FLOOR SOUNDPROOFING SOLUTIONS

Acoustic Floor Systems

Not every acoustic floor system is right for every floor. Compare complete solutions for timber and concrete constructions, including carpet, wood, laminate and LVT finishes. Use the finder below to narrow down the options, then explore each system’s materials, fitting guidance and quantity calculator.

Find your floor system Compare all seven systems

Start with your floor construction and finish
Understand overlay versus replacement floorboards
Go straight to the system materials calculator

Example layered floor system – refer to product build-up

Choose the type of flooring or project you are working on to narrow the list. Each system has a different construction and installation approach; open the system product page for full requirements.

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Technical system illustration

WOOD & LAMINATE FINISH01

Wood and Laminate Acoustic Floor System

A multi-layer timber floor solution combining a structural board, acoustic mass and a low-deflection matting layer beneath compatible wood or laminate.

Best starting point: Replacing or upgrading a timber floor where wood or laminate is the planned finish.
System approach: Insulated joist cavity, 22mm board, Tecsound membrane and dB Matting 15.
Important to check: Existing boards are lifted; check joists, floor levels and floor-finish compatibility.

The product instructions describe treatment from above, with the finished wood or laminate installed over dB Matting. Confirm the finish manufacturer accepts the proposed substrate.

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Technical system illustration

LAYERED CARPET SYSTEM02

Carpet Finish Acoustic Floor System

A substantial layered system for timber floors that combines cavity insulation, added mass and a resilient acoustic underlay ready for a carpet finish.

Best starting point: A timber floor refurbishment where carpet is planned and a more extensive build-up is possible.
System approach: Insulated joist cavity, 22mm board, Tecsound and dB Acoustic Underlay 15.
Important to check: Floorboards are lifted; check the finished height and specialist carpet gripper detail.

Unlike the simpler Acoustilay carpet-underlay route, this system specifies multiple mass and substrate layers beneath the acoustic underlay.

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Technical system illustration

FLOATING OVERLAY BOARD03

dB Panel 28 Acoustic Floorboard System

A tongue-and-groove floating acoustic floorboard system installed over a suitable structural subfloor, with acoustic insulation in the joist cavity.

Best starting point: Timber floors where a structural subfloor can remain or be reinstated beneath a floating acoustic overlay.
System approach: RW45 cavity insulation and dB Panel 28 laid floating on a subfloor, with perimeter isolation.
Important to check: Requires a sound structural subfloor; do not mechanically fix the floating panel through to it.

This is not a direct-to-joist panel: the product instructions call for a separate structural subfloor before installing the acoustic floating board.

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Technical system illustration

STRAIGHT TO JOIST04

dB Panel 37 Straight to Joist Acoustic Floorboard System

A replacement acoustic floorboard solution designed to sit directly over suitable timber joists rather than being added on top of existing floorboards.

Best starting point: Refurbishments where floorboards are coming up and retaining floor-to-ceiling height is a priority.
System approach: RW45 in the cavity and dB Panel 37 directly to suitable joists, with edge isolation.
Important to check: Product instructions specify joists at 400mm centres or less and appropriate structural integrity.

Check joist spacing, condition and board joint support. The product page also discusses an optional Tecsound layer for added mass.

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Technical system illustration

CONCRETE FLOOR UNDERLAY05

dB FFR Acoustic Underlay for Concrete Floor

A resilient rubber acoustic underlay system shown on a concrete floor beneath a compatible flooring build-up, including a hardwood example.

Best starting point: Concrete subfloors where a lower-profile resilient layer is preferred.
System approach: dB FFR rubber underlay bonded to a prepared concrete substrate, with perimeter detailing.
Important to check: The substrate must be clean, dry and suitable; confirm the intended finish and adhesive specification.

The product lists dB FFR in 6mm or 10mm variants; the whole finished floor height depends on the selected floor covering and any additional layers.

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Technical system illustration

LVT / VINYL SYSTEM06

Acoustic Underlay for LVT

A low-deflection acoustic floor build-up using dB Matting 15 beneath Jumpax dual overlay boards to provide a suitable base for compatible LVT finishes.

Best starting point: Projects with an adequately prepared subfloor and a planned LVT finish.
System approach: dB Matting 15 plus 7mm Jumpax dual overlay board and the specified bonding/detailing materials.
Important to check: Confirm subfloor level, dryness and the flooring manufacturer’s approval of the complete build-up.

