Which Underlay to use

mdamusicgroup

Hi There,

We are installing engineered wood in our Victoria Maisonette (upstairs). Its going on top of the existing floorboards and we are keen to minimize any potential noise for downstairs but also save money.

My question is would it be worth paying extra for the fancy acoustic underlay or will the foam pads be ok? is there a really noticeable difference between the two or are they pretty similar?

The 5mm pads are £2.99 per sqm and the Sound resistant gold underlay is £6 per sqm.

Seems the Pads are rated to 20DB and the Gold backed Sound resistant roll one is 22DB so I guess its not much of a difference?

Thanks!

Chanes

https://www.woodandbeyond.com/blog/underlay-for-engineered-wood-flooring/

mdamusicgroup

Thanks for the link but no mention of acoustics in there...

Chanes

You need to speak to a soundproofing company and see what they fit

ST1991

Sorry to throw a proverbial spanner in the works, if the 20DB one is half the price is it possible to double up the underlay giving a thicker underlay for the same price as the premium one?

I know that isn't the ideal situation given the thickness of underlay + thickness of wood but could that be a possibility?
I'm sure someone will say why that's not a good idea, but with some adjustable door thresholds and similar height flooring across the flat i can't see why not. Might have the move the skirting boards up an inch...!

Sorry if that is stupid, sometimes thinking outside the box should be banned..

System

With solid wood floors you don't want the underlay too thick or too spongey otherwise the floor will flex which isn't good for wood flooring.

Fibreboards are a thicker form of underlay and more rigid so less flex

You should be fine provided you're not wearing hard soled shoes or have chairs with wheels going over it

Annie1960

Contact the manufacturer and ask them to talk you through the differences.

Gastines3

Having lived in a high-rise block of flats,the leases stipulated;apart from no animals; no hard flooring. The one tenant who removed the floating chipboard flooring in her kitchen and had it tiled was told to remove it and re-install the floating floor.The noise for the people living under was unbearable.It is worth bearing in mind sound,heating etc and also acoustics in your living areas!!!

realydude

if it is upstairs is it not more feesible to soundproof the void between floor and under ceiling with thermafloor then just fit regular recycled foam?