Egg cartons used to be the norm for quick cheap soundproofing, but now there
are other recyclable materials that are more attractive and can offer a
substantial insulating quality to your space. Apples, oranges, and other round
fruits are often packaged in rigid light weight multi-domed Styrofoam pads
approximately 14" by 19".
Colorful, Attractive, Lightweight
These colorful and attractive pads are much larger than egg cartons, can be
easily cut to any shape, and are lighter in weight. Lighter weight greatly
reduces the strength necessary for the holding materials. The pads can be
securely attached to the wall and ceiling surfaces with small pieces of
mounting tape or thumbtacks with excellent retention and without major damage.
Add a Second Layer
Extra adhesive material (i.e., more thumbtacks or tape) added to the first
layer easily gives it the strength to support a second layer and effectively
trap two insulating dead air spaces and two sound absorbing surfaces.
Create Colorful Decor
The Styrofoam pads come in a variety of colors and can add a strong decor
element to your wall and ceiling. Let your imagination be your guide.
Reduce Waste
There are no economically feasible means for recycling Styrofoam other than
re-use as packing material so most used Styrofoam goes to a landfill. Your
grocer will be glad to set the pads aside for you for pick-up, it reduces his
waste costs, but be timely about picking the pads up. Produce back rooms are
very busy places and space is at a premium. Create a good relationship with
your grocer and you will soon have more pads than you can use, connect with him
(or her) in the early morning before the store gets busy.
Added Bonus -- Stay Warmer In Winter
If you live in an extreme environment, hot or cold, you might consider
adding the pads to your bedrooms' exterior walls just to be warmer in winter or
cooler in summer. Remember, soundproofing works in both directions. So if
street noise sometimes makes sleeping a problem, you just got two birds with
one pad.