• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • Sponsored Insights
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Flooring InstallationResidential FlooringHardwood FlooringSpecialty FlooringFlooring Accessories

Acoustic Underlayment: More than Just "Padding"

By Duane Reimer
newproducts.jpg
April 4, 2012
In high-rise apartments, lofts and condos, as well as private homes, having things quiet between floors is almost as important as large closets.



In high-rise apartment buildings, multi-story condos and converted lofts, as well as in private homes, having things quiet between floors is almost as important as large closets.

Under floating wood and laminate, glue-down and nail-down solid and engineered wood, luxury vinyl tile and ceramic tile flooring, a well-matched, high-performing acoustic floor underlayment can noticeably improve sound control between dwellings or floors.

Acoustic underlayment can address both airborne noise, which travels through floor/ceiling assemblies and walls, and structure-borne noise, which travels through the building itself.

Airborne noise results from speech, music, TV, etc., and travels through the atmosphere, while structure-borne noise is caused by impact sounds from walking, fallen objects, or the moving of chairs or other furniture in the unit above.

Quality acoustic underlayment is widely available, and is made from fiber, cork, rubber and other materials. Sound-handling properties differ among types and among options within types.

   There are a number of underlayments currently available, each boasting features specifically engineered to enhance sound performance in the type of floor for which it is marketed. For example, a fiber acoustic underlayment designed for laminate flooring not only can provide good sound absorption but can also help make laminate floors sound more like real wood. A fiber acoustic underlayment designed for under ceramic tile may include crack suppressing capabilities.

Know the Numbers

There are two popular, widely accepted tests recognized by the International Building Code, both performed in a controlled laboratory environment, for sound that travels from one living area down to another: Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC).

IIC tests the ability of a particular floor/ceiling assembly to block impact sound by measuring the resistance to the transmission of impact noise or structure-borne noise.

The typical range for an IIC rating is a single number between 20 and 80; the higher the number, the better the sound attenuation performance. The International Building Code minimum standards for multi-family dwellings are 50 for new construction, tested in a controlled laboratory environment.

Condominiums and high-rises commonly require an IIC rating of 50 as well. Field tests for the same properties may be conducted in an actual building after the floor installation is completed. The UBC calls for a rating of at least 45 in these tests.

However, that performance does not necessarily satisfy tenants, who are likely to still notice and complain about footfall noise. Products that, in a floor-ceiling assembly, can achieve a higher score – say 60 or even 70-plus – would buffet sound transmission that much more effectively.

The STC test rates the ability of a specific construction assembly (e.g. floor, window, door) to reduce airborne sounds, such as from voices, stereo systems, and TVs. The higher the number, the higher the resistance.

When comparing underlayment for acoustic performance, another way to compare is to evaluate product certifications, which can be addressed in any of three ways. First-party certification is self-certification by the manufacturer. Second-party certification typically involves assessment by a trade organization. Third-party certification is conducted by an independent, unbiased laboratory and is generally the most rigorous.

Beyond performance, there are other benefits to consider. There are acoustic underlayments made entirely or substantially from recycled materials and feature a composition that minimizes or eliminates the effects of off-gassing not only during and soon after installation but also throughout the life of the finished floor. Some products incorporate antimicrobials. And under any hard surface finished floor, firm underlayment can provide proper support to prevent premature wear and tear, extending durability and longevity of the installation.

Acoustic underlayment designed for laminate flooring can, in some cases, help smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor and enable the top finish surface to lay flat.

A quality product can also add to the insulation of the flooring assembly, helping keep floors warmer in cold weather and cooler in warm weather. Some feature moisture management systems that wick subfloor or incidental perimeter moisture and disperse it through the pad, with moderate amounts of moisture eventually dissipating over time by evaporation, provided the source of water such as a leak is stopped.  And of course, the additional cushioning underfoot can lessen the strain of each footfall on knee and hip joints, a good selling point for any family with baby boomers or their elders.

When selling quality flooring, talking to customers about the benefits of acoustic underlayment can be quite a sound investment.
KEYWORDS: underlayment

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Duane Reimer is the technical director at MP Global Products, an innovator and leader in the manufacture of third-party certified eco-friendly quality acoustic floor underlayments. For information visit www.quietwalk.com 888-379-9695.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Installation How-To
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Residential Flooring
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

SolidTech R: Sustainable, High-Performance Flooring from Bottle to Floor

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the FLOOR Trends & Installation audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of FLOOR Trends & Installation or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Woodura Herringbone 2.0
    Sponsored byBjelin

    The Herringbone Floor of the Future

Popular Stories

Woodura Herringbone 2.0

The Herringbone Floor of the Future

company branding

Branding and Marketing Strategies for Flooring Contractors

Three individuals, a man and two women, discussing flooring options while reviewing samples.

Humans in the Loop: Why AI in Your Flooring Business Still Needs You


Download the Free Moisture Meters Guide

Events

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Growth Challenges in the Flooring Industry

What’s holding you back from growth in 2025?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Related Articles

  • : Underlayment for Hard-Surface Flooring Grows Up

    Underlayment for Hard-Surface Flooring Grows Up

    See More
  • Guest_Feature

    Guest Column: Recycled Rubber: More Than Just a Fitness Floor

    See More
  • tile underlayment

    Quality Acoustic Underlayment: A Worthwhile Win-Win Upsell for Customers and Sales Personnel

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 0-7643-2200-1.jpg

    Decorating with Concrete: Indoors: Fireplaces, Floors, Countertops, & More

  • floordesign.jpg

    Floor Design

  • interior design.jpg

    On Interior Design

See More Products

Related Directories

  • PG Flooring Inc.

    PG Flooring is a Canadian manufacturer of hardwood floors internationally distributed and conscientiously manufactured with style and care. PG Flooring offers more than 5 000 distinctive products and is renowned for the exceptional quality of its products and a solid reputation backed by more than 45 years of experience.
  • Pioneer Millworks

    More than 50 sustainable & reclaimed wood flooring, paneling, siding, and decking options from — all crafted in the United States from our eco-friendly mills in NY & OR. Options for unfinished or pre-finished in solid or engineered, most FSC-Certified. UL GREENGAURD Gold finishes available.
  • Ambient Floors

    Ambient Floors is the premier sustainable flooring brand in the market, since 2005. We specialize in bamboo, cork, and engineered hardwood flooring. Ambient carries the web's largest selection of bamboo flooring and trim and ships direct globally. Over 30 colors and finishes, and a multitude of trim and stair pieces, including installation materials.
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
    • Sponsored Insights
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP