The Best Floor Underlayment for Noise Reduction With Carpet

Rubber

• Designed in a waffle-like pattern, rubber underlay is laid with the rubber side down and a paper-like covering facing the bottom of the carpet. A thin rubber underlay is least effective in noise reduction, and a thicker product is available to combat noise. A crumb rubber underlay is flat and used for stairs and other surfaces but does not offer sound reduction capabilities. Rubber is available in a variety of thicknesses, and the price escalates with the thickness.

Foam

• Made from recycled materials, the thickness of the foam determines its noise reduction capabilities. Most foam underlay ranges in thickness from 7 mm to 11 mm, and the price increases with the thickness. Foam underlay is the central material in defined “acoustic” underlay. Foam underlay has been known to outlive the carpet placed above and creates a sound barrier for good noise reduction.

Acoustic

• When things drop or heavy footsteps hit a carpet with acoustic underlay the transmission of the noise is greatly reduced. Sounds from voices, televisions or computer games are also muffled when acoustic underlay is used. Sound reduction and sound impact layers comprise acoustic underlay, which consists of a foam core sandwiched between upper and lower sound absorbing layers. The bottom barrier seals noise from penetrating the floor while the upper barrier reduces sound transfer from above and below.

What to Avoid

• Be sure the underlay you purchase is made to be placed under carpeting, as there are other products designed for wood or laminate flooring. Also be sure the underlay you select works with underfloor heating if it is present in your rooms. Buying underlay is usually a part of purchasing carpeting but is priced separately.