soundproofing an interior door
 

I want to reinforce a cheap interior door in order to make it more soundproof. It's in a cheap apartment, and I'm a student who is not looking to spend a lot of money.

My idea is to "hang" a cut-to-size board of wood on the interior of the door in order to reduce the amount of noise that comes through it. It is a very cheap door made of very flimsy wood, and I think that another layer of wood added to it would help to soundproof it.

Aesthetics don't matter at all--I will be moving out in just over a year, and I want a temporary fix. I figure that I will be able to bolt some brackets to the top of a board of wood and "hang" it on the interior of the door.

The question is, what type of board should I use? Would MDF be a good choice? It's relatively cheap and it seems like it would do a good job of absorbing sound. Any ideas?

Ayuh,...

You'll get Better sound deadening by using Soft materials, rather than another slab of Wood....

As simple as a couple of thick Blankets, or as complicated as a layer of Insulation...

Actually... you may want to try some weatherstripping around and under the door first. I would bet you'd be surprised at the difference.

However, different wavelengths will penetrate things differently. The longer the wavelength (the lower the frequency) the harder it is to contain it. So, putting weatherstripping around your door will probably help block the higher frequencies like voices and such but if your roommates are listening to bass thumping music... there's not really much you can do.

What about the three inch gap between the bottom of the door and the floor?

Yep, you need to block that too. Rug or blanket will work. Of course your room temp might get too warm or too cold.

Whatever you do don't damage the door and give the landlord a reason to hold your deposit.

What degree program are you in?

Walk through a home material supply store and check out the 2" thick foam insulating board they have. Cut to size and it is light as a feather it may suit your need.

Or just turn your radio up louder.

I agree just turn up the radio!!!!