Second Floor Victorian Flat - Wooden Laminate Flooring - Noise Reduction

Sebo027

Hi all,

I have recently purchased a second floor flat. I would like to run laminate flooring from the hall to (and including) the living room.

Something like this:

Craft Walnut Syrup Laminate Flooring 12mm | Tile Mountain

The property is such that I can hear upstairs floorboards creaking from time to time and I'm sure below can hear me moving around - currently I have carpets.

What's the best way to resolve creaking floor boards? Second, what's best practice to minimize transfer of noise using this type of flooring? Thicker underlay? 

Browntoa

There are special acoustic underlays designed for these sort of environments

For example

https://www.soundinsulationstore.co.uk/collections/acoustic-flooring/products/acoustilay-3?gclid=Cj0KCQjworiXBhDJARIsAMuzAuybhgQJUxFWwMUR2gCc4d9wzzqY0O2XxfXGLxS-jo-qeeTjKk8JvxcaAstnEALw_wcB

Bendy_House

Just to add, Sebo, it's not uncommon for the deeds of older flats (in particular) to specify that carpets must be fitted, for just the reason you mention. So, bear mind that excessive noise might trigger a complaint to the FH. Might.

So it's reassuring that you are taking this seriously. If the deeds DO say 'carpets', then be sure to mitigate by doing what you are doing - making sure there won't be any extra noise

And... remove your outdoor shoes once you're home (as I expect you will).

Norman_Castle

Sebo027 said:

What's the best way to resolve creaking floor boards? Second, what's best practice to minimize transfer of noise using this type of flooring? Thicker underlay? 

Stop boards creaking by fixing them to the joists properly. Minimising noise starts with your behavior, don't wear shoes or stamp about.

Sebo027

Thanks all. I have checked the deeds and I do not have any restrictions RE flooring. 

I will check out the acoustic overlay. 

And ofcourse, I remove my shoes in doors... I am not a savage.