How To Stick Soundproof Foam To Door? (4 Simple Steps)

Want to reduce noise coming through the doors? Installing soundproof foam panels provides an affordable and non-damaging DIY soundproofing solution. While foam won’t completely block sound, it can significantly muffle conversations, TV noise, music and more leaking through doors.

With noise reduction coefficients of 0.70-0.95, soundproofing foam can absorb and diffuse some sound when installed on doors using adhesive strips to moderately reduce noise transmission. However, additional upgrades like weatherstripping helps foam to improve the door’s sound transmission class rating by 2-5 points.

When done correctly, adding acoustic foam can make a notable difference in privacy between rooms. In this step-by-step guide, learn how to soundproof a standard interior door using soundproof foam panels and command strips.

Follow these tips to reduce sound flanking under and around the door as well for optimal results.

The Cost of Soundproofing a Door

Professionally installed, high-performance soundproof doors cost $1,300-$4,000. These lab-tested doors have exceptional noise blocking abilities, but the price tag is steep.

Fortunately, there are more affordable DIY options ranging from $400-$600 per door using materials like acoustic foam. While not as effective as commercial soundproof doors, these homemade treatments can still noticeably reduce noise.

Why Soundproof Your Door?

Conversations, music, TV sounds and more can easily travel through hollow, thin doors. This allows noise to freely move between rooms, reducing privacy and peace. Soundproofing blocks unwanted noise so you can enjoy quiet and privacy. Reasons to soundproof a door include:

• Block noise from roommates, kids or guests
• Reduce distractions while working or studying
• Separate noisy and quiet spaces
• Make phone calls without background noise
• Prevent sound leaks to achieve better sleep

Choosing the Right Acoustic Foam Panels

Not all foam is made equal when it comes to sound absorption. Look for high-density polyurethane or melamine foam with an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating of 0.70 or higher. The higher the NRC, the better the foam absorbs sound.

Also check the foam’s fire rating for safety. Avoid highly combustible materials like eggcrate mattress foam. Good acoustic foam options include:

• Auralex Acoustic Pyramid Foam – High quality melamine foam with NRC 0.95 and Class A fire rating.
• ATS Acoustics Foam Panels – Budget friendly polyurethane foam with 0.80 NRC rating.
• Audimute Acoustic Sheet – Unique layered foam/fabric panels rated at NRC 1.05.

Measure your door size and buy enough 1-2 inch thick foam panels to cover it evenly. Square 12×12 inch panels are common and easy to arrange.

Gather the Rest of the Supplies

Along with the acoustic foam, you’ll need:

• Command strips – Heavy duty picture hanging strips that securely adhere the foam without nails or glue.
• Measuring tape – To measure door dimensions to size foam panels.
• Utility knife – Cuts foam panels down to size.
• Level – Ensures foam panels are installed straight and even.

How To Stick Soundproof Foam To Door?

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Foam Panels

Use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of your door. Cut the foam panels down to size as needed to fit the door using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.

Aim to cover the entire door evenly. Small gaps are OK but avoid large uneven patches. Measure twice and cut once for accuracy.

Safety tip: Use a cutting board or cutting mat when slicing the foam to protect your floors or countertop.

Caution When Cutting Foam

Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask. The dust from cut foam can be toxic if inhaled. Also wear goggles to protect your eyes from debris.

Make slow, straight cuts using a new razor blade. Rushing can cause the knife to slip, creating jagged edges. Take your time for clean cuts.

Step 2: Attach Command Strips

Command strips securely adhere the foam panels to the door without nails, glue or tape. This makes future removal easy without damage.

Thoroughly clean and dry the door surface where strips will be applied. Remove any oils or dirt so the strips stick properly.

Attach command strips vertically to the center back of each foam panel, using multiple strips for larger pieces. Press the strips firmly for 30 seconds to activate the adhesive.

Tips for Command Strip Use

• Choose heavy duty strips rated for the foam weight. Small picture hanging strips may not adhere well.
• Add extra strips towards panel edges for a tighter hold, especially on ceiling or top of door installations where gravity is working against you.
• Make sure the door surface temperature is between 60-100°F. Avoid cold metal doors. Heat helps activate the adhesive for stronger bonding.

