Sand between walls for soundproofing?

audionaut · Post by **audionaut** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 4:25 am

I've got a client (writer/producer) who wants to change his choir rehearsal space into a studio. I discussed what I know about isolation and soundproofing with him and he responded with the suggestion that we try using a layer of sand between walls. While I'm guessing that this would effectively stop vibration, but I think that he's underestimating how much sand it would actually take to fill 1" gaps from floor to ceiling and how much weight and pressure this would put on the wallboards. My initial reaction to the concept was, "what if you spring a leak?"

Has anyone tried using a layer of sand to soundproof walls? Any ideas?
Thanks!

Post by **sharward** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:17 am

I can't find the post right now (short on time), but I recall reading that this is a bad idea with gypsum walls because the outward pressure at the bottoms of the walls will be too severe for them to hold. If the wall were to fail, imagine the mess!

len-morgan · Post by **len-morgan** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 7:20 am

Not to mention that you would have to use kiln dried sand and probably mix it with some kind of desecant so that it wouldn't pick up moisture from the air and soak (and ultimately destroy) and dry wall.

len

Post by **sharward** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 7:36 am

Sand inside concrete walls = good.
Sand inside gypsum framed walls = bad.

len-morgan · Post by **len-morgan** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 8:20 am

Are you saying you only have 1" between the walls? What kind of studs are you using? Titanium?!

Your (his) time and money would probably be best spent building a better set of walls.

len

WiseMindsRecordingStudios · Fri Dec 30, 2005 8:44 am

I am guessing he is talking about building another set of walls inside a room. Backing the inner walls..not sure its possible..practically. The walls would have a 1" gap between them. Then filling that with sand. I would definitely recommend against it. Before hammering a nail I would rethink the design. Maybe if you post some plans we could help you out. Maybe get a clearer picture of what you are trying to do.

Flyin6 · Post by **Flyin6** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 2:30 pm

I have used sand on my old band mates drum room/control room wall. It worked well. 3/4 Plywood was used to hold the sand back from the drywall....it was a lot of work.

audionaut · Post by **audionaut** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 6:08 am

Thanks for the tips guys. I was just entertaining a suggestion made by my client. It sounds messy as hell, in fact I don't plan on using any sand unless we're filling in cinder blocks.
Thanks,
Audionaut