What Is So Good About Acoustilay? Why the Original Still Outperforms Its Imitators
When it comes to soundproofing floors, few names carry as much trust and performance heritage as Acoustilay®. For over 25 years, this UK-engineered acoustic flooring system has been the go-to choice for builders, architects, and acoustic consultants looking to deliver real-world results that meet — and often exceed — Building Regulation Part E requirements.
But with so many copycat “white-label” alternatives now flooding the market, you might be wondering: what makes Acoustilay so special? Let’s break it down.
Proven Acoustic Performance — Not Just Marketing
Unlike cheaper imitations that rely on unverified lab data, Acoustilay has been independently tested and site-proven across countless projects — from new builds and conversions to schools, hospitals, and residential developments.
- Impact sound insulation: Impact Rating: 48dB L nTw, significantly reducing footfall and movement noise.
- Airborne sound reduction: Airborne Rating: 57dB D nTw +C tr. Reduces speech, TV, and music transmission through separating floors.
- Fully compliant with Part E of UK Building Regulations.
✅ Trusted nationwide by Acoustic Consultants and Specifiers for reliable, repeatable performance.
Advanced Memory Foam Core That Lasts
Where many underlays flatten or lose resilience over time, Acoustilay’s unique memory foam core — made from recycled content — is engineered to retain its shape for decades.
- Maintains acoustic performance under long-term compression.
- Outperforms both open-cell and closed-cell foam alternatives.
- Reduces performance loss and prevents sagging over time.
It’s not just an underlay — it’s an investment in long-term acoustic comfort.
100% Sourced and Manufactured in the UK
Every sheet of Acoustilay is manufactured entirely in the UK, ensuring consistent quality control, ethical production, and reduced carbon emissions from transport. This means better traceability and reliability for every project.
🇬🇧 When you buy Acoustilay, you’re supporting sustainable UK manufacturing.
Real Test Data – Not Guesswork
With decades of verified data from independent acoustic bodies and real site tests, Acoustilay is built on science-backed performance.
- Tested by accredited acoustic testing labs to BS EN ISO 10140-3 and BS EN ISO 717-2.
- Proven results on both timber and concrete subfloors.
- Available in multiple grades (Acoustilay 3, 8, and 15) for tailored performance.
📊 Lab-tested. Site-proven. Consultant-approved.
Versatility Across Every Type of Building
Acoustilay is used across thousands of installations, including:
- Residential homes and apartments
- Schools and offices
- Healthcare facilities
- Commercial conversions and new builds
It can be installed directly beneath carpet, or, laminate, vinyl and wood finishes when paired with Acoustilay MDF to boost stability and impact resistance under hard floors.
One product range — endless applications.
Simple, Reliable Installation
- Supplied in manageable panels for quick cutting and fitting.
- Install using Acoustilay Adhesive, High Contact Tape, and Perimeter Strips.
- Minimal floor height increase.
- Extensive installation guidance is available online, via PDF Datasheets and video, along with help from specialists on our Technical Landline.
🧰 Designed with installers in mind — fast, clean, and efficient.
Environmentally Responsible Design
Acoustilay uses recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Made from recycled and recyclable materials.
- Ideal for sensitive environments.
- Manufactured responsibly in the UK.
🌍 Performance with a conscience.
Why It Outperforms Copycat Products
| Feature | Acoustilay | Copycat Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Proven lab + site test data | ✅ Yes | ❌ Unverified or missing |
| Retains shape over time | ✅ Memory foam core | ❌ Flattens or degrades |
| UK manufactured | ✅ 100% UK | ❌ Imported / variable quality |
| Consultant-specified | ✅ Thousands of projects | ❌ Rarely specified |
| Environmental standards | ✅ High and traceable | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
In Summary
Acoustilay isn’t just another acoustic underlay — it’s the original UK-made benchmark for soundproofing floors. It combines superior memory foam technology, independent test data, and decades of project success to deliver lasting acoustic comfort and peace of mind. Rest assured, when you order Acoustilay, you know what to expect.
🎯 Choose Acoustilay — the soundproofing solution trusted by professionals for over 25 years.
Watch the Acoustilay System in Action
No Introduction needed. Acoustilay — The first of it's kind, a proprietary acoustic underlay system engineered to reduce impact and airborne noise in flats and multi-storey buildings. It combines a high-mass barrier layer and a resilient rubber isolation layer to deliver tested compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations. Ideal for wood, laminate, carpet or vinyl floors, Acoustilay offers straightforward installation and proven results for both timber and concrete subfloors.
Real Life Test Data
Take a look at our case study showing how Acoustilay helped PASS a Failed Sound Test!
Click Here: New Build Sound Test Failed! We then got a Pass!
Shop the Acoustilay Range
Browse the Acoustilay acoustic flooring range, including high-performance underlays, Tilemat, MDF overlay boards and installation accessories.
Need Help Choosing the Right Acoustilay System?
