Sound wall and acoustic fence for your garden
A garden sound wall is a heavy, sealed barrier that keeps traffic, neighbour and heat pump noise out of your outdoor space. Unlike an ordinary fence it works in two ways: its mass blocks the sound and its core absorbs it, so nothing bounces back. Noise Solutions installs custom sound walls and acoustic fences across Belgium and Luxembourg, with more than 500 completed projects and a free site visit up front.
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Why a sound wall beats a fence
A garden fence is built to block the view, not the noise. Sound behaves like water: it finds every gap. That is why a lightweight plank fence barely helps, no matter how tall you build it. A real sound wall is calculated acoustically and meets three conditions.
Physical Obstruction
A solid barrier blocks the direct sound waves between the source and the receiver.
Sound Absorption
A porous core (coconut fiber, rock wool) traps sound energy instead of reflecting it.
Sound Diffraction
Remaining waves must bend over the barrier, a detour that weakens the sound.
- Mass: enough weight per m² to block sound, up to 30 dB(A) insulation
- Absorption: a core of rock wool, coconut or bamboo that soaks up the sound
- Airtightness: no gaps at the bottom, the top or between the panels
- Height and position: as tall as possible and as close as possible to the source
Which sound wall suits your garden?
The right choice depends on your taste, the available space and the noise source. Every system is self-supporting or post-mounted and is made to measure.
- Timber sound wall: warm look, fits any garden
- Bamboo sound wall: durable and clean lines
- Coconut sound wall (Kokowall): plantable and highly absorbent
- Steel sound wall: maximum insulation, also at height
- Transparent sound wall: keeps light and view
How many decibels do you gain?
In practice we achieve a reduction of 10 to 25 dB, depending on height, distance to the source and the surroundings. A 10 dB difference is perceived by the ear as halving the noise, which makes a normal conversation on the terrace possible again. Test the effect for your own situation in our noise simulator or read how to calculate decibel reduction.
What height do you need?
The rule of thumb: the wall must break the straight line between the source and your ear. For street level traffic 2 to 2.5 m is usually enough. If the source sits higher, you need more height. For a heat pump or air conditioner a compact enclosure around the unit often beats a tall wall further away. Up to 2 m behind the house a permit is often not required, above that it usually is: see permit for a sound wall.
What does a sound wall cost?
A sound wall starts from roughly 200 EUR per square metre, installation included. The final price depends on the material, the height, the number of metres and how easy your garden is to reach. We visit free of charge, measure up and calculate the acoustic result. Request your custom quote or check the price per type first.
Frequently asked questions about garden sound walls
What is a sound wall?+
A sound wall is a heavy, sealed and absorbent barrier that stops noise. Unlike a normal fence it is calculated on mass, absorption and airtightness, which delivers 10 to 25 dB of reduction.
Does a normal timber fence help against noise?+
Barely. A lightweight plank fence lacks mass and usually has gaps the sound passes straight through. You need a sealed construction with an absorbent core to hear a real difference.
How tall should a sound wall be?+
It must break the line of sight between the noise source and your ear. For street level traffic 2 to 2.5 m works well. If the source is higher, extra height is needed. We calculate this during the free site visit.
What does an acoustic fence cost per metre?+
From roughly 200 EUR per square metre including installation. At a height of 2 m that is about 400 EUR per linear metre. Material, height and accessibility determine the exact price.
Do I need a permit for a sound wall?+
Often not up to 2 m behind the house, but it differs per municipality and per position on the plot. Above 2 m an environmental permit is usually required. We help with the application and supply the acoustic evidence.
Can a sound wall be planted?+
Yes. The Kokowall coconut system is designed to be planted with climbers and carries NL Greenlabel class A. After one or two seasons you see a green wall instead of a construction.
Request your quote today
Our experts will be happy to advise you on the best solution for your situation. Contact us for a non-binding conversation.