Garage Floor Coverings

[dpep]

Adding sound absorbing material to the slab floor will help to reduce the level of sound just as adding rug or carpeting does in your house. But you will definitely have to do something with your walls. I suspect the solution is going to be a combination of measures rather than a single silver bullet. Is there a directional dimension? Is there one side of the garage that will be closest to neighbors? Do you have any flexibility in the siting of the garage for that consideration? The side facing your home would need the least sound blocking for your your purpose.

Amazon has several pages of ideas for "sound proof enclosure" that might help you brainstorm the problem. The microphone shields don't appear large enough for your needs but seem like a good concept to ponder.

https://www.amazon.com/sound-proof-enclosure/s?k=sound+proof+enclosure

[cowboyup3371]

I don’t have any flexibility but already intended to insulate the entire shop so I can work out there in the wintertime. I’ll check out the information. Thank you Don

[storm 64]

I have a solution to your noise issue. Use hand tools. Get ride of all your power equipment and convert to hand tools. Hand saw, hand planer... The loudest tool would probably be the hammer.

Or move to the country.

[bwringer]

Cookies for the closest neighbors can go a long way...

Communication is key. I bet you've already done this, but... a few times I've mentioned to my neighbors that they are welcome to come tell me right away if they're bothered by any noise, lights, etc. emanating from my yard, driveway or garage. I'll be happy to knock it off immediately.

I was once employing an air hammer on a particularly recalcitrant bearing housing, and when I saw my closest neighbor outside I immediately made apologies and told him I'd be at it only a little longer. He was fine with it, and was pretty curious about what I was doing and how it all went together.

[dpep]

Scott, you do not have to reduce sound to zero, only to background noise level which for your neighbor(s) is most likely to be the DB level of their HVAC unit. Keeping some music going in the garage would help mask a little bit as well. I am just thinking that if we cut a few DB here and cover a few DB there you will eventually find the formula to maintain your evening productivity.

[dpep]

This guy talks about noise levels in his APARTMENT workshop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F33iZmq-p8A