Acoustic Underlay

Acoustic underlay is a sound-reducing layer installed beneath a finished floor. It helps absorb vibration and reduce sound travelling through the floor structure, particularly impact noise caused by footsteps, dropped objects and furniture movement.

Different acoustic underlays are designed for different floor finishes and constructions, so the correct product will depend on the flooring being installed, the subfloor and the type of noise you are trying to reduce.

There is no single acoustic underlay that is best for every floor. The most suitable option depends on the finished flooring, the construction beneath it and whether impact or airborne noise is the main problem.

Rigid finishes such as laminate and engineered timber generally require a resilient underlay that also provides adequate support, while carpet can accommodate softer acoustic underlays. LVT typically requires a firmer, low-deflection acoustic solution.

For projects requiring higher acoustic performance, you can also explore the Acoustilay acoustic underlay range. For specific product recommendations, see our buying guide above.

Yes. Reducing impact noise is one of the main purposes of acoustic underlay. It creates a resilient layer between the finished floor and the structure below, helping to reduce vibration caused by footsteps, dropped objects and furniture movement.

Performance will depend on the underlay, floor construction and installation method. For more severe impact-noise problems, the underlay may need to form part of a complete acoustic floor system.

Acoustic underlay can contribute to reducing airborne noise, but it is generally more effective at controlling impact sound such as footsteps.

If voices, television, music or other airborne noise are the main problem, additional mass and acoustic insulation may be required within the floor construction. In these situations, a complete floor soundproofing system will usually be more appropriate than relying on acoustic underlay alone.

Yes. Acoustic underlay can be used with both timber and concrete floor constructions, provided the product is suitable for the intended floor finish and installation method.

On timber floors, acoustic underlay can help reduce impact noise through the floorboards and joists. Where airborne noise is also a problem, acoustic insulation between the joists or additional soundproofing layers may be required.

On concrete floors, acoustic underlay is commonly used beneath the finished flooring to reduce impact sound transferring through the structural slab.

Yes, but the type of acoustic underlay needs to be compatible with the finished flooring.

Laminate and engineered timber generally require an underlay that provides acoustic resilience while remaining sufficiently firm to support the floor. Carpet can usually use a softer, high-density acoustic underlay, while LVT typically requires a firm, stable and low-deflection acoustic solution.

Always check that the chosen acoustic product is suitable for both the floor finish and the intended installation method.