How Do I Soundproof My Room? Your Options, Materials & Costs — Explained

STC stands for Sound Transmission Class — the industry-standard rating for how well a building assembly reduces airborne sound. The higher the number, the better the isolation. A standard interior wall typically achieves STC 33–35. A professional QuietRock assembly can achieve STC 50–63+. At STC 50, loud speech is only faint through the wall. At STC 60+, most sounds are inaudible. Every 10-point increase in STC represents roughly a perceived halving of loudness, so the difference between STC 35 and STC 55 is dramatic — not subtle.

Yes — to a meaningful degree. You can add a layer of QuietRock drywall with Green Glue compound directly over an existing wall surface. This approach adds mass and damping without requiring the wall to be opened or studs to be exposed. It will not achieve the same STC as a purpose-built acoustic assembly, but it delivers a real and noticeable improvement. You will lose 1–1.5 inches of wall depth, which matters around door frames and outlet boxes. Our team can assess whether this approach suits your goals and budget. Check out our installation services page to learn more.

Yes. QuietRock is the brand name for the acoustic drywall product line manufactured by Pabco Gypsum, a leading U.S. gypsum manufacturer. When you hear either name, they refer to the same product family — the gold standard for residential and commercial acoustic drywall. There are other acoustic drywall products on the market, but QuietRock has the longest independent test record and the broadest range of panel types for different applications.

Most soundproofing work done within existing walls — such as adding a layer of QuietRock over existing drywall — does not require a permit in the City of San Diego or surrounding jurisdictions. However, if the work involves opening walls, modifying framing, or is part of a larger ADU or remodel project, permits may be required. We always recommend confirming with the San Diego Development Services Department or your local jurisdiction before starting work. Our team can guide you through this process.

Costs vary based on room size, the system selected, and whether walls need to be opened. As a general guide: a single-room upgrade over existing walls runs $800–$2,500. A full acoustic build-out for a bedroom or home office is typically $2,000–$6,500. A dedicated home theater or recording studio can run $8,000–$30,000+ depending on specifications. The best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site assessment — every project is unique, and we do not want to quote you blind. Use our sheet count calculator to start estimating material quantities, then contact us for a full quote.

Airborne noise travels through the air — voices, TV, music, barking dogs. It enters a wall through the drywall surface and travels as vibration through the structure. Impact noise is sound caused by physical contact with the structure — footsteps above you, a door slamming, bass from a subwoofer. These require different solutions. Airborne noise is best controlled by adding mass (QuietRock) and damping (Green Glue). Impact noise requires decoupling — physically separating the drywall from the structure using resilient channels or RSIC clips. The best systems address both, which is why a complete acoustic assembly includes all layers working together.

Yes — and it has been extensively and independently tested. Green Glue compound consistently delivers measurable STC improvements when applied correctly between two drywall layers. In certified acoustic lab tests, it adds 8–12 STC points compared to a standard double-layer assembly without the compound. The key is proper application: two tubes per 4×8 sheet in a random pattern, covering approximately 80% of the surface area, with the perimeter sealed completely using Green Glue Sealant or another acoustical caulk. Skipping the perimeter seal significantly reduces real-world performance.

Soundproofing the surrounding walls and ceilings helps, but HVAC noise has two components: airborne noise (air rushing through ducts) and structural vibration (transmitted through duct walls and framing). The wall system addresses the structural transmission, but you may also need duct lining, flexible duct connectors, and vibration isolators on mechanical equipment for comprehensive HVAC noise control. We can assess your specific situation and recommend a complete solution that covers both the drywall assembly and any supplemental mechanical isolation needed.

A single-room project — soundproofing a bedroom, home office, or small studio — typically takes 1–3 days including framing, drywall, taping, and finishing. Larger projects such as a full home theater, ADU build-out, or multi-room acoustic assembly can take 1–2 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline with every quote so you know exactly what to expect before we start. Our drywall installation team is experienced with acoustic assemblies and works clean, fast, and without shortcuts.

We serve all of San Diego County, including North Park, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Mesa, National City, Alpine, Rancho Santa Fe, Valley Center, and all surrounding areas. Whether you are in the urban core or a suburban neighborhood, we bring the same professional-grade acoustic systems to every project. Check out our full list of service areas to confirm your location.