Three Mistakes You Don't Want To Make Building A Soundproof Door

airlock backset home recording mistakes producer recording studio soundproof door soundproofing trunk rubber Apr 04, 2022

I made three mistakes building my soundproof door and I don't want you to make those same errors. Check out this video that goes into three things you can do differently to make an excellent soundproof door.

Mistake 1 - Didn't make an airlock

When building my studio I wish I had created an airlock. This means creating a separate room with doors that create an L shape. You use one solid core door to the outside then another solid core door to the inside of your studio. It looks like the picture below.

The airlock gives you superior soundproofing and some added space for an entryway, vocal booth, or a space to put your ventilation.

Mistake 2 - Don't Use Trunk Rubber

Rod Gervais had recommended using trunk rubber in his book "Home Recording Studio Build It Like The Pros." However, I would recommend using Frost King weather stripping. The trunk rubber was too rigid and didn't give the door enough cushion to create a proper seal.

Mistake 3 - Use a 5" Backset With Door Hardware

When building the door described as a super heavy door in Gervais's book you end up needing more space for your hardware on your door. With a standard 2.5" backset with most doors in your home the door handle did not have enough room to allow for a complete seal around the door with the extra layer of 3/4" plywood. Instead if you by a door handle with a 5" backset you will have plenty of space around the door to get a complete seal with the weather stripping.

Are you ready to move from planning to building?

Book a Soundproof Planning Call to determine whether your studio is feasible, what it will realistically cost, and what path makes sense for your space.

Book a Soundproof Planning Call

Three Mistakes You Don't Want To Make Building A Soundproof Door

Mistake 1 - Didn't make an airlock

Mistake 2 - Don't Use Trunk Rubber

Mistake 3 - Use a 5" Backset With Door Hardware

Are you ready to move from planning to building?

Join Our Free Trial