Create a Quieter Home with Soundproof Flooring

A beautiful floor does more than look good—it sets the tone for your entire living environment. But while style and durability often get the spotlight, the sound of your floors can dramatically impact day‑to‑day comfort. Footsteps echoing through rooms or between levels can make even the prettiest space feel chaotic.

The solution? Acoustic underlayment—a simple, often overlooked layer that absorbs impact noise and creates a calmer home.

What Is Soundproof Flooring or Acoustic Underlayment?

Acoustic underlayment is a thin, specialized layer—often made of foam, cork, or rubber—installed between the subfloor and the finished floor. Its primary purpose is to reduce both impact noise (like footsteps) and airborne noise (such as conversation or TV), creating a foundation for truly soundproof flooring throughout your space.

Key Benefits

1. Noise Reduction

   Quality underlayment can cut footstep noise by 15–25 decibels, a significant difference when you’re aiming for a serene atmosphere.

2. Comfort Underfoot

   It adds a slight cushion that makes wood, laminate, or vinyl flooring more comfortable to walk on, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens or hallways.

3. Moisture Barrier

   Many products also include a vapor barrier, protecting your flooring investment from moisture-related damage.

4. Enhanced Longevity

   By smoothing subfloor imperfections, underlayment can prevent premature wear and squeaks.

   
   

Choosing the Right Material

• Cork: Naturally renewable and excellent at absorbing sound.

• Rubber: Superior for multi-family buildings or home theaters where maximum noise reduction is needed.

• Foam/Felt: Budget-friendly and widely compatible with vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate.

Consider factors such as subfloor type (concrete vs. wood), the flooring material above, and the room’s specific needs (e.g., moisture levels in basements or bathrooms).

Installation Tips

1. Prepare the Subfloor

   Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level. Gaps or debris can compromise performance.

2. Overlap and Tape Seams

   For continuous sound dampening and moisture protection, follow manufacturer instructions for taping seams.

3. Mind the Perimeter

   Leave expansion gaps around walls to prevent buckling and maintain acoustic integrity.

Where It Makes the Biggest Impact

• Multi‑Level Homes: Bedrooms over living areas stay quieter.

• Condos & Apartments: Helps meet HOA sound transmission standards.

• Home Offices or Studios: Keeps calls and recordings clear of background noise.

Cost Considerations

Acoustic underlayment typically adds $0.50–$1.50 per square foot to a flooring project. While that’s an upfront investment, it pays off in comfort and resale appeal, especially in competitive markets.

Maintenance

Once installed, underlayment is virtually maintenance-free. Just maintain your top flooring surface according to manufacturer guidelines.

At Bell Service Group LLC, we recommend pairing premium flooring with the right underlayment to enhance both style and serenity. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or an entire home, our team can help you choose and install an underlayment system that meets your acoustic goals.

Ready for a quieter, more peaceful home? Contact Bell Service Group today to explore underlayment options tailored to your space.

References

1. National Wood Flooring Association. Acoustic Underlayment Guidelines. https://www.nwfa.org/technical-resources

2. Building Science Corporation. “Sound Control in Buildings,” 2024.

3. Floor Covering News. “Underlayment Innovations for Luxury Vinyl,” 2023.