Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability and durability, but it can sometimes be noisy underfoot. Selecting the right underlayment is crucial for reducing noise transmission and creating a quieter, more comfortable living space. Investing in a quality, quiet underlayment significantly enhances the overall laminate flooring experience.
Best Quietest Laminate Flooring
Choosing the correct underlayment can make a significant difference in how laminate flooring sounds and feels. Here are some top options designed to minimize noise and maximize comfort.
QuietWalk Laminate Underlayment (200 sq. ft Roll)
- ✔ Use with Laminate and Floating Wood Floors. Approved for floors with a pre-attached pad.
- ✔ Superior Sound Reduction ‐ Recycled fibers absorb sound and keep it from traveling to other rooms. Makes click-together floating floors sound solid underfoot.
- ✔ Compression Resistant ‐ Dense intertwined structure supports the seams of your floor and won't compress under consistent foot traffic.
- ✔ Moisture Protection ‐ Unique Dri-Wick technology allows concrete subfloors to breathe, preventing moisture vapor emissions from becoming trapped. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from damage. Also for use over wood subfloors.
- ✔ Certified Clean and Safe Indoor Air Quality ‐ No VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) or off-gassing from materials.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The QuietWalk Laminate Underlayment (200 sq. ft) is designed to significantly reduce noise transfer, making it a strong contender in the quiet underlayment category. Many users report a noticeable reduction in noise and appreciate that it eliminates the "plastic" or "creaking" sounds often associated with laminate floors. Besides noise reduction, this underlayment offers compression resistance, ensuring seams are well-supported. While it does not have specific quantified noise reduction ratings, it's generally considered effective for sound dampening. This product is ideal for those seeking a reliable and effective sound barrier for their laminate or floating wood floors.
QuietWalk Laminate Underlayment (100 sq. ft Roll)
- ✔ Use with Laminate and Floating Wood Floors. Approved for floors with a pre-attached pad.
- ✔ Superior Sound Reduction ‐ Recycled fibers absorb sound and keep it from traveling to other rooms. Makes click-together floating floors sound solid underfoot.
- ✔ Compression Resistant ‐ Dense intertwined structure supports the seams of your floor and won't compress under consistent foot traffic.
- ✔ Moisture Protection ‐ Unique Dri-Wick technology allows concrete subfloors to breathe, preventing moisture vapor emissions from becoming trapped. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors from damage. Also for use over wood subfloors.
- ✔ Certified Clean and Safe Indoor Air Quality ‐ No VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) or off-gassing from materials.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The QuietWalk Laminate Underlayment (100 sq. ft Roll) is widely praised for its sound-dampening capabilities, significantly reducing noise and eliminating crunching sounds, even quieting existing subfloor creaks. This underlayment provides both comfort and noise reduction, making it a popular choice among customers. The material's composition helps minimize sound transmission, creating a quieter environment compared to standard underlayments. Although some users wish it were thicker, its overall performance and value are generally considered excellent. This underlayment is a solid choice for those looking for an effective sound barrier at a reasonable price.
FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment (200 sq.ft Roll)
- ROLL SIZE - 200 sq. ft.
- MOISTURE PROTECTION - Protect your floors from harmful subfloor moisture with built-in moisture blocking film. No additional films required!
- STANDARD SOUND ABSORPTION - Helps quiet sounds from foot traffic. Reduces noise in today’s active households & minimizes the hollow sound associated with floating floors.
- USE - For laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood floor systems.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Easy to roll out and connect seams with included tape.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The FLOORLOT BlueStep Underlayment provides standard sound absorption, helping to quiet foot traffic noise and minimize the hollow sound typically associated with floating floors. While it may not offer the highest level of noise reduction compared to specialized soundproofing underlayments, it is still reported by many users to effectively mute laminate flooring noise. Its cushioning and ease of installation make it a popular choice. The product offers a good balance of noise reduction, comfort, and affordability, making it a worthwhile option for many laminate flooring installations.
How to Choose the Quietest Laminate Flooring for Your Home
Laminate flooring offers an affordable and durable alternative to hardwood, but noise concerns often give homeowners pause. The good news is that with the right selection and installation, laminate flooring can be surprisingly quiet underfoot.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand what affects laminate flooring noise and how to choose the quietest options for your home.
What Makes Laminate Flooring Noisy?
Laminate flooring can create two main types of noise: impact noise (footsteps, dropped items) and acoustic noise (hollow sounds, echoes).
