Doors are one of the weakest points in any soundproof construction and unfortunately, one of the most overlooked. A fully soundproof wall can be undone by a poorly chosen door for soundproofing.

There are countless door options out there, but the reality is most of them just aren’t for you. There, I said it. When picking the best door for soundproofing, you’ll want to consider three things: the cost of the door, the sounds you’re trying to contain and/or keep out, and how good the door is at doing so. The trick is to pick one that matches your soundproofing needs without overpaying for features you don’t need.

WHAT ARE YOUR SOUND REDUCTION NEEDS?

Getting the right door takes into account the sound reduction needed for the results desired. Is there an issue with hearing normal speech through the door? Perhaps it’s loud speech (you know who you are) or even a sound system for music, movies, or games. Maybe the door is meant to contain the sound of a running motor or other kind of machinery. Even flushing sounds coming through an office bathroom door can be distracting. What about pro-audio applications like home studios and home theaters?

To determine how well a door will reduce sound transmission, we look at the STC rating. The higher the number, the better the soundproofing. But it’s not just about numbers. Here’s what different STC levels actually mean in real life:

WHAT MAKES A DOOR BETTER OR WORSE FOR SOUNDPROOFING

The things that drive STC ratings are mass and the quality of the seal. The more mass the door has and the better it’s sealed, the higher the number.

Mass and Composition

The mass of the door is a major factor in its ability to block sound. Heavier doors, such as solid core or solid wood doors, will naturally perform better than lighter, hollow core doors. Hollow core doors don't do much for soundproofing, but they are commonly installed in homes when trying to stick to a tighter budget. These doors generally have an STC rating of 16-21, making them less than ideal if you’re serious about reducing noise. On the other hand, solid core doors can have an STC rating anywhere from 29-38, giving you a decent range depending on your needs.

You might also find doors made from metal, fiberglass, or combinations of materials, which each have different soundproofing benefits depending on the weight of the door. Some doors also have glass panels, which is generally best to avoid when picking a door for soundproofing because the weight of the glass relative to a solid door can cause a substantial drop-off in effectiveness.

Sealing and Sound Leaks

A well-sealed door is crucial for good soundproofing. This isn’t something considered as much when buying the door, as it’s more the next step to think about when the door itself isn’t enough. Still, it matters a great deal, particularly when you’ve got higher soundproofing goals like when soundproofing a home studio. Even the best door will let sound through if there are gaps around at the bottom and around the edges. To understand the gravity of what we mean, look at this chart:

Earlier we said a fully soundproof wall can be undone by the wrong door. Well, the inverse is true, too. When choosing your door, you want the STC rating to be at or slightly above the STC of the walls around it. There’s no need to go bonkers with your door if you have poorly soundproofed walls. If you need help soundproofing your walls, read our article and give us a call! Now that you know what matters, let’s pick the best door for soundproofing!

Picking the right door comes down to your budget and what you aim to accomplish. Here’s our comparison breakdown of different door types and their typical STC ratings:

Understanding Different Types of Doors

If you already have a door that needs soundproofing, we can help. The principles are the same: add mass and seal ‘er up. If you have a lightweight door, you can start by replacing it with a solid core door or use a soundproof blanket to soundproof your door. With solid core doors and solid wood doors that need more soundproofing, add an adjustable seal kit to ensure an airtight seal.

Check out our article for more solutions for soundproofing a door without replacing it.

How to Soundproof Any Door

Ultimately, choosing the right door for soundproofing comes down to the type of noise you’re trying to block and your budget. If you’re dealing with normal household sounds, a solid core door with a good seal might be all you need. For pro audio applications like home theaters and recording studios, investing in a high-STC door is worth the extra cost.

If you’re still unsure or need help figuring out what’s best for your situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Second Skin Audio. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect door to meet your soundproofing needs. After all, everyone deserves a little peace and quiet!