HushFrame Raft

View our Product FAQ for answers to common questions about HushFrame Rafts.

The HushFrame Raft Connector is a breakthrough innovation in drywall decoupling for walls and ceilings. While decoupling has long been a trusted method in sound isolation, the Raft delivers unique advantages over traditional clips and channel systems.

Crafted from durable wood and high-grade silicone rubber, each Raft absorbs and dissipates sound energy as it transfers through the assembly. This design provides significant improvements in STC and IIC ratings, even in basic wall and ceiling structures, helping projects meet or exceed building code requirements without additional materials.

With just a single layer of drywall and no underlayment, HushFrame Rafts can achieve impressive 50 STC and 50 IIC ratings. Adding a second layer of drywall boosts performance to STC 60 and IIC 56, offering exceptional acoustic control with minimal investment.

Simple, Versatile Installation

The HushFrame Raft installs easily to the side of wood or steel framing, either flush with the framing face or recessed into the cavity for a low-profile setup.

• Flush installations reduce ceiling height by about 1 inch
• Recessed installations lose as little as 1/4" (plus drywall thickness)
• Compatible with standard 1x wood furring or metal hat channel

When using wood furring on ceilings, interior walls can be framed beneath the decoupled ceiling and fastened directly to the furring. For wall installations, cabinets, both upper and base, can also be secured to the wood furring without compromising isolation.

This system allows you to mix and match recessed and flush installations without the need for different or costly connector types, making it one of the most versatile and cost-effective soundproofing solutions available.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTE: Proper installation is critical to ensure the performance and safety of your HushFrame Raft system. All Rafts must be installed on an even plane, with full contact against the framing and flush alignment to the face of each joist or stud. Before attaching the Rafts and furring, make sure the framing is level. Plane down protruding joists or shim recessed framing as needed to create a flat, uniform surface. Failure to properly level the framing can result in Raft shearing or total system failure. Any damage or performance loss caused by installing Rafts on uneven framing is the responsibility of the installer.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTE: Proper installation is critical to ensure the performance and safety of your HushFrame Raft system. All Rafts must be installed on an even plane, with full contact against the framing and flush alignment to the face of each joist or stud. Before attaching the Rafts and furring, make sure the framing is level. Plane down protruding joists or shim recessed framing as needed to create a flat, uniform surface. Failure to properly level the framing can result in Raft shearing or total system failure. Any damage or performance loss caused by installing Rafts on uneven framing is the responsibility of the installer.

Manufacturer's Installation Video - English

Manufacturer's Installation Video - Spanish

Manufacturer's Installation Guide

The HushFrame Raft can be installed flush with the side of the framing or recessed for a low-profile sound isolation system.

• When installed flush with the framing, the wood furring or hat channel should run perpendicular to the joists or studs.
• When installed recessed, the furring or channel runs parallel to the framing.
• These configurations apply to both wood and steel framing in wall and ceiling assemblies.

Fastener Specifications

Raft to Structure:

• (2) 1-5/8" framing screws, or
• (2) 1-1/2" medium crown staples, or
• (2) 6d ring shank sheathing nails

Wood Furring to Rafts:

• (1) 2" framing screw, or
• (2) 1-5/8" framing screws, centered within the middle two-thirds of the furring mount
• Fluted-tip screws are recommended to reduce furring splits.

Metal Furring to Rafts:

• (2) 1-1/4" self-tapping screws installed at a 45° angle through each shoulder into the Raft furring mount

Layout Recommendations

Use a staggered layout pattern to evenly distribute Rafts across the framing.

• Begin with your first row of Rafts at maximum spacing.
• Offset each following row by one joist to ensure every stud or joist has at least one Raft attached.
• Maintain maximum spacing within each row for consistent acoustic performance.

Refer to the “Perpendicular Channel Installation” drawing below for visual guidance, and watch the animated installation video for a quick overview of proper setup and spacing.

The HushFrame Raft Connectors deliver significant sound isolation improvements in both wood and metal framing assemblies. Tested for STC, OITC, and IIC performance, the HushFrame Raft provides proven acoustic control across a wide frequency range. This system is also Class B fire rated and carries an approved 1-hour UL fire rating, making it a reliable and code-compliant solution for residential, commercial, and multifamily soundproofing projects.

*All test results shown in this table were achieved through third party testing from accredited laboratories. The full test is available upon request.

*Performance gains by adding a layer of drywall to either side of the wall were consistent between 2x4 and 2x6 wood framing.
**Wood furring was used on wood assembly tests, metal hat channel was used on steel stud tests.

The number of HushFrame Rafts needed depends on the weight of the ceiling or wall assembly they will support. For standard systems using one or two layers of drywall (or materials of similar weight and thickness), spacing and layout remain consistent across the installation.

To support one or two drywall layers, plan for one Raft per 3.5 square feet. Space Rafts no more than 32 inches apart in each row, with rows spaced up to 24 inches apart. The maximum load capacity is 10 pounds per square foot.

We do not recommend exceeding the load limit of a double layer of 5/8" drywall. Avoid adding extra layers such as plywood or a third drywall sheet, and do not hang items like lights, soffits, or acoustic panels directly from a HushFrame Raft ceiling.

Any unused Rafts can be returned within 60 days, so we suggest ordering slightly more than needed to ensure adequate coverage. Simply return any surplus material once your project is complete.

• HushFrame Raft Product Brochure
• Manufacturer's Installation Guide
• HushFrame Raft Steel Stud Installation and Test
• UL Assembly Test Report