Several factors contribute to noisy laminate:
- Low-density core materials that allow more vibration
- Poor installation with inadequate expansion gaps
- Lack of proper underlayment
- Uneven subfloors creating movement and friction
- Low-quality click-lock systems that create gaps and movement
How to Make Laminate Flooring Quieter
Reducing laminate noise comes down to several key strategies:
- Quality underlayment with sound-absorbing properties
- Higher-density laminate boards (thicker usually means quieter)
- Premium attached backing on laminate planks
- Proper installation techniques
- Addressing subfloor issues before installation
Understanding Laminate Flooring Noise Levels
Noise measurements for flooring typically use two ratings:
IIC (Impact Insulation Class): Measures how well flooring reduces impact noise between floors. Higher numbers are better, with 50+ considered good performance.
STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how well flooring blocks airborne sound transmission. Again, higher is better, with 50+ indicating good sound isolation.
The average laminate flooring without specialized underlayment typically has an IIC rating between 30-45, making footsteps quite audible.
Premium noise-reducing systems can achieve IIC ratings of 65+, significantly minimizing impact noise transfer.
Key Features to Look for in Quiet Laminate Flooring
Density and Thickness
Higher-density laminate cores transmit less sound. Look for products with a density rating of at least 850 kg/m³.
Thicker laminate (10-12mm) generally performs better acoustically than thinner options (7-8mm).
Attached Underlayment
Many premium laminates come with pre-attached cork or foam underlayment. These integrated solutions provide reliable noise reduction.
Pre-attached underlayment ensures consistent sound performance across the entire floor.
Quality Locking System
Advanced click-lock systems create tighter seams between planks, reducing movement and associated noise.
Look for terms like "precision-engineered locking system" or "tight-lock technology" when shopping.
Sound-Reducing Underlayment
If your laminate doesn't include attached underlayment, invest in a quality sound-reducing option:
- Cork underlayment (natural sound absorption)
- Foam/rubber composite underlayment (excellent impact reduction)
- Felt underlayment (good all-around sound dampening)
Look for underlayment with specified IIC and STC ratings when possible.
How to Choose the Right Quiet Laminate for Your Needs
Consider Your Building Structure
Multi-story homes or apartments require greater sound insulation than single-story structures.
Concrete subfloors naturally dampen sound better than wood subfloors.
Evaluate Room Usage
High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms benefit most from premium sound-reducing options.
Bedrooms and studies may prioritize acoustic comfort more than other spaces.
Moisture Considerations
If installing in bathrooms or basements, ensure your sound-reducing underlayment is also moisture-resistant.
Some cork and rubber options offer both sound reduction and moisture protection.
Aesthetic Requirements
Thicker, quieter laminates often have more realistic textures and appearances.
Consider the visual impact of thicker profiles at doorways and transitions.
Installation Tips to Minimize Laminate Flooring Noise
Proper Subfloor Preparation
Ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and free of debris before installation.
Fill any gaps, cracks, or uneven areas that could create movement.
Expansion Gaps
Maintain proper expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room (typically 1/4" to 3/8").
Insufficient gaps can cause buckling and noise as the floor expands and contracts.
Underlayment Installation
Lay underlayment with seams butted tightly together but not overlapping.
Use tape designed specifically for underlayment seams to create a continuous sound barrier.
Floating Floor Best Practices
Never attach laminate to the subfloor with nails, screws, or adhesives.
Respect the floating nature of the floor system to allow for natural movement.
Transitions and Thresholds
Install proper transition pieces between rooms and flooring types.
Secure thresholds firmly to prevent movement and noise.
Price Considerations and Value Assessment
Price Ranges for Quiet Laminate Flooring
Entry-level laminate flooring: $0.70-$1.50 per square foot (minimal sound reduction)
Mid-range laminate with basic noise reduction: $1.50-$3.00 per square foot
Premium quiet laminate systems: $3.00-$5.00+ per square foot (significant noise reduction)
Underlayment Costs
Basic foam underlayment: $0.20-$0.50 per square foot
Mid-range sound-reducing options: $0.50-$1.00 per square foot
Premium acoustic underlayment: $1.00-$2.50+ per square foot
Value Considerations
The quietest options typically offer better durability and appearance along with noise reduction.
Long-term satisfaction often justifies the higher initial investment in premium quiet laminate.
Consider the cost of potential remediation if you choose a noisy option initially.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Quiet Laminate Flooring
Investing in quiet laminate flooring creates a more peaceful home environment and can even increase property value.
The combination of quality laminate, proper underlayment, and correct installation is essential for minimizing noise.
Remember that addressing noise concerns before installation is always easier and more cost-effective than fixing noise problems after the floor is in place.
By focusing on density, thickness, underlayment quality, and proper installation techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of laminate flooring without the unwanted noise.