Hey everyone! I've got a hollow core door that leads into my kitchen, and I'm looking to soundproof it a bit more. I've already added a door sweep to reduce some noise, but I can't switch to a solid core door because I'm worried it will be too heavy for the frame—plus, it only has two hinges. I'm searching for removable options like a DIY door plug or even using a blanket with mass-loaded vinyl. I also have this heavy board that nearly fits the door, but I'm not sure how to secure it. Would drilling it onto the back of a bookshelf and rolling that in front of the door work? I do have neighbors below me, so I'd prefer a quiet solution for nighttime. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
I'm loving your creativity! Rolling in a bookshelf sounds like a fun hack, especially if it helps dampen the noise. Just make sure whatever you do can be done quietly at night to keep the peace with your neighbors below. Renter’s ingenuity for the win! ??
You might want to explore sound-absorbing materials like acoustic foam for better noise reduction. Just keep in mind that if your door's hardware isn't sturdy and it's a lightweight hollow door, attaching heavier materials could cause it to fall apart. I once tried to put a door closer on a flimsy door, and it didn’t end well—turned the door into splinters in no time!
About the door's weight, there's usually 2x4s behind the frame, so you could potentially hang a solid core door. Just be cautious with the two hinges since the weight won't distribute evenly, and sagging might happen. Also, if your AC has no adequate ventilation in that room, using a plug might lead to temperature issues—keep that in mind!