Soundproof a stairwell – Create a more pleasant acoustic environment

Soundproofing a stairwell is an important measure for creating a pleasant and functional sound environment. Stairwells often have hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, and glass, which cause sound to bounce easily and create a long reverberation time. This can lead to amplified disturbing noises, which negatively affect both the living environment and the working environment. By strategically placing sound absorbers on walls and ceilings, you can effectively reduce echo and improve acoustics.

A stairwell acts as a sound amplifier where the sound of footsteps, conversations, and doors bounces between the walls and ceiling. In apartment buildings and office buildings, this can lead to a noisy atmosphere that creates stress and impairs concentration. Sound reflections also cause sound to travel further, making the sound level seem higher than it actually is. To break these reflections, the stairwell needs to be fitted with sound-absorbing materials that capture sound waves and reduce reverberation.

The most effective method of reducing the noise level in a stairwell is to combine sound absorption in both the ceiling and walls. The ceiling is a large, open surface that is often a primary source of reflected sound. By installing sound absorbers in the ceiling, you can prevent sound waves from continuing to bounce around the room. Wall absorbers also play a crucial role, as they capture sound directly at the source and reduce the overall sound propagation in the space.

When installing sound absorbers in a stairwell, it is important to place them on the surfaces where the sound is most reflected. Ceiling absorbers should cover a significant portion of the ceiling surface to provide the best possible results. Wall absorbers are best placed on the central parts of the walls and at corners where sound is often concentrated. In high stairwells, it can be advantageous to use vertically hanging absorbers to further break up the sound waves and prevent sound from traveling freely between floors.

Sound absorption in a stairwell creates a more comfortable and pleasant environment. Reduced reverberation makes the sound level feel lower, which facilitates conversation and reduces the stress that arises in noisy environments. In apartment buildings, sound absorption helps to reduce sound transmission between floors, creating a more harmonious living environment. In office buildings and public buildings, the working environment is improved by preventing sound from the stairwell from spreading to adjacent areas.

Choosing the right sound-absorbing materials and placing them in strategic locations is crucial to achieving effective noise reduction. Well-designed sound absorption in a stairwell can improve both the functional acoustics and the aesthetic impression of the space.

Here are some advantages of soundproofing a stairwell

A stairwell is one of the most noise-prone areas in a building. Echoing footsteps, slamming doors, and conversations amplified by hard surfaces create a noisy and often stressful environment. Because sound easily bounces around in stairwells, it can quickly spread between floors and into adjacent apartments. Soundproofing the stairwell creates a more pleasant and quieter environment, which improves the well-being of everyone in the building.

Reduced sound transmission for a quieter building
One of the biggest problems in stairwells is that sound spreads freely between floors and into adjacent apartments or office spaces. Footsteps, rolling strollers, and conversations can be heard throughout the building, which can be particularly disturbing in the evenings and at night. Installing sound-absorbing materials on ceilings and walls reduces sound transmission and makes the stairwell a quieter and more harmonious place.

Reduced reverberation and echo – a more pleasant sound environment and clearer conversations
Stairwells often have hard materials such as concrete, tile, and glass, which cause sound to be reflected and amplified. This creates reverberation and a disturbing echo that can make even small sounds very intrusive. Sound absorption in the stairwell reduces reverberation, which means that sound disappears more quickly and is not amplified. Conversations become easier to hear, and the overall sound level becomes more pleasant.

Better living environment through reduced disturbances between floors
In apartment buildings, noise from the stairwell is one of the most common complaints from residents. The sound of people walking up and down the stairs, talking in the entrance hall, or opening and closing doors can spread and affect living comfort. When the stairwell is sound-absorbed, the spread of these sounds is reduced, creating a quieter living environment where residents can enjoy their homes without constant noise disturbances from common areas.

Improved privacy and a more private atmosphere
Noise that propagates in the stairwell often means that conversations can be heard throughout the building, which can reduce the feeling of privacy. This can be particularly sensitive in apartment buildings, office buildings, or other properties where many people move around. Soundproofing walls and ceilings reduces sound propagation, creating a more secluded and private environment for both residents and visitors.

A more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere
A noisy stairwell can be perceived as stressful and unpleasant, while a quiet and subdued space creates a more inviting feeling. Whether it is a residential property, office building, or hotel, a good sound environment makes people feel more comfortable. Soundproofing the stairwell creates a calmer and more harmonious place where both residents and visitors feel welcome.

