Concrete vs. wood: Which is more soundproof?

Concrete is more effective at blocking sound than wood because it is denser and more compact. In contrast, wood has better sound absorption because it is more porous and less dense than concrete. This is especially true for treated wood. You need both materials for optimal noise suppression.

Wood vs. concrete: What is better for sound insulation?

In short, it depends on what you want to achieve with your soundproofing efforts.

If you want to prevent unwanted sounds from entering your home, concrete is a better sound insulation. Concrete is a better sound blocker because it has a higher density. On the other hand, wood has better sound absorption capabilities than concrete, making it a better option for controlling echoes in interior spaces.

In general, surfaces made of hard, dense, impenetrable materials tend to block sound better because they vibrate less and sound is transmitted through vibration. In other words, such materials require more energy to vibrate sufficiently and therefore to transmit sound.

The compact nature of concrete also allows sound waves to be reflected away.

Why is wood better than concrete in terms of sound absorption?

This is due to a combination of lower density and greater porosity than concrete. The sound absorption coefficient increases with decreasing density. In general, porous materials are ideal for absorbing sound because they disperse sound waves. This is why acoustic foam and other soundproofing materials designed to absorb sound have lots of air gaps.

Effective noise control needs both absorption and sound blocking, especially in indoor spaces. Although a high-density concrete wall can dampen outside sounds, it can also create echoes in enclosed spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to add wood to the space. For example, you can use cork boards as acoustic insulation in a building with concrete walls or floors for effective noise control.