In this blog, we’ll answer the topic “Can egg cartons be used to soundproof a room?” whether or not it’s a practical option. I’ll also explain why egg crates can’t be utilised for soundproofing and provide you with some additional soundproofing options.
There are a variety of soundproofing materials available, and while they can be very effective, they can also be very expensive. If you want to soundproof a room but don’t have a lot of money, you might be wondering if there is an inexpensive way to do so.
Many homeowners use items they usually have around the house to soundproof their homes, and they frequently employ egg cartons as a low-cost soundproofing material. However, before you run out and buy a bunch of empty egg cartons, make sure you check to see if they’ll work as a soundproofing material.
Can you use egg cartons to soundproof a room?
No, is the quick response. Egg boxes are composed of quite thin cardboard that allows sound waves to pass through them directly, therefore they can’t assist in minimising noise. Egg cartons, on the other hand, can aid to lessen echoes by deflecting sound and absorbing it through the diaphragm.
The sole purpose of egg crates is to assist in minimising vibration and protecting eggs. They don’t have the same acoustic properties as soundproofing foam. They may help to minimise echoes and sound resonance at particular frequencies, but they will not help to effectively reduce sound. Soundproofing with egg crates isn’t a particularly good idea.
Soundproofing vs. Acoustic Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Many people mix up soundproofing and sound treatment, although the two are very different. Soundproofing is a method of insulating space to prevent sound from passing through. This means that no sound may enter or leave the room. The sound treatment absorbs sound to eliminate echo and vibration. It improves acoustics by preventing sound from bouncing around the space.
Egg cartons are unquestionably ineffective soundproofing materials. They do have some sound treatment capabilities, but they pale in comparison to many other solutions available. Years ago, egg cartons may have been a somewhat superior choice for sound treatment, but technological improvements have rendered them obsolete.
Instead of soundproofing technology being limited to recording studios, it is now possible to obtain the supplies required by placing a short online order.
How do Egg Cartons work in Soundproofing?
Egg cartons are a good solution for echo cancellation, but they won’t assist much with noise reduction. Egg cartons can absorb up to 40 percent of the noise they encounter. The boxes may also deflect 60 percent of the noise that hits them. These are the two most common explanations why egg cartons are utilised as a low-cost soundproofing material.
The cartons can be used in two different ways.
- Sound Diaphragmatic Absorption
- Sound Deflection
Sound Diaphragmatic Absorption
The process of allowing sound to travel through relatively thin materials is known as diaphragmatic absorption. Because egg cartons are thin, this technique reduces noise.
The theory is that once the sound has travelled through the thin egg cartons, it will not be able to pass through the wall or the other surface. This is a method for lowering the energy of echo sound. The echo has no more strength to bounce off the carton when it hits it. When it comes to soundproofing, how do egg cartons work?
Egg cartons are ideal for strengthening internal acoustics because of their ability. It eliminates all echoes caused by noises striking solid surfaces.
Sound Deflection
Egg cartons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with oddly tilted surfaces. Sound waves are deflected by the unusual shape of the containers. Sound is redirected in a new direction when it comes into touch with the cartons. It does not return in a synchronized manner. As an outcome, the sound’s potency is lowered. In a house, sound waves are disrupted, which reduces echoes.
Egg cartons perform in the same way that acoustic tiles do, with different pyramid-shaped pieces at various angles. The acoustic foam, on the other hand, absorbs the sound. The sound is then converted to kinetic energy. This is not the case with egg cartons. They simply cause sound waves to be disrupted.
Egg Cartons and Acoustic Foam Material Comparisons
Material
Recycled paper is used to make egg cartons. Plastic and foam materials are used in the manufacture of other cartons. These materials are ineffective when it comes to soundproofing.
Open-cell polyurethane foam is used to make acoustic foam products. The foams are thick and dense. They lower the amount of sound energy that passes through them before it reaches the solid surfaces.
Thickness
The thickness of acoustic foam is 2 to 3 inches. They look great whether hung on the wall or any other flat surface. The better the soundproofing, the thicker the material.
Softness
Egg crates are harder than acoustic foams. This makes it difficult for sound to pass through them. On the egg cartons, sound bounces freely. The sole benefit is that it makes varied noises in different directions.
Density
The denser the material, the better. The better the soundproofing, the better the results. Acoustic foams are made of a dense substance that prevents sound waves from passing through. Egg crates, on the other hand, have thin surfaces that enable sound waves to flow through.
Are there any better options?
While egg cartons aren’t the ideal soundproofing material, there are plenty of other options which are both easier and cheaper to find. Even if you get egg cartons for free, the effort required to obtain them could be better spent elsewhere.
