The Best Soundproofing Materials in 2025 — What the Experts at West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd Recommend
When it comes to reducing unwanted noise in your home or studio, choosing the right materials is the most important part of the entire soundproofing process. With over 20 years of delivering high-performance acoustic installations, West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd has perfected which materials work best — and in which situations.
Below is their expert guide to the best soundproofing materials of 2025, and how each one is used to tackle noise problems in real homes and professional studios.
1. Acoustic Plasterboard (High-Mass Boards)
Acoustic plasterboard remains one of the highest-performing materials for airborne noise. West Sussex Soundproofing use multiple densities and combinations depending on the severity of the noise.
Why they use it:
- Adds significant mass, which blocks sound
- Performs extremely well on party walls and ceilings
- Ideal for voices, TV, and general household noise
2. Acoustic Mineral Wool (Rockwool)
This is a key ingredient in almost every installation the company carries out.
Why it’s essential:
- Absorbs sound inside cavities
- Prevents echo and structural resonance
- Complements plasterboard and resilient bars
Used in walls, ceilings and floors for both domestic and commercial applications.
3. Resilient Bars (Decoupling Systems)
West Sussex Soundproofing frequently install resilient bars for ceiling systems where footsteps or upstairs impact noise are the main issue.
Benefits:
- Decouples the ceiling from joists
- Minimises vibration transfer
- Works brilliantly in London flats and older homes
4. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
A thin yet heavy sound-blocking membrane, often used where space is limited.
Why they use MLV:
- Adds mass without taking up room depth
- Flexible and easy to integrate with board systems
- Great for studios and small bedrooms
5. Acoustic Sealant
No installation is complete without professional acoustic sealing.
Why it matters:
- Prevents sound leaks
- Stays flexible and airtight
- Critical for a true soundproof “envelope”
6. Acoustic Underlay & Rubber Mats
These materials are vital for properties with impact noise issues, especially in flats.
Benefits:
- Reduces footfall
- Cushions impact
- Helps reduce both impact and airborne noise
7. Independent Walls & Ceilings
For clients with severe noise problems, West Sussex Soundproofing build independent frames — considered the gold standard of soundproofing.
Why they’re unbeatable:
- Complete decoupling
- Works on bass, vibration and loud airborne noise
- Perfect for studios, home cinemas, and noisy neighbours
Final Recommendation
West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd rarely rely on a single material. The most effective systems combine:
- Mass (plasterboard, MLV)
- Absorption (mineral wool)
- Decoupling (resilient bars or independent frames)
- Sealing (acoustic mastic)
This layered approach ensures long-lasting, high-performance noise reduction for all property types.
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Best Soundproofing Materials UK (2025 Guide)
If you’re searching for the best soundproofing materials in the UK, understanding which products actually work is essential. Whether you’re soundproofing a flat, terraced house, office or studio, the materials below are considered the most effective options across the UK market.
Top Soundproofing Materials in the UK
- Acoustic Plasterboard — best for blocking airborne noise
- Acoustic Mineral Wool — essential for cavity absorption
- Resilient Bars — top choice for impact noise from above
- Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) — ideal where space is limited
- Acoustic Underlay — perfect for noisy floors
- Rubber Soundproofing Mats — great for footfall and low-frequency noise
- Independent Wall/Ceiling Systems — premium solution for severe noise
Which Material Should You Use?
- For neighbour noise: acoustic plasterboard + mineral wool
- For footsteps: resilient bars + acoustic underlay
- For home studios: independent frame + MLV + insulation
- For maximum performance: combine mass, absorption, decoupling and sealing
For homeowners in the South-East, West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd are specialists who professionally install all of the materials listed above.
MATERIAL COMPARISON CHART
| Material | Best For | Strengths | Weaknesses | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Plasterboard | Walls & ceilings | High mass, blocks airborne noise | Not ideal for impact noise | Moderate |
| Acoustic Mineral Wool | Cavities | Absorbs sound, prevents resonance | Must be combined with mass | Low |
| Resilient Bars | Ceilings | Excellent for impact noise | Needs correct installation | Low |
| Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) | Walls, floors, ceilings | High mass in thin sheet | Can be heavy to handle | Very low |
| Acoustic Underlay | Floors | Great for impact noise | Limited airborne reduction | Very low |
| Rubber Mats | Floors | Excellent density | Adds floor height | Low |
| Independent Frame Systems | Severe noise | Best overall soundproofing | Uses most space | High |