Homasote Sound Barrier Panels - Superior Soundproofing & Sound Absorption Combined

Professional Homasote DesignWall 440 acoustic panels with STC 50+ 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.

Technical Specifications

• STC Rating: 50+ when properly installed (blocks sound transmission between rooms)
• NRC Rating: 0.75+ (absorbs 75%+ of sound energy within the room)
• Core Material: Homasote DesignWall 440 - recycled paper fiber, high-density, eco-friendly
• Thickness: 1/2 inch (dense, heavy material despite thickness)
• Standard Size: 4' x 8' sheets (48" x 96") - custom cutting available
• Fabric Wrap: Guilford of Maine FR701 acoustically transparent fabric (fire-rated, Class A)
• Weight: Approximately 50 lbs per 4x8 panel (density provides soundproofing mass)
• Tackable Surface: Fabric surface accepts push pins - bulletin board functionality
• Fire Rating: Class A fire-rated for commercial applications
• Made in USA: Homasote manufactured in New Jersey since 1909, fabric-wrapped in our workshop

Perfect For

• Shared Walls - Bedrooms, apartments, condos, townhouses sharing walls with neighbors
• Home Theaters - Block movie sound from disturbing other rooms while treating theater acoustics
• Music Practice Rooms - Keep instrument practice from traveling to adjacent spaces
• Recording Studios - Isolate studio from outside noise while controlling internal acoustics
• Home Offices - Privacy for confidential calls without disturbing household
• Bedrooms - Peace and quiet from noisy households or exterior noise
• Multi-Family Buildings - Dramatically reduce neighbor noise transmission
• 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.

STC 50+ 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.

• STC 25-30: Normal interior wall - loud speech easily understood through wall
• STC 35-40: Loud speech audible but not intelligible
• STC 45-50: Normal speech not audible, loud sounds somewhat audible
• STC 50+: Loud sounds and music barely audible - excellent sound isolation
• 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 STC 50+ - 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 (STC 50+): 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

• 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.
• 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.
• vs Fiberglass Panels: Standard fiberglass panels absorb sound beautifully but provide no soundproofing. For blocking transmission, you need mass like Homasote.
• 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 Guilford of Maine fabrics. Supporting American jobs while getting superior soundproofing and acoustic treatment.

Block sound transmission. Absorb room echo. Beautiful fabric finish. Made in USA.