7 Ways To Soundproof A Floor (That Actually Work) (2023)

Noise is something I find very difficult to tolerate and this post is about different ways to soundproof a floor.

Given the nature of my work and lifestyle, that makes it all the more unbearable. For a while I was in a frustrating state and didn't know what to do about the noise coming from below.

Just moving furniture around the room creates such loud noises. That's when I came up with the idea of ​​soundproofing.

It seemed such a big deal in the beginning and I never thought I would be able to do it. But I found most of the information that I will share here.

sound insulationis an efficient way to block noise from entering or leaving a room. It's very popular these days, especially in homes where tenants share walls.

Depending on where you think you need soundproofing, there are a few ways to go about it.

While some ways are more convenient than others, it's all the dealer's choice. Now I've decided to soundproof my floors because that treats two types of noise for me.

• hitting noises.
• airborne noise

impact noise

Impact noise is also known as footfall noise and as the name suggests, this noise is created by the impact of an object on the ground. Examples include footsteps, furniture being pulled, and other sounds such as something heavy being dropped.

Impact noise travels freely through the air and the ceiling below. Footfall noise naturally has more of an effect on the underfloor dwellers than on me.

However, soundproofing my floors will also save me from my fair share of footfall noise and make me a better neighbor.

airborne noise

Airborne sound is transmitted through the air. So it spreads in the atmosphere. In an apartment like mine it seems to move up through the floors.

Airborne noise includes sounds of people talking, dogs barking, cars moving or honking, music, and most importantly, someone throwing a party below you. Therefore, soundproofing your floors will help treat them.

When considering soundproofing your floors, consider certain things that would help you decide which method to use.

The use of professional help

If you can't go to the trouble of soundproofing your floors yourself, you can always hire a professional. For one, they could help you decide what best suits your home.

Your budget for this project

Some ways cost more than others, especially if you need to hire professional help. So it's always best to go with something that you feel financially comfortable with.

Is this a permanent or temporary housing solution?

If you are a tenant, it is better to opt for temporary means. It also costs a lot more to do permanent soundproofing.

Bare floor

It's much easier to build your soundproof floor on a bare floor. You have more to do and everything is much easier to implement.

How to soundproof a floor

Soundproofing a floor would require materials with good soundproofing properties to achieve the desired soundproofing. The soundproofing quality would also depend directly on the weight of the material used on or under the floor.

Here are seven easiest ways to soundproof a floor:

1. Use interlocking floor mats

Using interlocking floor mats is one of the easiestSoundproofing options. All you have to do is buy your chosen design in sufficient quantity to cover your entire floor.

These floor mats come in a variety of textures, sizes, and designs, but usually they are just like padded tiles. Their edges are designed in such a way that the parts fit laterally or interlock.

They can also be easily trimmed to fit in the corners of your room. All you have to do is buy the floor mats and attach them over your existing floor.

Interlocking floor mats are durable, easy to clean and even made with antibacterial materials. They are also ideal for use in theGarage,fitness rooms and studios.

While the interlocking floor mats aren't fully soundproofing, they do quite a lot. For that muted effectInterlocking floor mats are only effective in combination with other soundproofing materials such as floor underlays and carpets.

So, with these awesome doormats, you don't have to worry about dragging that furniture across the room or making loud noises. The sounds cannot come up and certainly not go down.

2. Use carpet padding

Carpet pads come in a variety of textures, sizes, and most importantly, thicknesses. A very light carpet padding solves the issue of comfort for your feet, but probably doesn't absorb much noise.

Carpet underlays, which absorb sound, are thick and mostly made of rubber. In fact, when it comes to carpet underlay, the thicker the better. A thicker pad offers more durability and noise control.

Before using carpet pads to soundproof your floor, there are certain details that need to be considered. These details include traffic in the soundproof room(s).

In a high-traffic room, you need to purchase a rubber carpet underlay with closed-cell foam under the soundproofing barrier. This is because an open cell foam pad will not hold up under heavy use.

Carpet pads are generally placed under a carpet. Therefore, you can simply measure your existing carpet to determine the size of carpet padding to purchase.

Choose the thickness you are comfortable with, but depending on the perceived traffic load in the room. You can install them yourself or get professional help. If you are covering a small space, smaller sizes make it easier for you to install.

In some cases, such as if you have cement floors, you can place carpet pads over the carpet. Preferably choose carpet pads if you have a carpet.

3. Get a soundproof floor mat

This method is much easier if you have bare floorboards because it's easier to build up the subsequent floor with a soundproofing material.

However, if you already have carpet, tile, linoleum, or vinyl flooring, you will need to pull those coverings out in order to install the acoustic floor underlay.

In order to achieve complete absorption of both impact and airborne noise, the acoustic underlay should be used with acoustic mats.

When installing, ensure that the bare plank is smooth and free of protruding nails or cracks. If it is indeed damaged, it must be repaired before an installation can be attempted. It should also be free of dirt.

The material and textures of the pad differ depending on the production. The type of installation follows the manufacturer's instructions, but there is the general, primary installation process.