A safer and more functional environment
The sound environment in a stairwell can affect safety, especially for children, the elderly, or people with hearing impairments. When the noise level is high, important sounds such as warning signals, doorbells, or conversations can be difficult to hear. By reducing noise and reverberation, the stairwell becomes a more functional and safe place where communication is clearer and the sound environment is more pleasant.

Increased property value and attractiveness
Properties with a well-balanced sound environment are perceived as more attractive, and sound absorption in the stairwell can be a decisive factor for potential buyers and tenants. A quieter and more pleasant living environment increases comfort and makes the property more desirable. For property owners, this represents a long-term investment in both comfort and property value.

A professional and more representative building environment
In commercial properties, office buildings, and public environments, noise levels are an important part of perceived quality. A reverberant and noisy stairwell can give a negative impression to both visitors and employees. Soundproofing the stairwell creates a more professional and representative environment that gives a positive impression of the building.

Step-by-step: How to effectively soundproof a stairwell

Stairwells are often acoustically challenging environments where sound is reflected and amplified between hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, and glass. This creates a long reverberation time, which causes sound to travel further and become more disruptive. By installing sound absorbers in the right places, you can effectively reduce echo and create a more pleasant sound environment.

Step 1: Preparation – Identify sound problems and needs

Step 1.1
Inspect the stairwell and identify where sound reflections are greatest.

Step
Listen for where the sound is amplified the most – usually on the ceiling and walls.

Step
Decide whether ceiling absorbers alone are sufficient or whether wall, corner, or diagonally mounted absorbers are also needed.

Result
You have a well-thought-out plan for where to place the sound absorbers for the best possible effect.

Step 2: Soundproof the ceiling – the most important measure

Ceiling absorption should always be installed first in a stairwell, as sound waves are often reflected from the ceiling. If necessary, you can also install absorbers on the walls, in corners, or diagonally between the ceiling and wall for extra sound attenuation.

Step 2.1
Install SilentDirect PES Ceiling or PES Ceiling Fabric in sizes that fit the ceiling area.

Step
Attach the absorbers to the ceiling using the brackets provided.

Step
Place them evenly across at least 10-50% of the ceiling surface to effectively reduce sound reflections.

Product features and benefits:
- SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Ceiling Fabric are effective sound absorbers that reduce reverberation and echo.

- SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Ceiling Fabric are 50 mm thick and provide high sound attenuation.

- SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Ceiling Fabric are made from environmentally friendly materials with at least 50% recycled polyester.

- SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Ceiling Fabric are easy to install with brackets.

- SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Ceiling Fabric is a fabric-covered version (Fabric) and provides a more aesthetically pleasing solution.

Result
The stairwell becomes noticeably quieter as sound reflections from the ceiling are reduced.

Step 3: If necessary – Install sound absorbers on the walls

If the ceiling absorbers are not sufficient to create an optimal sound environment, you can supplement with wall-mounted sound absorbers.

Step
Install SilentDirect PES Wall or PES Wall Fabric in suitable sizes.

Step
Place the absorbers in the middle of the wall and at the corners, where sound reflections are strongest.

Step
Mount the absorbers with brackets or use the variants with built-in concealed keyhole fasteners instead.

Product features and benefits:
- SilentDirect PES Wall and PES Wall Fabric absorb sound waves before they are reflected further.

- SilentDirect PES Wall and PES Wall Fabric are 50 mm thick and provide excellent sound absorption.

- SilentDirect PES Wall and PES Wall Fabric do not release irritating fibers, making them safe for indoor use.

- SilentDirect PES Wall and PES Wall Fabric can be mounted with brackets or with keyhole fasteners on the back.

- SilentDirect PES Wall and PES Wall Fabric is a fabric-covered version (Fabric) and provides a stylish and adaptable design.

Results
The sound level in the stairwell is further reduced as sound reflections from the walls are absorbed.

Step 4: If necessary – Sound-absorb corners and diagonal surfaces

If the echo is still noticeable after ceiling and wall absorption, corner-mounted or diagonally placed absorbers can be used to further break up the sound waves.

Step 4.1
Use corner-mounted sound absorbers to dampen sound concentrations in the corners.

