Noise can be disruptive to work environments and home living spaces. The good news is that there are ways to soundproof your floors without a major renovation. Soundproofing flooring involves reducing noise in the joists and creating a barrier in the subfloor, as well as choosing a soft finished floor option that can absorb sound.

Two metrics to consider when soundproof flooring soundproofing materials are the STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating and the IIC (Impact Insulation Class). The STC rate measures how much a material is able to reduce airborne noise that can travel between rooms. This includes voices, ringing phones and TV volume. The higher the STC number, the better the material at reducing airborne noise.

Say Goodbye to Noise: The Benefits and Best Soundproof Flooring Options

The IIC rating measures how much a flooring material is able to dampen impact noise, such as footsteps or dropping that really heavy cast-iron pan you’ve been using for generations. Carpet is one of the best at preventing this type of noise and can be made even more effective by adding carpet padding under new flooring. Foam and rubber are excellent options for underlayment that can absorb sound from impact between floors.

Another way to effectively reduce noise between floors is by laying a sheet of soundproofing under laminate or wood flooring. This will significantly reduce both structure and airborne noise and make your home much quieter. The Roberts ProFlex 90 underlayment is a great choice for homeowners because it not only reduces both airborne and structure noise, but also adds cushion to a laminate or wood floor. It is available in a wide variety of widths and colors so that it can be easily coordinated with your existing flooring.