Soundproof Walls

How to build a soundproof outdoor wall?

I want to build a wall outdoors to provide as much noise reduction as possible between our house and the house next door. Is it possible to build such a fence or structure without incredibly large expense? What materials would be required? What alternatives are there?

Public Comments

1. dude how loud are you're neighbors what you need is good insulation good luck
2. I'll bet you have zoning laws as to the height 4ft. to max.6ft.Why not plant some trees along the property line? Look up "lombardi poplars" they grow fast and straight up
3. I don't thinks building a soundproof wall outdoors is practical. Many local governments have fence rules. A hedge of shrubs or trees would do more to stop sound than a fence but will take years to grow. Seems like it would be easier to discuss the issue with your nieghbor first.
4. You didn't say if your trying to prevent sound coming from your neighbors or going to your neighbors! Either way you need a hard structure to deflect the sound, such as concrete or stone, or something soft to absorb the sound, which I can't think of anything for outdoors. Also, if is really going to be effective it would have to be pretty tall. Or you can just turn down your stereo.
5. if you have space, a earth berm could work great, nothing blocks sound like a thick mound of dirt! and I think they are a great addition to a landscape, either gently sloped to grow grass on, or terraced and filled with nice planting beds!
6. do this with little expense per local zoning laws? my answer is no cant be done
7. Sound disperses in the form of the sphere. You would need to build a structure on property line maybe as high as 16 feet. This is a highs of the sound barrier build along the highway in the US. Much more efficient and i think cost effective is soundproofing of the walls and windows particularly windows which are very good conduit of the sound. Window glass pane actually may increase sound intensity. Window sound proofing maybe done for as little as $ 350.00 per window. Walls inside can be soundproofed with the cork for $ 10.00 per square foot. Good luck.