In today’s busy households, managing noise is more important than ever. Whether you’re living in a flat, working from home, or simply tired of creaky floors, acoustic underlay is an underrated solution that brings peace and quiet to any space.
What is acoustic underlay?
It’s a specialist layer placed between your flooring and the subfloor. Designed to absorb impact noise (like footsteps or dropped objects) and reduce airborne sound, it makes your floors feel and sound more solid – especially useful in high-traffic areas or multi-level homes.
Why it matters
Soundproofing isn’t just about peace of mind – it can be a requirement in UK flats and rentals (per Building Regulations Part E). It also improves thermal insulation, helping you retain warmth in winter and potentially save on energy bills.
Different types of acoustic underlay
- Foam underlay: Lightweight and budget-friendly, ideal for laminate and engineered wood.
- Rubber or cork blends: High performance with excellent sound and thermal insulation.
- Felt underlay: Soft and thick – great for carpet and excellent for foot comfort.
Which flooring needs it?
- Laminate or LVT: Reduces harsh tapping noise, especially important in upper-floor rooms.
- Carpet: Thick underlay improves softness and reduces noise transfer.
- Engineered wood: Benefits from acoustic underlay to avoid echo in open-plan spaces.
Other benefits
- Subfloor levelling: Helps compensate for minor irregularities.
- Extended flooring life: Absorbs stress and impact, reducing wear.
- Comfort: Makes floors feel softer and warmer underfoot.
Installation tips
Always use underlay that’s compatible with your chosen flooring. For vinyl and LVT, check compression ratings to avoid damage. If you’re installing over underfloor heating, ensure the underlay is heat-conductive.
Acoustic underlay isn’t just for soundproofing – it improves comfort, efficiency and the overall feel of your flooring. At Frankly Flooring, we offer a wide range of underlay options tailored to your needs. Contact us for advice on what’s best for your space and budget.
Header photo by Joao Macedo on Unsplash