Remember that “time is money,” as numerous reliable authorities have declared in the past. Instead of wasting time-saving hundreds of egg cartons, you could spend that time scooping up some items that are specifically made to block and absorb sound.
Many of these materials can also assist in soundproof space and making it much more energy-efficient.
The following are some examples of materials that can be used to efficiently block soundwaves and reduce noise to make a room quieter:
- Acoustic Curtains
- Moving Blankets
- Acoustic Foam
- Green Glue
- Weather-strip
Acoustic Curtains
Acoustic curtains are a new style of sound-absorbing drapery that can absorb sounds more effectively than attractive curtains.
You just place them in places where you don’t want soundwaves to pass through from one region to the next.
More information on Acoustic Curtains can be found here.
Material Required |
Acoustic curtains |
Moving Blankets
Moving blankets, sometimes known as soundproofing blankets, are big insulated fabric pieces that look like blankets.
These blankets are used to dampen vibrations and insulate items from shifting, shaking, and temperature changes.
They are frequently used to protect large equipment such as pianos and cellos and can be used to attenuate sound in a variety of ways.
| Material Required |
| Moving blankets |
Acoustic Foam
Acoustic foam panels are intended for use in music rooms. All sound that bounces off the wall is absorbed by acoustic foam panels.
Finally, foam and panels built expressly for acoustics are so inexpensive these days, that it makes sense to choose them over egg cartons when seeking a straight substitute. To begin with, it will appear more professional than a carton. Not just that, but they are more effective at completing the task.
Because they have been extensively evaluated to give value, there is no guessing game as to whether they work or not.
| Material Required |
| Acoustic foam panels |
Green Glue
If none of the preceding methods works to soundproof your room, look for the source of the noise. Look for holes because they could be the cause of the sound without you even realising it.
Even the tiniest ones, like those from the cables that run through the walls of your room, can make a difference. Green glue comes highly recommended for this purpose.
Because it is mostly constructed of soundproofing material, it will entirely seal the holes and prevent unwanted noise. Take all necessary precautions with this one, as it is extremely sticky. This isn’t something you want on your fingers.
| Material Required |
| Green glue |
Weather-strip
A weatherstrip is a useful tool that you may use to fill the gap between your doors and the floor.
This will assist you on several levels. First and foremost, it will reduce the noise emanating from beneath your doors. Second, it will keep all of the insects out of your room.
When it comes to thermal leaking, doors and windows are the most important aspect of your home, as you undoubtedly already know.
As a result, the heat leak will be drastically decreased. I’ve seen a slight variation in temperature with and without the weatherstrip.
If the doors you want to weather-strip are the front doors, this helpful tool can also assist keep rain and water out of your home.
To summarise, this is a useful and inexpensive tool that should be used in conjunction with other soundproofing techniques.
| Material Required |
| weather-strip |
Conclusion
The idea that egg cartons can silence a room has been around for a long time, however, it is unfortunately not true. However, as we saw at the outset of this post, it’s simple to see why people could believe this, especially if they’re looking for DUI soundproofing options.
Yes, they can be a low-cost option for sound deadening and echo reduction, but if you truly want to prevent sound from fleeing or entering a room, you’ll need to take a different strategy. Things can be done on the cheap or for thousands of dollars. Ultimately, thickening the walls and using high-quality soundproofing material will be needed to accurately soundproof a room in your home to the best potential state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can you use egg cartons to soundproof a room?
Can egg cartons be used to soundproof a room?
Install pieces of fabric or foam within the apertures of egg cartons before hanging them on the walls to boost soundproofing qualities. As a result, the cartons’ density will improve and their capacity to absorb sound will improve.
Is Styrofoam a good sound absorber?
While Styrofoam can effectively attenuate or cancel noise when used in conjunction with denser materials, it is insufficient on its alone. Styrofoam is an excellent insulator and shock absorber, so if you’ve ever wondered if Styrofoam absorbs sound, you’re not far off the mark.
How can I soundproof a room without causing damage to the walls?
Combining mass and damping is the most effective means of soundproofing a space without destroying or breaking down the walls. In this case, you can spray Green Glue on extra layers of drywall, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV), or MDF before installing the walls or ceiling.
Is it true that cardboard absorbs sound?
Cardboard does not vigorously absorb sound, but when placed along walls, ceilings, and floors, it significantly reduces the transfer of noises and echoes. Because sound waves need open space to travel, anything that obstructs this process can reduce unwanted noise.
What absorbs sound the most effectively?
The most well-known and extensively used sound-absorbing material is acoustic foam.
What is the best way to soundproof a cardboard box?
Glue one sheet of Styrofoam to the inside of the cardboard box on each of the four sides and the bottom. Over the first layer of Styrofoam, glue the 5 pieces of sound deadening. Over the sound deadening, glue the second coat of Styrofoam.
