How to Make Insulated Flooring That You Can't Hear Upstairs

Repair loose floorboards to reduce the sound of squeaks and creaks resulting from wood rubbing against wood as occupants move around in the upstairs rooms. This a common issue, particularly in older homes, but you can correct it by nailing the loose floorboards to the underlying joists. For hardwood floors, Chris Lemke Lumber recommends sinking cement-covered flooring nails between the floorboards to separate them and prevent squeaking.

Replace or install foam-backed carpeting to the upstairs rooms to insulate the sound of footsteps or the movement of furniture. This creates a buffer to absorb and soften sounds.

Place casters or carpet squares under the legs of furniture to reduce the noise when they are moved. For larger furniture, scatter rugs or braided rugs make an effective alternative -- particularly if installing wall-to-wall carpeting is not a choice.