Are Egg Cartons Good For Soundproofing?

Having poorly insulated walls in your home can be quite frustrating. While many soundproofing materials are available on the market, finding a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution can be challenging.

Egg cartons are something that almost every household has, and the question arises, can they be used for soundproofing? In this article, we’ll examine the potential of egg cartons as a soundproofing material, exploring their effectiveness and practicality in reducing noise levels. So, let’s start!

Are Egg Cartons Good For Soundproofing? No, egg cartons don’t work well as a soundproofing material. That’s because they are made of thin cardboard, a material that does not have good sound-blocking properties. However, egg cartons can reduce echo and absorb low-frequency sounds, but they can’t block out high-frequency sounds.

Although you will find egg cartons in almost every household, it is not the best idea to use them for soundproofing. The results will be much worse than you think, and you will need to put a lot of work to get it done. There are much better solutions than egg cartons that you can use for soundproofing. We will talk more about this below.

Do Egg Boxes Work For Soundproofing?

Egg cartons are not intended for sound insulation. Made of thin cardboard, egg boxes cannot block sound as they allow sound waves to pass through easily. However, they do have a small impact on reducing echoes through sound deflection and diaphragmatic absorption. Let’s explain it:

• Sound deflection: is the process by which sound waves are redirected or scattered by an object. When sound waves collide with an object, they are deflected, which can result in changes to the sound wave’s trajectory, frequency, or amplitude. This can cause the sound to be redirected, scattered, diffracted, or refracted, depending on the shape and properties of the object it encounters. Sound deflection is often used in soundproofing or acoustics to help control the behavior of sound waves in space.
• Diaphragmatic absorption: is a type of sound absorption that occurs when sound energy strikes the surface of a material and is slowed down, reducing its energy and intensity. The material acts as a diaphragm, vibrating in response to the incoming sound energy, which in turn converts some of the sound energy into heat. This process results in a reduction of the sound’s intensity and a reduction in echo.

Therefore, we can say that egg cartons cant reduce sound, but they can be useful in reducing echo. If you need to soundproof a room in your home, egg cartons are not the right choice. There are other DIY methods that you can use to soundproof your room, where you will get much better results.

Related Article: Does Cardboard Absorb Sound? Expert Explain

The Soundproofing Capabilities of Egg Cartons

As we have already emphasized, egg cartons may seem like a good solution for reducing noise in a room, but they are not! They can’t reduce noise transmission, and they are not a good soundproofing option.

That’s because they are made of thin material that doesn’t have the sound-absorbing ability. Usually, the materials used in egg cartons are recycled paper and cardboard. If you think of soundproofing your room using egg cartons, think again. There are other solutions that can be used, such as acoustic foam, heavy curtains, or double-paned windows.

The Pros And Cons Of Using Egg Cartons For Soundproofing

The Pros

Egg cartons are often used in DIY soundproofing projects due to their availability and low cost. However, they are not so good options for reducing sound levels. However, they do have some advantages, such as:

1. Cost-effective: Egg cartons are widely available and inexpensive, making them a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly soundproofing solution.
2. Eco-friendly: Made of recyclable cardboard, egg cartons are an environmentally friendly choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Easy to use: Installing egg cartons is relatively easy, as they can be simply attached to walls or ceilings using adhesive tape.

However, despite these advantages, it is important to note that egg cartons are not a highly effective solution for soundproofing, and other methods should be considered for more substantial sound reduction.

The Cons

While egg cartons can be used for DIY soundproofing projects due to their availability and low cost, they have several disadvantages that limit their effectiveness in reducing sound levels, such as:

1. Inadequate sound reduction: Egg cartons are made of a very thin cardboard, which allows sound waves to travel directly through them, making them unable to block out sound effectively.
2. Limited lifespan: Due to their thin and flimsy nature, egg cartons are prone to wear and tear, which can cause them to deteriorate over time and become less effective in reducing echo.
3. Labor-intensive installation: Installing large numbers of egg cartons to cover a room can be time-consuming and difficult, particularly if they need to be attached to walls or ceilings.
4. Poor appearance: Decorating a room with egg cartons can create an unsightly appearance and may not fit with the space’s aesthetic.

