Homasote Sound Barrier Panels - Superior Soundproofing & Sound Absorption Combined
Professional Homasote DesignWall 440 acoustic panels with high-STC wall assembly capable soundproofing performance - the unique acoustic product that blocks sound transmission BETWEEN rooms while simultaneously absorbing sound WITHIN rooms. Perfect for shared walls, home theaters, music rooms, bedrooms, offices, and anywhere you need both soundproofing and acoustic treatment in one elegant solution.
Architect & Spec Resources (PDF)
For commercial spec-and-bid projects:
Technical Specifications
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STC Rating: 50+ when properly installed (blocks sound transmission between rooms)
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NRC Rating: 0.75+ (absorbs 75%+ of sound energy within the room)
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Core Material: Homasote DesignWall 440 - recycled paper fiber, high-density, eco-friendly
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Thickness: 1/2 inch (dense, heavy material despite thickness)
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Standard Size: 4' x 8' sheets (48" x 96") - custom cutting available
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Fabric Wrap: Burch Fabrics Prime Time acoustically transparent fabric (fire-rated, Class A)
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Weight: Approximately 50 lbs per 4x8 panel (density provides soundproofing mass)
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Tackable Surface: Fabric surface accepts push pins - bulletin board functionality
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Fire Rating: Class A fire-rated for commercial applications
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Made in USA: Homasote manufactured in New Jersey since 1909, fabric-wrapped in our workshop
Perfect For
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Shared Walls - Bedrooms, apartments, condos, townhouses sharing walls with neighbors
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Home Theaters - Block movie sound from disturbing other rooms while treating theater acoustics
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Music Practice Rooms - Keep instrument practice from traveling to adjacent spaces
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Recording Studios - Isolate studio from outside noise while controlling internal acoustics
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Home Offices - Privacy for confidential calls without disturbing household
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Bedrooms - Peace and quiet from noisy households or exterior noise
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Multi-Family Buildings - Dramatically reduce neighbor noise transmission
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Commercial Spaces - Conference rooms, therapy offices, medical offices requiring privacy
Sound Absorption vs Soundproofing: The Critical Difference
Sound Absorption (What Most Acoustic Panels Do): Standard acoustic panels like our fiberglass panels absorb sound energy WITHIN a room. They reduce echo and reverberation, making the room sound better inside. However, they do almost nothing to prevent sound from traveling THROUGH walls to adjacent rooms. Soft, fluffy materials absorb sound but don't block transmission.
Soundproofing/Sound Blocking (What Homasote Does): Soundproofing prevents sound from traveling through walls, floors, and ceilings to other spaces. This requires MASS and DENSITY - heavy, dense materials that physically block sound vibrations. Homasote's dense recycled paper fiber construction provides this mass.
The Homasote Advantage - Does Both: Homasote DesignWall 440 is the rare product that provides both soundproofing mass (blocks transmission) AND absorptive properties (reduces echo). When fabric-wrapped, it becomes an attractive acoustic treatment that serves double duty. This is why it's popular in home theaters - blocks sound from escaping while treating the room's internal acoustics.
What is Homasote?
American Manufacturing Heritage: Homasote has been manufactured in New Jersey since 1909. It's made from 100% recycled newspaper compressed into dense, rigid panels. Originally developed as an insulation and sound-deadening product, it became the acoustician's secret weapon for soundproofing applications.
Dense But Workable: Unlike concrete or mass-loaded vinyl, Homasote is workable with standard woodworking tools. You can cut it, screw into it, and nail through it. But it's dramatically denser than drywall or wood - this density blocks sound transmission while remaining manageable for DIY installation.
DesignWall 440 - The Premium Version: Standard Homasote has a rough, textured surface. DesignWall 440 is the premium architectural version with a smooth, uniform surface suitable for fabric wrapping and decorative finishes. It's the version specified by architects and acoustic consultants for high-end applications.
high-STC wall assembly capable Performance: What Does This Mean?
STC (Sound Transmission Class): STC measures how much sound is blocked from traveling through a wall or barrier. Higher numbers = better soundproofing.
