Is upstairs laminated flooring very noisy?

Poppycat

You are more likely to on hear noises if its above normal ie someone who walks like a elephant, moving furniture, drop something or in my kids case when they move around on a computer chair with wheels. Good quality underlay also helps. I like that thick paper compressed paper type board that comes in large tiles rather than the thin green plastic stuff you get

KLB

Phill_1981 wrote: »

... I even hear the upstairs cat running around, opening drawers, opening wardrobes...

It's amazing what our cats get up to when we're out isn't it?!

Phill_1981

KLB wrote: »

It's amazing what our cats get up to when we're out isn't it?!

lol :beer:

Dick_here

Phill_1981 wrote: »

Also, I will add this while I'm here...

...I think people that install laminate in flats (without concrete floors) are either very selfish or very thoughtless. How would you feel if it was the other way round.

We did not install the laminate, it was there when we moved in. Were we selfish or thoughtless not to have removed it though ?

Poppycat

I dont think its selfish to install laminate in a flat on 1st floor say. At most inconsiderate, but sometimes people dont know how bad it may be. TBH it isnt so bad if its in a room where it doesn't get alot of traffic say bathroom, bedrooom etc. The problem lies with a room that doesnt have adequate insulation/underlay etc

weekendwarrior

Poppycat wrote: »

I dont think its selfish to install laminate in a flat on 1st floor say. At most inconsiderate, but sometimes people dont know how bad it may be. TBH it isnt so bad if its in a room where it doesn't get alot of traffic say bathroom, bedrooom etc. The problem lies with a room that doesnt have adequate insulation/underlay etc

Exactly- with the correct underlay it is fine and will be no noisier than carpet!

TimBuckTeeth

Unless you put foam underlay ontop of the laminate it will always be a lot noiser than carpet.
Try dropping a coin on a laminate floor to see how noisy it can be.

Noise can be reduced somewhat by installing it correctly with a good underlay but still could be a nuisance.

ajtrader100

Laminate flooring is a wide market, look for laminates that have a sound reducing underlay attached, 2 of the bigest manufacturers offer this.

Also if you use a fibreboard underlay this will drastically reduce the impact and drum sound (the sound in the room, and the sound in the room below)

Foam underlays are more of a DIY product and in fact do very little to reduce noise.