Is your home feeling a bit too loud? Whether it's the echoes of conversation, the clatter of dropped toys, or the sound of footsteps from a floor above, noise pollution in our homes can be a real problem. 

 

The good news is that your flooring can be a key part of the solution. By choosing the best noise reducing flooring, you can create a quieter, more peaceful, and comfortable living environment. At Flooring Attic, we have products that help you reduce noise and find your peace and quiet.

 

 

How Flooring Reduces Noise: A Look at the Science

 

When we talk about noise reduction in flooring, we're dealing with two main types of sound:

 

• Airborne Noise: This is the sound that travels through the air, like voices, music, or a TV.
• Impact Noise: This is the sound of an object hitting the floor, like footsteps, a dropped pot, or a chair being moved.

 

The key to reducing noise is using materials that absorb sound rather than reflecting it. This is why hard, dense surfaces like tile or concrete are so loud, while soft, fibrous materials like carpet are so quiet.

 

The Best Flooring for Noise Reduction

 

Carpet: The Unbeatable Sound Absorber

 

• Why it works:Carpet, with its soft fibers and cushioned padding, is the hands-down winner for noise reduction. It absorbs both airborne and impact noise, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, nurseries, and multi-level homes. The thicker and denser the carpet, the better the sound absorption.
• Ideal for: Any room where quiet is a top priority.
• Tips: A thick carpet pad underneath can dramatically increase the sound-dampening qualities.

 

Cork Flooring: A Natural Solution

 

• Why it works: Cork's cellular structure makes it a natural sound absorber and vibration dampener. It's an excellent choice for reducing both impact and airborne noise. It also has the added benefit of being a soft, comfortable, and eco-friendly floor.
• Ideal for: Home offices, libraries, and any room where you want a quiet, natural hard surface.

 

Luxury Vinyl with Attached Underlayment (WPC & SPC):

 

• Why it works: While traditional vinyl can be loud, modern luxury vinyl with a rigid core (like WPC and SPC) and a pre-attached cork or foam underlayment is a great solution. The underlayment acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact of footsteps and reducing noise.
• Ideal for: Kitchens, living rooms, or basements where you want a durable, waterproof hard surface but still need good noise reduction.

 

The Unsung Hero of Quiet Floors is Underlayment

 

For hard surfaces like laminate or engineered hardwood, the underlayment is arguably the most important factor for noise reduction.

 

• Acoustic Underlayment: This is a specialized underlayment designed to absorb sound.
• Materials: Cork and felt are two of the best materials for acoustic underlayment, as they are naturally good at dampening sound and vibration.
• Function: A good underlayment not only reduces the sound of footsteps but also prevents the flooring from sounding hollow.

 

Practical Tips to Keep Your Home Quiet

 

• Area Rugs: Even if you have a hard surface floor, a few well-placed area rugs can make a huge difference in reducing noise and echoes.
• Heavy Furniture: Upholstered furniture and heavy drapery also absorb sound, helping to create a quieter environment.
• Proper Installation: A properly installed floor, especially one with a good underlayment, will be much quieter than a poorly installed one with gaps or squeaks.

 

Enjoy Soft, Noise-Free Spaces with the Right Floors from Flooring Attic in Buford, GA

 

Choosing noise reducing flooring is a key part of creating a peaceful and comfortable home. While carpet is the clear winner, modern options like luxury vinyl with an attached underlayment and hard surfaces with a quality acoustic underlayment are excellent choices that provide both durability and quiet.

 

Call or visit Flooring Attic in Buford, GA, to explore our wide range of flooring products designed for noise reduction. We're a Top 10 Flooring Retailer in the United States and a premier flooring supplier for new homes throughout the Southeast. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect flooring to create a quieter, more tranquil space in your home.