The choice is yours because both have much to offer. Some solid core doors are made of solid wood, whereas others offer a composite interior that is designed to block more sound. Solid core doors: Although they are more expensive than hollow core doors, solid core doors offer more sound deadening/sound deflection.I have used this only in the most problematic areas where I used acoustical wallboard. The sealer goes on all wall studs and any surface with which the wallboard will come into contact. Acoustical putties, sealers, etc.: Often used with the substitute board, acoustical putty is used to seal around any cutouts in the board such as outlets, light fixtures, etc.In all of the offices that I have transformed, we opted to use these products once, on one very sensitive wall. Each offers superior sound deadening, but they can be expensive (five to 10 times the material cost of traditional wallboard). Acoustical substitutes for wallboard: In some areas, it may be beneficial to not use traditional wallboard (Sheetrock) and instead to use one of the specialty acoustical boards on the market.Whether you are doing the work yourself or will simply supervise the project, here are some things to keep in mind to reduce sound transfer and increase overall privacy. In other cases, you will own the building and have the ability to remodel as you desire, so long as you follow building codes and secure the proper permits. In certain cases, the building owner may even assume some or all of the costs. You might rent or lease a building that allows you to build an office to suit your needs. This works regardless of the number of offices and requires just a bit of coordination.īuilding or redesigning offices with sound in mind Wait times: One way to reduce the chances of people hearing what is happening in the clinical office is simple and free: Stagger the times of sessions so that one session is likely to be over before the next client arrives.Drop ceilings: If your office has drop ceilings, you can put insulation above the ceiling tiles to help reduce sound transfer.Also add pillows to furniture - the more the better, so long as they do not get in the way. Fabric placements: Drapes or wall hangings can help absorb sound and reduce transfer.This is especially key should you have a hollow core door. This will help reduce the amount of sound transfer from vulnerable door area gaps. Instead, have the seating face a wall so that the sound carries toward the walls rather than toward door openings.
Rugs: If you cannot do wall-to-wall carpeting, then throw rugs can help absorb noise.These items can be placed in the counseling office themselves if needed, depending on the level of sound transfer. White noise machine or a radio: Placing a white noise machine or a radio in waiting areas will help reduce the ability of others to hear what is being said in your office.Ideas to reduce sound transfer in offices that can’t be remodeled The best part is that most of them are easily undone should you leave your current digs.
White noise machine office full#
But what if you already have an office and cannot afford or are not allowed a full remodel? Fear not, there are a few things you can do to reduce sound transfer without breaking the bank. If you are building or remodeling, there are many things that you can do, and we will explore some of those ideas in a bit. How can we maintain privacy for our clients if the sound transfer is so bad? But then, sitting in our office, we notice that we can practically hear the heartbeat of the clinician in the office next door. We train staff on confidentiality, buy expensive cabinets to house client charts and related documentation, and may even have an electronic medical records system so that we are compliant with all privacy laws. Many of us who own or work in a counseling office have been there: We do everything we can to make sure that our client’s personal information is safe and secure.