The stable Jumpax overlay is an important distinction from soft carpet acoustic underlays. Ask the LVT manufacturer to confirm substrate requirements.

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Technical system illustration

ACOUSTILAY CARPET FINISH07

Acoustilay Underlay Carpet Finish

A carpet-focused system using Acoustilay 15 acoustic underlay and a matching perimeter strip above a suitable timber subfloor.

Best starting point: Carpet finishes where a dedicated high-mass acoustic underlay approach is appropriate.
System approach: Insulated joist cavity and reinstated structural subfloor, with Acoustilay 15 beneath carpet.
Important to check: The illustrated system includes lifting floorboards to fit cavity insulation; check carpet gripper/perimeter details.

Compare this with the layered Carpet Finish Acoustic Floor System, which incorporates additional board and membrane layers.

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AT A GLANCE

Floor systems compared

A practical comparison based on the product instructions. These are different construction approaches, not a ranked list of acoustic performance.

System	Best starting point	Construction approach	Check before selecting
Wood and Laminate Acoustic Floor System	Replacing or upgrading a timber floor where wood or laminate is the planned finish.	Insulated joist cavity, 22mm board, Tecsound membrane and dB Matting 15.	Existing boards are lifted; check joists, floor levels and floor-finish compatibility.
Carpet Finish Acoustic Floor System	A timber floor refurbishment where carpet is planned and a more extensive build-up is possible.	Insulated joist cavity, 22mm board, Tecsound and dB Acoustic Underlay 15.	Floorboards are lifted; check the finished height and specialist carpet gripper detail.
dB Panel 28 Acoustic Floorboard System	Timber floors where a structural subfloor can remain or be reinstated beneath a floating acoustic overlay.	RW45 cavity insulation and dB Panel 28 laid floating on a subfloor, with perimeter isolation.	Requires a sound structural subfloor; do not mechanically fix the floating panel through to it.
dB Panel 37 Straight to Joist Acoustic Floorboard System	Refurbishments where floorboards are coming up and retaining floor-to-ceiling height is a priority.	RW45 in the cavity and dB Panel 37 directly to suitable joists, with edge isolation.	Product instructions specify joists at 400mm centres or less and appropriate structural integrity.
dB FFR Acoustic Underlay for Concrete Floor	Concrete subfloors where a lower-profile resilient layer is preferred.	dB FFR rubber underlay bonded to a prepared concrete substrate, with perimeter detailing.	The substrate must be clean, dry and suitable; confirm the intended finish and adhesive specification.
Acoustic Underlay for LVT	Projects with an adequately prepared subfloor and a planned LVT finish.	dB Matting 15 plus 7mm Jumpax dual overlay board and the specified bonding/detailing materials.	Confirm subfloor level, dryness and the flooring manufacturer’s approval of the complete build-up.
Acoustilay Underlay Carpet Finish	Carpet finishes where a dedicated high-mass acoustic underlay approach is appropriate.	Insulated joist cavity and reinstated structural subfloor, with Acoustilay 15 beneath carpet.	The illustrated system includes lifting floorboards to fit cavity insulation; check carpet gripper/perimeter details.

Indicative selection guidance only. Product suitability, floor heights and acoustic outcomes depend on the complete existing construction and installation. Review product instructions and obtain project-specific advice where needed.

HOW IT WORKS

How does floor soundproofing work?

Effective floor soundproofing often brings several acoustic principles together. Insulation within a cavity, resilient separation and additional mass can all play a role in reducing sound transmission. The right combination depends on the floor construction, the type of noise and the finished flooring.

Absorb

Acoustic mineral wool within a timber joist cavity helps control sound energy and resonance in the void. It supports the complete floor build-up but does not soundproof a floor on its own.

Isolate

Resilient underlays and floating floor layers help reduce the direct transfer of vibration into the supporting structure. Correct perimeter isolation and installation are important to avoid rigid sound bridges.

Add mass

Dense floorboards and acoustic membranes can help resist airborne sound passing through the construction. Their effect depends on the complete build-up and how the layers are combined.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Three things to check before choosing your system

The right build-up needs to suit the existing floor, the planned finish and the space you have available.

Existing floor

Is the structure timber joists or concrete? Will you keep a structural subfloor, or lift and replace existing boards? This determines which construction approach is viable.

Finished floor

Carpet can work with different resilient treatments from rigid wood, laminate or LVT. Check substrate rigidity, movement and the flooring manufacturer’s requirements.