Step
Install diagonally placed sound absorbers between the ceiling and wall with brackets to effectively break up sound waves.

Product features and benefits:
- Corner-mounted sound absorbers reduce sound reflections in the corners of stairwells, where sound often concentrates.

- Diagonally mounted absorbers break up the movement of sound and reduce reverberation in high stairwells.

- Both corner-mounted and diagonal absorbers provide a more even sound flow throughout the space.

Result
The echo is further reduced and the stairwell becomes even more soundproof.

Step 5: Maintenance and optimization of sound absorption

Step
Regularly inspect the absorbers to ensure that they are securely attached and functioning optimally.

Step
Vacuum or wipe the absorbers with a soft cloth as needed to maintain their performance.

Step
Evaluate whether additional sound absorbers are needed in particularly vulnerable areas.

Features and benefits of this step:
- Ensures that sound absorption works in the long term.

- Keeps the absorbers clean and effective.

Result
The stairwell remains quiet and pleasant over time without any deterioration in acoustic performance.

Did you know that..

Can a stairwell act as a sound channel that amplifies sound instead of dampening it? Many people believe that noise problems in stairwells are caused by loud neighbors, but in fact, the design of the stairwell is one of the biggest culprits. Hard walls, open spaces, and high ceilings allow sound waves to bounce freely and travel further than in normal rooms—which is why a conversation on the ground floor can be heard clearly several floors up.

Simply soundproofing doors and walls is rarely enough. Since sound is reflected between floors, the dampening must take place where the sound first spreads – on the ceiling! By installing sound-absorbing ceiling panels first, the reverberation and spread of sound waves are drastically reduced.

The material of the stair treads has more impact than you might think. Hard concrete or wooden steps act as small "trampolines" for sound, with each step sending vibrations throughout the stairwell. By using sound-absorbing carpet on the stair treads and absorption panels on the walls, you can break up the sound waves and create a much quieter environment.

So if your stairwell feels more like an amplifier than a passageway, remember that proper sound absorption is about controlling the movement of sound, not just blocking it. And it always starts with the ceiling!

Products that are good for sound absorption in stairwells

Stairwells are often acoustically challenging environments where sound can be amplified and spread due to hard surfaces and large open spaces. Reverberation and echo can create an unpleasant sound environment, especially in apartment buildings, office buildings, and public properties. By installing high-quality sound absorbers, you can create a more comfortable and pleasant environment with reduced noise levels.

SilentDirect PES Ceiling
SilentDirect PES Ceiling is an effective solution for reducing reverberation and echo in stairwells by absorbing sound waves before they are reflected further. With a thickness of 50 mm, it offers excellent sound absorption and is made from environmentally friendly materials with at least 50% recycled polyester. SilentDirect PES Ceiling is free from adhesives and binders and does not emit any irritating fibers, making it safe and comfortable for indoor environments. It is easily mounted on the ceiling using the included brackets, making installation both smooth and durable.

SilentDirect PES Ceiling Fabric
SilentDirect PES Ceiling Fabric has the same high-performance sound-absorbing properties as PES Ceiling but offers a fabric-covered surface for a more stylish and aesthetically pleasing solution. The fabric-covered version is perfect for stairwells where both acoustic performance and design play an important role. With a thickness of 50 mm and easy installation with brackets, it can quickly improve acoustics while blending in with the rest of the building's interior.

SilentDirect PES Wall
SilentDirect PES Wall is a powerful sound absorber specially developed for installation on walls in stairwells where noise levels need to be reduced. By absorbing sound waves before they are reflected further, it contributes to a more subdued and pleasant acoustic environment. Like the other products in the PES series, it is free from adhesives and binders and made from at least 50% recycled polyester. It is 50 mm thick and offers high sound absorption. The product can be mounted with brackets or with concealed keyhole fasteners on the back, providing a stylish and discreet installation.

SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric
SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric combines effective sound absorption with an aesthetic fabric-covered surface, making it an excellent choice for stairwells where both function and design are important. Like PES Wall, it reduces reverberation and echo by absorbing sound waves and preventing sound reflections. It is 50 mm thick, made from environmentally friendly materials, and can be mounted with brackets or concealed keyhole fasteners for seamless integration into the stairwell's interior.