When it comes to soundproofing, there are a variety of flooring materials that can be used with acoustic underlay. Hardwood floors, engineered hardwoods, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are all excellent choices for dampening sound. However, the best type of flooring to use with acoustic underlay depends on the specific needs of the building and budget. When selecting a flooring material for soundproofing, it is important to consider more than just the acoustic quality of the material.
A flooring contractor can explain all the factors that need to be taken into account in order to choose the best option for your building. Acoustic floor coverings are easy to apply, cost-effective, and very effective at blocking sound. Simply place an acoustic subfloor above the floor to create a cushion that reduces both airborne noise and impact noise. The “best base” for your floating floor depends on your specific situation. Usually, strata will have a specific acoustic star rating or a thickness requirement that must be met as a minimum standard.
Roberts Super Felt Premium has excellent sound-absorbing properties (Delta IIC 2) and is often used as a base to provide sound insulation. Along with MuteMat, this combination of acoustic bases provides the highest-performing soundproofing while keeping the build-up as thin as possible. For carpets, you'll need a product that's soft but doesn't hit rock bottom. FloorVenue sells a Marvel SPC hybrid floor that comes pre-installed with a 6-star acoustic base. The base layer of gold EPE foam is 3 mm thick and offers slightly higher acoustic protection than the general silver option. Acoustic treatments for ceilings and walls protect against sound transmission from one room to another, while acoustic floors are effective in preventing sound transmission from an upper floor to a lower floor.
By having several layers of varying thicknesses and densities, you can smooth out any drop in performance and achieve the best soundproofing with your acoustic base layer. The MuteMat 3 is the best acoustic base that allows you to comply with construction regulations without needing any other material. This combination of acoustic bases allows you to get much better results with the thinnest soundproofing products.
