I was going with Homosote then when I found out about Sound Stop I checked the specifications on each, and found they were identical. I went with the Sound Stop and enjoyed the savings. Just my experience.
Don
Not in NC. 2" foam is not available here either. Foam has the be purchased from a dealer. When I got ready to redo my layout in the Train Box [14X40], I priced all. Went with the SoundStop. I had great experiences with it on my old layout. You do need to seal it to keep dusting down. I can stand on my layout as with Homosote. Foam does dent.
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Chief Eagles:
I used the SoundStop on my small ( 5'x5') HO layout. For this space, it worked well and you are correct, it is less expensive than Homosote. I think though (my opinion only, don't shoot) that the Homosote is a little more sturdy.
While Home Depot and Lowes will make special orders, our local lumber yard has both products in stock.
Homosote is an obsolete material which is why it's getting harder to find. Your local home improvement stores have many alternatives in stock. These days I recommend using pink or green foamboard. No matter what material you settle on screw gently into them.
traindaddy1I have used Homosote for years and really like it. In fact,I have re-used it on several reconstructed layouts. Yes it is expensive and in some areas has to be ordered. It does hold screws well. Of course, being a paper product, it should be painted (sealed) before use. It will absorb the paint so let it dry well. Cutting it is easy but messy so if you know that you will have to make long cuts, I suggest that you have the lumber yard do it for you......Yes, there are other products, as mentioned, and they cost less but, for me, it is Homosote. Whatever you decide, all the best.
SoundStop is identical but cheaper. Same goes for painting to seal [after you secure it down] Both will bow if done before as they are a paper/sawdust product. Here, Lowes special orders it for me. So can Home Depot.
I used a product named SoundStop. It is like Homosote but cheaper. Used a few screws to hold it down. Will hold deck and drywall screws.
If you are putting it down over plywood - have you considered the 2' x 4' ceiling tiles? I used these on my layout and it works great! And if you need to cut it you can use the scraps for building mountains!
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the homasote will hold a screw just don't get aggressive once the track is snug stop tightening.
most folks cringe at the cost of a sheet of homasote these days but your ears will love it also folks watching the trains run will appreciate not hollering to hold a conversation with you at same time!
before you lay track paint it a light brown or? to your liking will seal it from moisture.
you can do a search for homasote online I don't have the link but you can find the actual manufacturer and they have a search feature for more folks that might stock this close to you can't hurt to try or go ahead and order it as a one day wait is good these days.
hope this helps you.
My local lumber yard doesn't stock Homosote but can get it overnight....great but that means I can't lay hands on a piece without buying it. My question is, will Homosote hold a screw correctly or do I have to run the screw through the Homosote into the plywood base?
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