves and reduce their intensity.

FAQs

Conclusion

Constructing your own DIY soundproof box is an easy project using simple soundproofing materials like acoustic foam, mass-loaded vinyl, fibreglass insulation, and plywood.

Follow the step-by-step instructions to:

1. Choose the right materials
2. Build a rigid outer shell
3. Line the interior walls with sound-absorbing and blocking materials
4. Add a sound-insulated door

Customizing your own noise-reducing enclosure is an affordable and effective method to block unwanted sound from noisy appliances, machinery, generators, and other equipment.

Your homemade soundproof box creates a quiet, noise-free environment so you can block distracting sounds.