For full performance data, installation guidance, and datasheets, visit our Sound Insulation Store or contact our team for expert advice
Frequently Asked Questions About Acoustilay
Common questions about Acoustilay acoustic underlay, where it can be used, which version to choose, and how it helps reduce airborne and impact noise through floors.
What is Acoustilay used for?
Acoustilay is used to reduce sound transfer through floors. It is designed to help reduce both impact noise, such as footsteps and movement, and airborne noise, such as voices, TV and music, depending on the floor construction and the Acoustilay product selected.
Which Acoustilay product should I choose?
The right Acoustilay product depends on the level of acoustic performance required, the floor finish and the existing floor construction. Acoustilay 3 is often used where impact noise is the main concern, Acoustilay 8 offers improved airborne and impact performance, and Acoustilay 15 is used where maximum acoustic performance is required.
Can Acoustilay be used under carpet?
Yes, Acoustilay can be installed directly beneath carpet. It provides a resilient acoustic layer beneath the floor finish and is commonly used in flats, apartments, residential properties and conversion projects.
Can Acoustilay be used under laminate, vinyl or wood flooring?
Yes, Acoustilay can be used below hard floor finishes such as laminate, vinyl and wood when paired with the correct overlay board, such as Acoustilay MDF. The MDF layer helps improve stability and impact resistance beneath hard floor finishes.
Can Acoustilay be used on timber and concrete floors?
Yes, Acoustilay can be used on both timber and concrete subfloors, provided the floor is levelled and even. The best specification depends on the existing structure, the intended final floor finish and the acoustic performance required.
Does Acoustilay help with Building Regulation Part E?
Yes, Acoustilay is commonly specified to help meet Building Regulation Part E requirements in suitable separating floor constructions. The final result will depend on the full floor build-up, workmanship, flanking sound paths and the existing structure.
Is Acoustilay suitable for flats and apartments?
Yes, Acoustilay is widely used in flats, apartments and multi-storey buildings where reducing noise transfer between floors is important. It is often used in refurbishments, conversions, new builds and leasehold flooring upgrades.
Does Acoustilay reduce footstep noise?
Yes, all variations of Acoustilay are designed to reduce impact noise such as footsteps, chair movement and general movement noise through floors. For best results, the correct Acoustilay grade and installation method should be chosen for the floor construction.
Does Acoustilay reduce airborne noise?
Yes, certain Acoustilay systems can help reduce airborne noise such as speech, TV and music. Higher-performance options such as Acoustilay 8 and Acoustilay 15 are typically used where both airborne and impact noise reduction are required. Especially when combined with Mass Loaded Vinyl, Cement Particle Board, or, Acoustic Membranes (such as Tecsound).
Why choose Acoustilay instead of a cheaper alternative?
Acoustilay is a long-established UK-made acoustic flooring system with a strong performance history. It uses a memory foam core designed to retain resilience over time and is supported by test data, installation guidance and long-term specification experience.
Do I need perimeter strips with Acoustilay?
Perimeter strips are normally recommended as part of the system because they help isolate the floor finish from the surrounding walls and skirting. This helps reduce the risk of sound bridging around the edges of the room. They are only required when carpeting Acoustilay 8 or Acoustilay 15 directly, they are designed to be used under standard 6mm carpet grippers.
Do I need adhesive or tape when installing Acoustilay?
In general, we recommend tacking Acoustilay down to the subfloor with Acoustilay Adhesive - ensuring there's no unnecessary movement. This stops air gaps from forming, preventing added pressure on your chosen floor finishes. High contact tape is used along the joints, with perimeter strips only required if you are carpeting Acoustilay directly. For thicker engineered wood finishes, the manufacturer recommends sealing the perimeter with acoustic sealant instead of using perimeter strips. Always follow the installation guidance for the specific Acoustilay product and floor finish being used.
Can Acoustilay be used under tiles?
For tiled floors, Acoustilay Tilemat is the specialist option in the range. It is designed for use beneath suitable ceramic, porcelain and stone tile finishes where an acoustic flooring solution is required.
How much floor height does Acoustilay add?
The floor height increase depends on the Acoustilay product selected and whether additional layers such as Acoustilay MDF are required. Lower-profile options are available where floor height is limited, while thicker systems are used where higher acoustic performance is needed. Acoustilay 3 is 8mm thick, Acoustilay 8 is 12mm thick and Acoustilay 15 is 15mm thick. There are 2 thickness options for Acoustilay MDF, 6mm or 9mm. Acoustilay Tilemat is 10mm thick.
Can I install Acoustilay myself?
Acoustilay is designed to be straightforward to install for DIY or floor fitters alike, the best results depend on correct preparation, jointing, edge isolation and floor finish selection. All installation guidance can be found on the Acoustilay datasheet, or call Sound Insulation Store's technical landline on 01928 245 704. For projects that need to meet a specific acoustic target or pass a sound test, professional installation or technical advice is recommended.