Step 3. Mount Foam Panels to the Door

Peel off the back liner of the command strips to expose the adhesive. Carefully align each foam panel on the door and press firmly for 30 seconds.

Use a level to check that panels are evenly spaced and aligned. Work top to bottom and side to side for best results.

Leave panels undisturbed for 24 hours after mounting to let adhesive fully cure before using door. Command strips reach max strength after 1-7 days.

Acoustic Foam Placement Tips

• Stagger panels slightly rather than lining up all edges for better sound diffusion.
• Prioritize covering the center of the door where most sound transmits. Perimeter gaps are less impactful.
• For doors with inset panels, focus on covering just the panels themselves without gaps for maximum sound absorption.
• On exterior doors, cover only the inside facing your home, not outside surface.

Step 4. Seal Air Gaps Around Door

While the foam absorbs direct sound waves, sneakier indirect sound can still skip through via unseen air gaps along the door’s edges and underneath. Sealing these gaps is important for blocking sound flanking paths.

Use acoustic sealant, weather stripping tape or door sweeps along the edges and bottom to plug air leaks. This complements the foam for increased noise blocking.

DIY Soundproofing Methods For Doors

Do-it-yourself soundproofing ranges from simple fixes to more extensive projects.

Quick Low-Cost Hacks

• Add a heavy soundproofing blanket – Temporary but helps muffle noise.
• Seal gaps around door with acoustic sealant or weather stripping – Prevents flanking.
• Add draft stopper under door – Blocks sound leaks.

Involved Soundproofing Upgrades

• Install solid core door – Much denser than hollow door to block sound.
• Add mass loaded vinyl – Weight helps impede noise vibrations.
• Replace with acoustic door panel – Special sound absorbing interior door.
• Apply acoustic foam – Absorbs rather than blocks sound waves.

Different Acoustic Materials For Doors Compared

There are a few common DIY acoustic materials, each with pros and cons:

• Acoustic foam – Affordable, easy installation but limited noise blocking.
• Acoustic panels – Higher performance than foam but more expensive.
• Styrofoam – Cheap but not very effective for soundproofing.
• Memory foam – Works better than Styrofoam but requires thick sheets.
• Spray foam – Expands to fill gaps but toxic fumes during application.

Acoustic foam and panels both absorb sound but foam is cheaper, lighter, and easier to install. Panels made of rigid fiberglass or mineral wool offer better noise reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will foam soundproof a door completely?

Acoustic foam will not completely soundproof a door, but it can significantly reduce noise transmission. The foam absorbs and diffuses some sound energy, but does not block all sound like a solid core door does. Use foam as part of a layered approach along with sealing gaps for best results.

Does the foam go on the inside or outside of the door?

Install acoustic foam panels on the inside-facing side of the door you want to soundproof. This ensures the foam absorbs sound within the room you want to keep quiet. Applying foam to the outside of an exterior door does little since noise enters from inside.

How long does installation take?

For a standard interior door, soundproofing with acoustic foam only takes about 1-2 hours. Measuring and cutting the panels takes the bulk of the time. Attaching the adhesive strips and mounting the foam goes quickly. Total time depends on door size and complexity.

Should I get thick or thin foam?

Acoustic foam ranging from 1-3 inches thick will all work for soundproofing doors. Thicker foam around 2-3 inches may perform marginally better for absorbing lower frequencies. But most foam types work fine at 1-2 inch depth. Prioritize foam quality over thickness.

How long will the foam last?

High quality acoustic foam paired with command strips can last for several years if properly cared for. Avoid excessive humidity, sun exposure or mechanical damage. Replace panels that become damaged, compressed or degraded over time. Use removable command strips for easy future foam replacement.

Wrap Up

Acoustic foam panels installed using command strips offer an easy and removable way to reduce sound transmission through hollow interior doors. While not completely soundproofing, they can significantly muffle conversations, TV or music sounds leaking through. Combine foam with proper air sealing for better results.

Focus on choosing quality high NRC rated foam, mounting panels evenly across the door’s surface, and sealing perimeter gaps for optimal noise blocking. Doing this small upgrade can make a big difference in privacy between rooms.