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STC 25-30: Normal interior wall - loud speech easily understood through wall
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STC 35-40: Loud speech audible but not intelligible
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STC 45-50: Normal speech not audible, loud sounds somewhat audible
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high-STC wall assembly capable: Loud sounds and music barely audible - excellent sound isolation
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STC 55+: Only very loud sounds barely perceptible - superior isolation
Our Homasote Panels: When properly installed (over drywall with resilient channels or isolation clips), achieve high-STC wall assembly capable - professional-grade sound isolation suitable for home theaters, music rooms, and privacy applications.
Real-World Applications
The Noisy Neighbor Solution: If you share a wall with a noisy neighbor, standard acoustic panels won't help - they absorb sound within YOUR room but do nothing about sound coming THROUGH the wall. Homasote panels installed on your side of the shared wall add the mass needed to block neighbor noise. Many customers report dramatic improvements in sleep quality and stress levels after treating shared bedroom walls.
The Home Theater Problem: You want to enjoy movies at proper volume without disturbing family members or neighbors. Standard acoustic panels treat the room but don't prevent sound escape. Homasote panels on the walls (especially shared walls) block sound transmission while simultaneously improving the theater's internal acoustics. Watch explosions and action sequences without guilt or complaints.
The Musician's Dilemma: Practice rooms need acoustic treatment for proper sound, but also need soundproofing to prevent disturbing others. Homasote panels solve both problems - the mass blocks transmission to adjacent rooms, while the fabric-wrapped absorptive surface controls the room's internal acoustics. Practice when you want, not just when nobody's home.
Installation Methods
Maximum Performance (used in high-STC wall assemblies): Install over existing drywall using resilient channels or isolation clips. This decouples the Homasote from the structure, preventing vibration transmission. Add Homasote panels, then optionally add another layer of drywall. This is the professional home theater / music studio approach.
Simple Improvement (STC 40-45): Mount Homasote panels directly to existing walls using construction adhesive or screws. Not as effective as decoupled installation but still provides significant sound blocking compared to untreated walls. Good for apartment dwellers or budget-conscious projects.
Acoustic Treatment Focus: Mount fabric-wrapped Homasote panels like standard acoustic panels (Z-clips or adhesive) to add mass to walls while treating acoustics. Benefits both soundproofing and absorption.
Why Fabric Wrap?
Acoustic Performance: Bare Homasote has some absorptive properties, but fabric wrapping enhances high-frequency absorption and provides a consistent acoustic surface.
Appearance: Fabric wrapping transforms industrial Homasote into attractive architectural panels. Choose from 60+ colors to match any decor.
Durability: Fabric protects the Homasote surface from damage and creates a cleanable, professional finish.
Tackable: The fabric surface accepts push pins, making panels function as combination acoustic treatment and bulletin boards - great for offices, studios, and music rooms.
Homasote vs Other Soundproofing Methods
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vs Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): MLV is heavy and effective but expensive, difficult to work with, and provides no acoustic absorption. Homasote is easier to install, more affordable, and provides absorption too.
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vs Additional Drywall: Adding drywall layers helps but creates a dusty construction project. Homasote provides better performance per inch of thickness and is cleaner to install.
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vs Fiberglass Panels: Standard fiberglass panels absorb sound beautifully but provide no soundproofing. For blocking transmission, you need mass like Homasote.
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vs Acoustic Foam: Foam provides some absorption but zero soundproofing. Homasote provides both mass (blocking) and absorption.
Custom Sizing & Ordering
Standard 4' x 8' panels are most economical and can be cut on-site. We can also custom-cut panels to your specifications for simpler installation. Each panel is fabric-wrapped with your choice of over 60 fabric colors and textures. Finished edges ensure professional appearance.
Environmental Benefits
Homasote is manufactured from 100% recycled newspaper - one of the most environmentally friendly building products available. No formaldehyde. No VOCs. No harmful chemicals. When you choose Homasote, you're choosing effective soundproofing that's also eco-responsible.
