If you’re replacing carpet with wood or laminate flooring in your flat, you’ll likely run into the most common leasehold condition: something along the lines of:
'Your new flooring must achieve the same acoustic performance as a carpet finish'.
This isn’t just a formality — it ensures your neighbours below aren’t disturbed by impact and airborne noise transfer. Choosing the wrong underlay could leave you in breach of your lease. A costly mistake that can be easily avoided!
That’s why we recommend Wood & Laminate dB Matting 12mm — our go-to solution for flats with leasehold agreements. And for those who want an even greater level of performance, we also offer dB Matting 15mm as a premium upgrade.
Why Leasehold Agreements Have Acoustic Conditions
Most leases require that:
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Floors must meet Part E Building Regulations (relating to impact and airborne noise). Some agreements can stipulate a more robust performance, exceeding that of Building Regulations.
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Your new floor system must achieve comparable performance to carpet.
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Properly tested acoustic underlays must be used under wood, laminate finishes or LVT finishes.
Without compliance, you risk disputes with freeholders, managing agents, or neighbours.
Why Choose dB Matting?
The dB Matting 12mm is a high-density acoustic underlay (9.6kg/m²), designed for engineered wood or laminate flooring. LVT can also be fitted with the use of our Jumpax Dual Overlay Board. Unlike lightweight foams or fibreboards, dB Matting delivers true acoustic performance backed by site-tested data.
Key benefits:
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✅ Meets Part E Building Regulations.
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✅ Impact Noise (LnTw): 49 dB – proven footfall reduction.
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✅ Airborne Noise (DnTw+Ctr): 57 dB – Reduce conversions, TV and media.
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✅ Suitable for timber and concrete floors.
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✅ Eco-friendly and easy to install.
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✅ Sheet size: 1.25m x 1m (1.25m² each).
📄 Download the full datasheet here.
dB Matting 15mm – Upgrade Your Performance
For projects where extra acoustic performance is required, the dB Matting 15mm is the ideal upgrade. At 15mm thick, it delivers even greater sound insulation.
Performance:
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Impact Noise (LnTw): 47 dB
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Airborne Noise (DnTw+Ctr): 58 dB
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Thickness: 15mm
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Sheet Size: 1.25m x 1m (1.25m²)
This makes the 15mm option especially suited to refurbishment projects in flats where landlords or managing agents insist on a higher level of compliance.
📄 Download the full datasheet here.
Real Performance Data
Our testing and predictions prove their effectiveness. For example, the dB Matting 15mm version achieved:
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Rw: 59 dB (airborne sound insulation)
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Ctr: -9 dB (traffic-type noise adjustment)
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LnTw: 47–49 dB (impact sound insulation)
Both the 12mm and 15mm systems are capable of matching or surpassing carpet-level acoustic performance in flats.
👉 Learn more on our system page: Wood & Laminate Acoustic Floor System.
Our page also includes a calculation tool to help you order the right amount of product for your measurements, including accessories!
Take a Look at our SIP Sheet for a Sound Insulation Prediction Score using dB Matting 15mm underneath Laminate:
Watch the Videos
What is dB Matting?
How to Install dB Matting
In Conclusion
If you’re upgrading from carpet to laminate or engineered wood flooring in a flat, don’t risk breaching your lease.
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The dB Matting 12mm is the safest, most reliable solution with proven test data.
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For those seeking even greater sound insulation, upgrade to the dB Matting 15mm.
- Unsure of what best suits your scenario? Contact our Technical Landline on 01928 571 856 for free advice. For further information or data on testing
Find a solution that's easy to install, fully compliant, and trusted in leasehold developments today.
