What kind of ceiling should I get?

Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:46 pm

I have a small home project studio in my basement. The basement is almost finished except for the ceiling. It has carpet on the floor, painted sheetrock walls and an unfinished ceiling. It is very similar to the one found here: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AXHm6NCCWgs/R6ZwAy3mYeI/AAAAAAAAAGU/LL5naHOgqeU/DSC02586.JPG

My wife and I were considering finishing the ceiling, and was wondering what kind of ceiling we should put in. Pics of the one room studio are here: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=46585308&albumId=1366407

It is only one room for everything, and I am looking for sound control within the room and to help prevent some sound leakage upstairs.

We were thinking of putting in a dropped ceiling, but I wouldn't know what materials to get.

Any input on finishing our ceiling would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance!

Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:06 pm

The simplest ceiling that will help the sound inside the room is to stuff R38 insulation between the joists, then cover that with fabric stapled to the joist bottoms. However, this will not do much to reduce sound leakage to the upstairs. But neither will a typical drop ceiling. To block sound you need mass (sheet rock) and optionally other techniques such as Green Glue or resilient channels.

--Ethan

Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:11 pm

Two questions Ethan.... What kind of fabric would you recommend to staple to the bottoms of the joists to cover the insulation, and what do you mean by resilient channels? Thank you for your quick response!

Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:06 am

Felt is good. Anything soft like that. Burlap is good too.

As for resilient channels, did you happen to ask Google? Smile

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