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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
📜 Full Video Transcript (Click to Expand)
[00:00] Hi, this is Sound Reduction Systems. Today we’re going to introduce our proprietary acoustic underlay system called Acoustilay.
[00:10] For many years noise transmission between floors has been a major issue in apartments, flats and multi-storey buildings. Impact noise — footsteps, chairs moving — and airborne noise like speech or TV can carry through separating floors.
[00:25] Our Acoustilay system is designed to tackle both impact and airborne sound, providing a high performance underlay that meets acoustic standards.
[00:33] The underlay is easy to install. On timber joists or concrete slabs you lay the mat, bond it using appropriate adhesive or fixings, then install the floor finish.
[00:42] It features a high-mass layer which adds significant weight to the floor build-up, and a resilient rubber layer that isolates vibration and impact energy.
[00:50] The result: major reduction in footstep noise, bounce and vibration, and improved speech / TV isolation between floors.
[00:58] It’s ideal for leasehold flats where managing agents or freeholders require compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations.
[01:05] The system has been independently tested on both timber and concrete subfloors and shown to deliver the required decibel reductions.
[01:13] We have case studies where occupants report a marked change; footsteps and movement are no longer heard below.
[01:20] In refurbishment or new build settings this underlay allows you to install wood, laminate, carpet or vinyl finishes while maintaining acoustic performance.
[01:30] Installation is straightforward: cut to fit the room, tape the joints, use perimeter seal and follow manufacturer’s guidelines.
[01:38] For more details including drawings, product data or calculator tools please visit our website and contact our technical team.
[01:45] Thank you for watching. Sound Reduction Systems — controlling noise, enhancing environments.
Shop the Range
- Acoustilay 3 – Impact Noise Solution
- Acoustilay 8 – Airborne & Impact Performance
- Acoustilay 15 – Maximum Acoustic Performance
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!
For full performance data, installation guidance, and datasheets, visit our Sound Insulation Store or contact our team for expert advice.
Telephone: 01928 571 856
Email: hello@soundinsulationstore.co.uk
Contact form: Click Here
