The base can make a big difference, especially when installed underneath a solid wood floor. It provides a softer surface and reduces impact when walking, making it a great long-term investment that extends the floor's useful life. The thickness of the base layer is also an important factor to consider. Thicker layers will provide better soundproofing than thinner ones, but they can be more expensive and difficult to install.
You may be wondering if investing in an acoustic base or soundproof mats will limit the final floor finish you can use. The soundproofing properties of carpet base layers are not subjected to the same tests as those of the base and soundproof mats. By using acoustic mineral wool, you can get an additional 10 to 15% reduction in noise before placing the soundproof base. The base layer (with floor covering) must be acoustically tested to show how much impact noise it reduces.
You have to use a high-quality trick: companies that sell layers of carpet with sound-insulating properties quote a figure in dB, but this figure only shows how much airborne noise is blocked on a concrete floor, of which the bottom layer of carpet represents only 5%. Floorscan Acoustics is one of the largest independent insulation providers offering acoustic solutions for residential and commercial projects. When choosing one of the acoustic bases or soundproof mats for wooden floors, consider the level and type of noise. The sound-insulated floor base options available from specialized manufacturers are a major step forward compared to standard products.
If the surface on which you are going to install it is properly leveled and prepared, you can consider a thin acoustic felt base to facilitate sound transmission. In these situations, it is almost always necessary to use an acoustic floor layer to meet these standards. This is because not all underlying layers are created the same way, so one 5 mm underlying layer cannot be assumed to work the same as another. When selecting an acoustic underlay, make sure you choose one that meets your needs and budget.