Made in USA
Homasote has been manufactured in New Jersey since 1909 - over a century of American manufacturing. We fabric-wrap each panel in our workshop using American-made Burch Fabrics Prime Time fabrics. Supporting American jobs while getting superior soundproofing and acoustic treatment.
Block sound transmission. Absorb room echo. Beautiful fabric finish. Made in USA.
Common questions about this product
Top questions our customers ask about this panel. See all 229 FAQs or call (888) 923-5777.
How do I install acoustic panels on drywall?
Installing acoustic panels on drywall is simple with our included Z-clips. Every acoustic panel order includes Z-clips at no extra charge. When you can't hit a stud, use heavy-duty drywall anchors like E-Z Ancor Stud Solver (50 lb rating) for secure mounting.
Drywall installation for acoustic panels:
- Z-clips into studs: Best option (hardware included)
- Z-clips with drywall anchors: When studs aren't accessible
- Heavy-duty anchors: E-Z Ancor or similar 50+ lb rated
- Toggle bolts: Alternative for hollow walls
Installation tips for acoustic panels:
- Use stud finder when possible
- Level for professional alignment
- Space panels 2-6 inches apart
- Test anchor weight rating
Perfect for drywall acoustic treatment in:
- Recording studios and home theaters
- Restaurant dining areas
- Church fellowship halls
- Indoor pickle ball courts
Our 2-inch acoustic panels include all mounting hardware: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/collections/acoustic-sound-panels/products/custom-built-acoustic-sound-panels-2-inch. Lightweight PET felt options also available: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/products/felt-acoustic-ceiling-tiles-acoustical-ceiling-tiles-acoustic-ceiling-panels
Call (888) 923-5777 for installation support.
Can I install acoustic panels on concrete walls?
Yes, concrete walls require masonry anchors for acoustic panel installation. Use a hammer drill with masonry bits to create pilot holes, then install concrete anchors to secure the Z-clips that come free with your acoustic panels.
Concrete wall installation for acoustic panels:
- Tapcon screws with Z-clips (recommended)
- Toggle-style masonry anchors
- Construction adhesive (permanent option)
- Furring strips for multiple panels
Tools needed for acoustic panels on concrete:
- Hammer drill
- Masonry bits
- Level
- Safety glasses
Common concrete wall applications:
- Basement recording studios
- Gymnasium acoustic panels
- Church basement fellowship halls
- Restaurant brick walls
- Pickle ball court cinder blocks
Our 2-inch acoustic panels (NRC 1.0) transform hard concrete surfaces: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/collections/acoustic-sound-panels/products/custom-built-acoustic-sound-panels-2-inch. For industrial spaces, consider durable PET felt: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/products/felt-acoustic-ceiling-tiles-acoustical-ceiling-tiles-acoustic-ceiling-panels
Call (888) 923-5777 for masonry installation tips.
What's the STC rating of your acoustic panels?
Standard acoustic panels don't have STC ratings - they're designed for sound absorption (NRC), not soundproofing (STC). However, we do offer the Homasote DesignWall panels with an impressive Homasote-based barrier panels (used in STC-rated wall assemblies) for true soundproofing between rooms.
Understanding the difference:
- Regular acoustic panels: Reduce echo WITHIN rooms (NRC rated)
- Homasote panels: Block sound BETWEEN rooms (used in high-STC wall assemblies)
- Most panels: Absorption only, not soundproofing
Our Homasote acoustic barrier panels combine both benefits - high-STC wall assembly capable soundproofing PLUS tackable surface PLUS decorative fabric finish: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/products/custom-built-homasote-acoustic-sound-barrier-panels-designwall-550-440-decorative-and-tackable-wall-panels-stc-50
Perfect for:
- Offices needing privacy between rooms
- Apartments with noisy neighbors
- Churches requiring quiet prayer rooms
- Recording studios needing isolation
For echo control only, our standard 2-inch panels (NRC 1.0): https://acousticsoundpanels.com/collections/acoustic-sound-panels/products/custom-built-acoustic-sound-panels-2-inch
Call (888) 923-5777 to determine if you need absorption (standard panels) or soundproofing (Homasote).
