Flooring plays a critical role in sound transmission within a home. Hard surfaces like tile or wood tend to amplify noise, while softer materials absorb sound, creating a quieter environment. Noise control involves two types of sound:
- Impact Noise: Caused by direct contact with the floor, such as footsteps or dropped objects.
- Airborne Noise: Sound that travels through the air, like voices or music.
Selecting the right flooring and underlay can help mitigate both impact and airborne noise.
Flooring Options for Noise Reduction
1. Carpet
Carpet is one of the best choices for reducing noise, thanks to its soft texture and sound-absorbing properties.
Benefits of Carpet for Noise Reduction:
- Impact Noise Absorption: Carpet effectively dampens the sound of footsteps, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and stairs.
- Airborne Noise Reduction: The dense fibres of carpet absorb sound waves, reducing echo and ambient noise.
- Enhanced Comfort: Carpet provides a cosy, quiet surface that adds warmth to any space.
For optimal noise reduction, pair carpet with a high-quality underlay. This not only enhances the soundproofing capabilities but also extends the carpet’s lifespan.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring
LVT flooring is a versatile option that offers a good balance of style and noise reduction. While it doesn’t absorb sound as effectively as carpet, LVT can still help minimise noise when paired with the right underlay.
Benefits of LVT for Noise Reduction:
- Thicker Planks for Quieter Steps: Higher-quality LVT often comes with thicker layers, which help dampen impact noise.
- Resilient Surface: LVT is softer than hardwood or tile, reducing sound reverberation.
- Underlay Options: When installed with acoustic underlay, LVT can significantly lower noise levels, making it suitable for open-plan layouts or upper floors.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a durable and cost-effective choice, but it’s naturally more prone to amplifying noise compared to carpet or LVT. However, with proper installation techniques and acoustic enhancements, laminate can still work well in noise-sensitive areas.
Benefits of Laminate Flooring with Noise Control:
- Acoustic Underlay: Adding a sound-absorbing underlay beneath laminate flooring can greatly reduce impact noise.
- Thicker Boards: Opt for premium laminate options with thicker planks to help dampen sound.
- Floating Installation: Proper floating installation reduces noise caused by floor movement.
Additional Tips for Noise Reduction with Flooring
- Invest in Acoustic Underlay: Whether you choose carpet, LVT, or laminate, a good-quality underlay is crucial for noise reduction. Look for materials designed to absorb impact and airborne noise.
- Use Rugs and Mats: Adding area rugs or mats can help soften sound in spaces with hard flooring, such as laminate or LVT.
- Furniture Pads: Attach pads to the bottom of furniture legs to minimise noise caused by movement.
- Multi-Layer Solutions: Combining sound-absorbing flooring with soft furnishings like curtains and cushions can further reduce noise levels.
Reducing noise in your home starts with choosing the right flooring. Carpet is the best choice for noise absorption, providing unmatched soundproofing and comfort. LVT flooring offers a stylish, quieter alternative when paired with acoustic underlay, while laminate can be an affordable option with the proper enhancements. By carefully selecting your flooring and using noise-reducing accessories, you can create a quieter, more peaceful living environment. Contact us for more information.