Height and performance

Consider added floor height, door thresholds, structural load, airborne versus impact noise and any regulatory obligations. Review the entire floor build-up.

Read the full floor soundproofing buying guide More detail on noise types, floor finishes, installation and building regulations

Choosing the right acoustic floor system depends on more than the level of noise you're trying to reduce. Your existing floor construction, intended floor finish and available installation depth all influence which solution will be most suitable.

Our range includes complete acoustic floor build-ups, floating floorboard systems and specialist acoustic underlays for different applications.

1. Identify the type of noise

Impact noise is generated when movement or vibration travels through a building's structure. Common examples include footsteps, dropped objects and furniture being moved across a floor.

Airborne noise travels through the air and can pass between rooms through floors, walls and other connected structures. Examples include conversations, television and music.

Acoustic floor systems use combinations of resilient materials, mass and separation to help control sound transmission. The effectiveness of a particular system depends on the complete floor construction, including the surrounding structure and installation.

2. Consider your existing floor construction

Timber joist floors

Timber floors often benefit from a combination of acoustic insulation within the joist cavity and a suitable floating or isolated floor treatment above.

Our dB Panel 28 Acoustic Floorboard System provides a floating floor solution that can be installed over a suitable structural subfloor.

Where the existing floorboards are being replaced, our dB Panel 37 Straight to Joist Acoustic Floorboard System offers an alternative build-up designed for installation directly onto joists.

Concrete floors

Concrete floors have different structural and acoustic characteristics from timber floors. Depending on the project, a resilient acoustic underlay may be used beneath an appropriate floor finish or as part of a more comprehensive floor treatment.

Our dB FFR Acoustic Underlay for Concrete Floor system is designed around this type of application.

3. Choose a system compatible with your floor finish

The finished flooring is an important consideration because different materials require different levels of support and movement.

Wood and laminate flooring

Wood and laminate generally require a stable, low-deflection base. Our Wood and Laminate Acoustic Floor System combines acoustic layers to help reduce sound transmission while providing a suitable foundation for compatible wood and laminate finishes.

Carpet flooring

Carpet can accommodate a different type of acoustic treatment from rigid flooring. Our Carpet Finish Acoustic Floor System uses a layered construction designed specifically for a carpet finish.

We also offer an Acoustilay Underlay Carpet Finish system for projects where a specialist acoustic underlay is appropriate.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

LVT typically requires a particularly flat and stable substrate. Our Acoustic Underlay for LVT system combines acoustic materials with a suitable overlay arrangement to support this type of finish.

Always check the floor finish manufacturer's requirements before selecting or installing an acoustic treatment.

4. Check the available floor height

Acoustic systems vary in thickness and installation requirements.

A comprehensive floor build-up may provide more opportunities to address different sound transmission paths, but it can also require more floor depth and preparation.

If retaining floor-to-ceiling height is a priority, consider whether a lower-profile system or a replacement floorboard solution would be more appropriate.

Remember to account for the complete installed build-up, including the final floor finish, door clearances, thresholds and adjoining floor levels.

5. Consider acoustic performance and building regulations

For projects involving new dwellings or residential conversions, the floor construction may need to satisfy the relevant sound insulation requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations in England.

Compliance depends on the performance of the complete separating construction, not simply the acoustic product or underlay selected.

Where regulatory performance is required, review the proposed build-up, available test evidence and project requirements with an appropriately qualified professional.

You can also explore our Part E soundproofing systems for further information about floor and ceiling construction options.

6. Get advice before ordering

The best solution will depend on the combination of your floor structure, noise problem, finish and installation constraints.

Our team can help you narrow down the options and understand the materials required for your chosen system.

Each system product page includes further information about its construction, materials and installation. Selected systems also provide calculators to help estimate material quantities.

Before ordering: Sound insulation performance depends on the complete construction, junctions and installation. Individual products do not guarantee Part E compliance. Confirm structural and floor-finish compatibility before installation.

EXPERT SOUNDPROOFING ADVICE

Need help choosing an acoustic floor system?

Every floor is different. Our acoustic specialists can help you find a suitable system based on your existing floor construction, the type of noise you're experiencing and your preferred floor finish.

Get in touch for practical advice on system selection, installation requirements and the materials you'll need.

Existing floor: concrete or timber joists?
Final finish: carpet, laminate, wood or LVT?
Available floor height and project constraints?

Ask our soundproofing team Or call 01928 571 856

Acoustic Floor Systems