Should I put acoustic panels on opposite walls?
Yes, treating opposite walls with acoustic panels prevents standing waves and flutter echo - that rapid "boing-boing" sound between parallel surfaces. Stagger panels rather than placing them directly across from each other to avoid creating new reflection patterns.
Parallel wall treatment strategies for acoustic panels:
- Offset placement: Don't mirror panel positions
- Alternate heights: Vary vertical positioning
- Mix panel sizes: Breaks up reflection patterns
- 70/30 rule: More panels on one wall than the other
Critical parallel wall applications:
- Recording studios: Side walls must be treated
- Pickle ball courts: Long parallel walls create major echo
- Restaurants: Parallel walls amplify conversation noise
- Churches: Side walls cause intelligibility issues
Without treating opposite walls, sound ping-pongs back and forth, creating muddy acoustics. Even treating just one parallel wall helps, but both is ideal for professional results.
Our 2-inch panels (NRC 1.0) excel at parallel wall treatment: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/collections/acoustic-sound-panels/products/custom-built-acoustic-sound-panels-2-inch. Mix with custom sizes for staggered patterns: https://acousticsoundpanels.com/products/custom-built-acoustic-sound-panels-2-inch
Call (888) 923-5777 for parallel wall treatment strategies.
Do acoustic panels soundproof a room?
Quick answer
No. Acoustic panels absorb echo and reverberation inside a room. They don't block sound from getting in or out.
What panels actually fix
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Echo and muddiness inside offices, classrooms, restaurants, studios
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Speech clarity and lower overall noise levels in the space
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Flutter echo and "ringy" rooms
When you need soundproofing instead
If you hear neighbors, traffic, bass bleed through walls/ceilings, or your conference room leaks conversation outside, that's transmission. Typical solutions involve added mass, damping between layers, airtight sealing, and decoupling.
Linked products for in-room echo control
Bass Traps — Corners vs Walls/Ceiling (Two Products)
Two distinct products. Don't confuse them.
Corner bass traps
A specific product designed to fit into the corner of a room — where two walls meet, or where wall meets ceiling. Bass pressure piles up in corners and corner traps are sized and shaped to absorb it there. When you recommend "bass traps in the corners", you mean corner bass traps. Never say "4-inch panels in the corners" — that's not the right product. Corner traps are stackable, best floor to ceiling and are only sold in pairs" If customer need only one 48" unit they can buy a pair of 24" and stack
4-inch flat panels
These are broadband absorbers for WALLS and CEILINGS. They are flat panels, 4 inches deep, that mount on a flat surface — they are NOT designed to wedge into corners. They cover a wider frequency range thanks to the depth, but they are not "bass traps for corners".
How to recommend
- "I'd put corner bass traps in all four corners" (correct — distinct product)
- "I'd put 4-inch panels on the walls at first reflection points" (correct — flat surface)
- "Put 4-inch bass traps in each corner" (INCORRECT — wrong product for the location)
What is NRC? Understanding Noise Reduction Coefficient
What is NRC?
NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. It measures how much sound a panel absorbs on a scale of 0 to 1.0.
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NRC 0 = reflects all sound (like a bare concrete wall)
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NRC 1.0 = absorbs essentially all sound that hits it (maximum absorption)
Our Ratings
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2" panels: NRC 1.0 — the highest possible rating
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1" panels: NRC 0.80 — excellent for high frequencies
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4" bass trap panels: NRC 1.0
Important: NRC ≠ Soundproofing
NRC measures absorption across frequencies and is an average of that amount. echo and reverb reduction inside a room. It does NOT mean soundproofing (blocking sound from leaving a room). Soundproofing requires mass and decoupling — a separate construction challenge.
When a customer says "I want to soundproof my room," clarify: our panels eliminate echo and reverb inside the room. If they need to block sound from leaving, that's a different (more complex) solution.
Why NRC 1.0 Matters
Many competitors sell panels rated NRC 0.5–0.85. Our 2" panels at NRC 1.0 absorb significantly more — especially in the lower midrange where most room problems live.
