How can I reduce noise from neighbors outdoor area?

[Kylessmith]

Hello, can you make some suggestions as to what I can put between our pergola and our neighbours pergola/carport to reduce the noise. We can literally hear their conversations . Thankyou

[EricL]

Hello @Kylessmith 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about reducing the noise coming into your area.

Since you already have a small cover installed on your pergola, I suggest rebuilding it in such a manner that gives you more coverage. I recommend having a look at this discussion - Pergola privacy screen by @Bankzee. You'll notice in the discussion that they used matrix panels as part of their design, but they put in corrugated polycarbonate at the back to block both the noise and weather. 

You'll also notice that they did not put gaps between the panels when they built it. I propose running the cover all the way down to your floor to prevent ambient noise from passing through. It should lessen the amount of noise coming through, but it will not totally eliminate it.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Kylessmith 

Along the lines of those suggestions by @EricL will be your best bet. The thicker/denser the material used the less noise that will penetrate. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Kylessmith 

I am thinking along @EricL 's suggestion as well.

Rebuild does sound a pain but the not hearing the neighbours or them not hearing you is a larger win.

I can hear my neighbours when they come home if I am out by my pool deck, it has a privacy of slats with air gap. Its easy to hear them and Ive decided to put up with it as it isnt a great issue for me. If I was having frequent parties then im sure I would be an issue for them.

Thinking outside the square about how to absorb sound without a hard surface structure.

Plants, tall ones with lots of fonds. 

Earth, either earth in high pots or better yet narrow tall mini gardens.

There are boards that absorb sound but that is starting to go pricy and really needs to be extended past that window where your structure meets theirs to be effective. 

Or just one last look at your side of the fence, hange a heavy guage curtain type material from the top (dosnt nee dto get to the ground) but to stop the sound bouncing and reflecting around the metal of your awnings. When I say heavy I mean HEAVY and loose, think a movie style curtain but for outside.

I think Id add sound absorbing things as above at the first try. You will still hear them but the sound shouldnt be so "in your yard"

Dave

[Noyade]

Hello @Kylessmith 

Would it be worth talking to your neighbours - just to let them know? Maybe they will tone down their conversations and if personal - go inside?

Sometimes in hospital you have to let doctors/nurses/visitors know - the paper curtain is not soundproof.

I personally like the radio on outside - muffles neighbours voices and activities.

And I recently learnt of a thing called - Spotify.

Yep, I'm always late with technology.

Cheers.