Related Article: 7 Best Soundproof Insulation Materials

How to Use Egg Cartons For Soundproofing

Although egg cartons may not be as effective as acoustic foam in dampening noise, they can offer some protection. For those who want to give it a try, here is what you need to do to use egg cartons for soundproofing:

1. Collect egg cartons. This can be either cardboard or foam.
2. Egg cartons need to be cleaned. Used egg cartons sometimes can have the smell of raw eggs, which is not good for human health. Only use egg cartons that are clean and that don’t have shells inside.
3. Attach them to the wall in your room. This can be done by using nails, adhesives, or staples. Keep in mind that the entire surface needs to be covered if you want to reduce sound in the room.

Tip! To achieve better results, we advise you to install foam or fabric on the wall before adding egg cartons on the wall. This will add density and increase the ability of soundproofing.

Comparison of Egg Cartons With Other Soundproofing Materials

Here is a comparison of egg cartons with other popular soundproofing materials on the market:

Material	Effectiveness	Cost	Installation Difficulty	Aesthetics	Durability
Egg Cartons	Low	Low	Moderate	Bad	Low
Acoustic Foam	High	Moderate-High	Moderate	Good	High
Mass Loaded Vinyl	High	Moderate	Low	Neutral	High
Soundproof Panels	High	High	Moderate	Good	High
Soundproof Curtains	Moderate	Low-Moderate	Low	Good	Low-Moderate

Soundproofing Alternatives

Althrought egg cartons can be considered an affordable alternative for soundproofing, there are many other options available that may be more effective and durable. Here are other soundproofing options that you can try:

1. Soundproofing Foam

> Buy Soundproof Foam HERE <

If you’re looking for a way to make your room quieter, soundproofing foam is definitely worth considering. This material absorbs sound waves and thus reduces noise through your walls, ceilings, and floors.

The foam comes in different shapes and sizes, making it easy to cut and fit into the specific area of your room that needs soundproofing. The great thing about this option is that you can even paint or cover it with fabric to match your decor. When you install soundproofing foam properly, you’ll notice a big improvement in your room’s acoustics.

2. Weatherstrip Your Doors

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A weatherstrip is another great soundproofing alternative that can replace egg cartons. A weatherstrip is placed under the doors. This closes the free space between the door and the floor. The good thing about this method is that it can be set up very easily, and the results are visible immediately.

3. Soundproofing Curtains

> Buy Soundproofing Curtains HERE <

Soundproofing curtains provide an effective solution when it comes to reducing unwanted noise and improving the acoustics within a space. Constructed from dense, heavy materials that effectively absorb sound waves, these curtains are designed to minimize the amount of noise that penetrates the room.

Their easy installation process, similar to traditional curtains, makes them a convenient option for soundproofing both windows and doorways and dividing larger rooms into more contained spaces. In addition to enhancing sound quality, soundproofing curtains offer a layer of privacy and can add a touch of aesthetic appeal to the room.

4. Soundproofing Blankets

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Soundproofing blankets are typically made of heavy, dense materials and are hung on walls or draped over objects in the room to absorb and block sound waves. In addition, soundproofing blankets can also provide insulation against heat and cold.

They can be easily installed and come in various sizes to fit the specific needs of a room. By using soundproofing blankets, you can create a private and peaceful space that is ideal for recording studios, bedrooms, offices, or any other location where sound control is important. Compared to egg cartons, this is 5 times better option.

5. Anti-vibration Pads

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Another method for soundproofing a room is the use of anti-vibration pads. These pads isolate vibrations caused by sound waves, which can transfer through the floor and walls. Anti-vibration pads are made of dense materials such as rubber or cork. They are placed under heavy objects such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioning units to reduce noise transmission.

The pads also provide added stability to these objects, reducing the risk of damage due to accidental bumps or shaking.

By using anti-vibration pads, you can easily minimize the amount of noise transferred through the floor and walls, resulting in a quieter and more peaceful environment. They are easy to install and can be placed under various appliances, making them a versatile and cost-effective solution for soundproofing a room.

For those who want to learn more, read Can You Soundproof A Room That is Already Built?

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while egg cartons can be used for soundproofing, they are not a good solution for soundproofing a room. If you’re looking for a more effective way to reduce noise levels, consider using specialized soundproofing materials such as foam panels, soundproof curtains, or acoustic panels.

However, egg cartons can still be a useful addition to your soundproofing strategy, especially when combined with other materials. Regardless of your approach, it’s important to find the right balance between cost, effectiveness, and sustainability when it comes to soundproofing.