Soundproofing wood floors can be done through various methods, depending on your budget, the extent of sound reduction you desire, and whether you’re dealing with impact noise (like footsteps) or airborne noise (like voices or music). Here are some effective methods you can consider.
Underlayment
Install a soundproofing underlayment beneath the wood flooring. There are specific underlayments designed to reduce impact noise by absorbing and dampening vibrations. Look for materials like cork or rubber, which are excellent for sound absorption. Depending on the thickness and material used, underlayment can typically reduce impact noise by 20 to 25 dB.
Acoustic Underlayment
Opt for an underlayment specifically designed for soundproofing. These underlayments often have multiple layers, including foam, rubber, or cork, which can significantly reduce both impact and airborne noise. Similar to regular underlayment, around 20 to 25 dB (impact noise)
Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is a dense, flexible material that is highly effective at blocking sound transmission. Install it under the flooring or sandwiched between layers of the subflooring to reduce both impact and airborne noise. MLV can provide significant noise reduction, often ranging from 15 to 30 dB or more, depending on the thickness and installation method.
Area Rugs and Carpets
Adding thick area rugs or carpets on top of the wood flooring can help absorb sound and reduce noise transmission. Choose rugs with dense fibers and use rug pads underneath for additional soundproofing. 5 to 10 dB (airborne noise)
Resilient Channels
If you have access to the floor joists from below, you can install resilient channels between the joists and the subfloor. These channels help isolate the floor from the joists, reducing the transmission of impact noise. 6 to 10 dB (impact noise)
Floating Floors
Consider installing a floating floor system, where the wood flooring is not directly attached to the subfloor but rather sits on top of a layer of underlayment. This can help isolate the flooring from the subfloor, reducing noise transmission. 15 to 25 dB (both impact and airborne noise)
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Ensure that there are no gaps or cracks in the floor where sound can easily travel through. Use acoustic sealant to seal any openings around baseboards, vents, or other penetrations. 5 to 10 dB (depending on the extent of sealing)
Add Mass
Increasing the mass of the floor can help reduce noise transmission. You can achieve this by adding additional layers of plywood or OSB to the subfloor before installing the wood flooring. Approximately 5 to 10 dB