• After making sure the sub-floor is in excellent condition, you will need the following materials:
• The acoustic underlay and mats
• Scissors or a sharp pocket knife
• Band
• Broom
• shovel

Unroll the backing material with the plastic/sticky side down. The edge with the glue is butted against the wall and the other side faces out towards the room.

The next pad would rest lightly on top of the first, allowing the glue to bond the pads together. When the underlay has overlapped correctly and covered the space, trim off any excess. Lay the acoustic mats over the acoustic underlay and finally lay the floor covering.

Note that this installation order mainly applies to laminate floors or hard floors. In the case of carpeted floors, lay the acoustic mat first and then the acoustic underlay in between. The carpet comes last on the acoustic underlay.

The right acoustic underlay will make your space cushioned and noiseless.Read more about my top recommendation for soundproofing underlays.

4. Add anti-noise compound

The famousGreen glue noise protection compoundAlso known as sound deadening compound, it is suitable for reducing noise from both sides of the floor.

It can be applied directly to the existing subfloor or between two hard surfaces. That means it can be used between the plank and the underlay.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is harmless, odorless and environmentally friendly. You don't have to be afraid to handle it yourself.

It's easy to apply in minutes, easy to clean and reduces noise by up to 90%. Green Glue reaches its peak performance in sound dissipation within 30 days of application.

To use this dampening compound, purchase an appropriate amount of Green Glue. Read the manual carefully and take simple precautions like wearing gloves before handling the connection.

Spread the compound over the entire subfloor with a caulking gun, place the underlay or a hard board such as cement board or medium density fiberboard (MDF) on top of the Green Adhesive. Lay your flooring, carpets as needed.

As previously mentioned, the sound-dampening compound takes 30 days at most to perform at its maximum. You can also seek professional help in applying this soundproofing method.

5. Install the deck screws

If you've been bothered by those squeaky floor noises, all you need is a few deck screws. You will need a pencil, a drill, a countersink drill, deck screws and a bit screwdriver.

Of course, you can always hire a handyman to do this, but it's a fairly simple and straightforward process.

First you need to remove your current flooring, carpet, linoleum, tile or hardwood floor. The purpose of this procedure is to gain access to the sub-floor. You can do this for areas that are particularly prone to squeaking, or remove all flooring altogether.

Locate and mark the squeaky areas. Drill pilot holes at each mark, using a bit with a countersink the appropriate size for the screws you will be using to do this. The bit should be slightly smaller than the width of the screws.

Lay a plank in position and insert the sharp tip of the deck screw into the pilot hole previously drilled. Using the bit driver, carefully drive the screw through the board and into the frame while maintaining pressure.

Repeat this process to install screws in all previously drilled pilot holes to attach all planks. It is preferable to drill the beams.

At the end of this process, the squeaky noises will be gone and your floor will be stronger and safer.

6. Install additional flooring

Flooring is the final stage in your soundproofing process. It also plays a role in noise reduction. you can install tiles,hardwood, or laminate wood, linoleum or carpet.

Each of these options minimizes ground noise. However, to be more professional, before installing the final flooring, as a precaution, you should use glue instead of nails to fix your flooring to the sub-base. It helps reduce noise with even the slightest effort.

If you also prefer throw rugs or area rugs, they're a nice, attractive way to reduce noise.

7. Use rubber floor mats

If your noise is caused by machinery or equipment vibrating on the floor, you can easily solve this with a rubber floor mat.

Household appliances can be televisions, dishwashers, stereo systems, dryers and washing machines. When placed directly under the equipment, these mats dampen vibrations and significantly reduce noise and its effects.

You'll never have to scowl at that machine again. It's simple and effective.

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Tips and Precautions

• Be sure to consult a flooring or hardware store before making any modifications to the floor. Go to the store with a physical or pictorial description of the floor or subfloor so they can help you find the appropriate tools, product, and most appropriate method to complete the task.
• When handling screws, saws, hardwood and dampeners, take the necessary precautions to wear gloves and safety glasses.
• To get the ultimate benefit from soundproofing your floors, you can voluntarily buy the soundproofing material for your downstairs neighbor. That is, if you agree that they will install it.
• Above all, do not make any changes to the floor of a building that you do not own. Obtain the necessary permits from the building owner before making any changes to the structure of the floor. As a result, some owners might only grant permits for such work if it is carried out by professionals.

Final Thoughts

Normally noise is everywhere. If not in your apartment or building, then in the outside world. And inevitably it will be transmitted into our homes.

Soundproofing is the only solution to shutting out all that unwanted noise. Soundproofing doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

You can make it a fun process by getting help from a friend. It is also advisable to be well prepared. Take your time to gather all the tools and materials you will need.

Still, you don't have to outdo yourself. Just get professional help if it suits you better or if the building owner says so. If you start this project and encounter any problems, contact us.

Sound insulation also goes beyond floors, to walls,doors, AndWindow. It's very popular in newer buildings. Even in single-family homes, people are now opting for itsound insulation of their housesand have a more peaceful living environment.

It's nice to know that you no longer have to argue with your neighbors about the noise. Any of these methods will help you maintain a good neighborly relationship.

And if you're like me, you'll have some peace and quiet to work and relax in your home.