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Does anyone know about acoustics and soundproofing a garden room?!

6 replies

WildFlowerBees · 27/09/2025 14:49

I want a garden room but I want to soundproof it. We have the noisiest neighbours in the summer and I want to be able to be in the garden minding my own business not having to hear their high pitched screaming.

Looking at specific soundproofing materials, acoustic panels, Rockwell wool etc, making sure the floor and ceiling are properly insulated and double glazing. just wanted to know if it’ll work or if we’ll build it and I’ll be horribly disappointed.

I’ll be using it all year round. Thank you!

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 27/09/2025 15:57

Soundproofing in construction usually depends on the density, thickness and completeness of the enclosure. So brick walls are better than lightweight blocks are better than logs are better than insulated panels.

Holes will let noise through, such as airbricks and windows. Seal gaps round windows and doorframe with silicone, after filling the gaps with expanding foam.

Secondary glazing is better for blocking sound, especially if if is a thicker grade of glass.

Noise will get through the weakest link, often the roof. Look out for gaps round the edges.

If you are using insulation, you can get dense mineral wool batts, which are much heavier and more rigid that the rolls used in lofts. Special ones are sold by soundproofing shops, but the type sold for cavity wall insulation at builders merchants are quite good. Lift up a bale to see how heavy they are.

A thick solid door is better than a boarded shed door or a hollow internal door. I use fire doors which are 44mm thick, solid, and very heavy, but they are mostly not weatherproof. Some are made for front doors of flats that open onto an escape route, they are expensive. If you can have a porch or vestibule you can have an outer and an inner door, which also cuts heat loss.

Ordinary plasterboard is not much good. You can get a special heavy grade, or use two layers, preferably with a plaster skim.

Carpet, thick curtains, and soft furnishings absorb noise so it will seem calmer. If you have a radio or something you can have music playing quietly.

WildFlowerBees · 28/09/2025 07:47

Thank you @PigletJohn great info.

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johnd2 · 28/09/2025 10:29

Hard to add anything to the comprehensive technical answer from piglet John, but I would say if sound performance is of the essence then either buy an off the shelf garden room that provide specs for sound, or if that's not available and funds allow, employ a professional designer to produce drawings for a bespoke unit and employ a builder.
In the latter case the designer is taking responsibility for specifying the sound performance in the most economical way, although on a smaller project their costs, especially if a qualified architect, might be significant in comparison with the project cost.

PigletJohn · 28/09/2025 11:12

I fear an off the shelf building might be made of lightweight insulated panels. But I have not been in one.

I have been in log cabins, which are of heavy construction and seemed quite good.

WildFlowerBees · 28/09/2025 12:27

I just want a peaceful room in the garden. Every summer I have to either wear earplugs or stay inside because of the neighbours kids. I thought as they both got older the screaming would stop but both girls seem to only communicate by shouting at each other or shrieking. Neither of the mums do anything about it.

Moving isn’t possible just yet so trying to find a way to enjoy my garden with less noise.

OP posts:
ThreePears · 28/09/2025 12:36

Will you really want to shut yourself into a soundproof, airless hot box in your garden in summer?

If you are looking for soundproofing hints by the way, search on line for what people do to make home recording studios.

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