Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is a thin, heavy, flexible sheet that goes inside a wall, floor or ceiling to stop sound passing through. One layer does roughly what three or four layers of drywall would, at a fraction of the thickness.
Blocks soundStops noise moving between rooms, units and floors.
1/16″ to 3/16″ thinHides behind drywall without moving trim or outlets.
100 sf per rollEvery roll is 4′ x 25′. Staple or screw it to the studs.
Not for echo. MLV blocks sound between rooms; it does nothing for echo inside a room. For that, use sound absorbing wall panels.
Which Mass Loaded Vinyl Do You Need?
| Product | Price | Cost / sf | Weight | Thickness | Wall improvement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Blokker Lite | 0.6 lb/sf | 1/16 in | +6 to 11 STC | Metal stud walls, and anywhere the lightest roll matters | ||
| MLV Sound Barrier | 1 lb/sf | 1/8 in | +10 STC or more | Standard vinyl barrier for walls, floors and ceilings | ||
| Wall Blokker | 1 lb/sf | 1/8 in | +6 to 12 STC | Wood or metal stud walls – the default choice | ||
| Wall Blokker PRO | 1.1 lb/sf + scrim | 3/16 in | +3 to 5 STC over Wall Blokker | Wood studs, party walls, or over an existing wall |
Not sure which one fits? Send us your wall construction and what you are trying to keep out, and we will tell you.
Shop Mass Loaded Vinyl
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Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Sound Barrier$199.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Wall Blokker$219.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Wall Blokker Lite$169.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Wall Blokker Pro$299.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Where to Use Mass Loaded Vinyl
Party and demising wallsApartments, hotels, offices and dorms. Wall Blokker suits wood or metal studs.
Metal stud officesWall Blokker Lite adds 6 to 11 STC at just 0.6 lb/sf.
Home theaters and studiosLow-frequency noise needs mass. Wall Blokker PRO adds the most.
Existing wallsFasten MLV over the drywall and add a new layer of board. No demolition.
CeilingsStaple MLV to the joists before the drywall goes up to block noise from above.
FloorsFor footsteps and impact noise under flooring, use Floor Blokker.
How to Install Mass Loaded Vinyl
- Hang it. Staple or screw the MLV to the studs vertically, with seams landing on a stud.
- Tape the seams. Overlap the edges and seal them with MLV seam seal tape.
- Caulk the edges. Run acoustical caulk around the perimeter and any gaps.
- Cut around boxes. Trim with a utility knife and cover outlets with Outlet Blokker.
- Cover it. Hang drywall over the top and finish as normal.
How Much Mass Loaded Vinyl Do You Need?
Every roll is 4′ x 25′, or 100 square feet, which covers a 12’6″ wall at 8′ high. Multiply the wall length by its height, add about 10% for seam overlap, and divide by 100. A 20′ x 8′ wall is 160 square feet, so order 2 rolls.
Mass Loaded Vinyl FAQ
- What is mass loaded vinyl?
- A thin, dense, flexible sheet installed inside walls, floors and ceilings to block sound. It is also sold as MLV, sound barrier or acoustic membrane. Ours is 1 lb per square foot and 1/8″ thick, except the lighter Wall Blokker Lite.
- Does mass loaded vinyl really work?
- Yes, when it covers the whole surface and the seams are sealed. One layer adds about 10 STC points to a stud wall, roughly what three or four extra layers of drywall would.
- What does STC mean?
- Sound Transmission Class measures how much sound a wall blocks. The higher the number, the less you hear from the other side.
- What is the difference between MLV Sound Barrier and Wall Blokker?
- Both are 1 lb/sf and 1/8″ thick. MLV Sound Barrier is vinyl-based; Wall Blokker is EVA-based and also comes as a lighter Lite and a scrim-backed PRO.
- Does MLV go over or under drywall?
- Either. On the studs under new drywall, or over existing drywall with a new layer on top.
- Will mass loaded vinyl stop echo?
- No. MLV blocks sound between rooms. For echo inside a room, use sound absorbing wall panels.