What is the best acoustic underlay UK?

Acoustic underlays are rolls of material manufactured to serve two main functions in modern buildings. These are: a) to reduce sound transmission and b) increase sound quality, with other benefits being secondary, but definitely present. Music, voices and even dropped objects are dampened both within the walls of the room and beyond. A soundproof underlay is a welcome addition in a house with multiple occupants, and often the main contributor to passing building regulations for multi-flat complexes.

But acoustic underlays do not all come in the same quality – there is a wide range of compatibility, effectiveness and convenience criteria to consider first.

What makes an acoustic underlay good?

The primary function of an acoustic underlay is, of course, how much it’s able to reduce sound transmission. But many homeowners need something more than this suppression, which is why our underlay range hits the following requirements:

• Low dB rating – A dB rating is the metric used to determine how loud sounds are to humans. For example, busy street traffic would be 80dB, whereas 0dB is not audible at all. The rating applied to underlayments often appears with a minus (-36dB), to signify how much sound is reduced.
• Airborne noise vs impact noise – The dB rating is often split between airborne noise, which is sound waves emitted through the air (voices, music, TV, radio, etc.), and impact noise, which is the sound of things “hitting”, or pressing against the floor.
• Subfloor levelling – Uneven screeds or minor dips can be felt through thin floor finishes when walking barefoot and this can also cause some noise issues. Some underlays are made with levelling in mind to help here.
• Heavy-traffic durability and load support – Commercial or multi-unit developments may need underlays that will not crush and become ineffective due to repeated or point loads. You can find heavy duty acoustic underlays too.
• Underfloor heating system compatibility – Tog rating is the measure of how much thermal insulation material gives, and a lower tog rating means better performance for underfloor heating systems.
• Environmental and health credentials – Many homes are making the transition to green living by using recycled content with low volatile organic compounds, which is also degradable/recyclable. Examples include cork, recycled rubber or bio-based foams.

What are the best acoustic underlays for my flooring?

QA Flooring has a high-quality acoustic underlay for every purpose within a home or commercial space. See below for a breakdown, split up between flooring types on top.

What are the best LVT/laminate acoustic underlays? 

Both LVT and laminate flooring share the same types of underlay, more often than not. The best of our range is:

• SoundBarrier – Designed specifically to give among the highest impact noise reduction for homes and light-commercial spaces. Their 24dB reduction in impact noise is steep, making footfalls or chair movements nearly mute. Furthermore, SoundBarrier has an integrated film that prevents moisture ingress, making it perfect for concrete floors. This product is easy to install via its self-adhesive lap film on the edges. No other underlay that targets these specific needs combines the long-term resilience of a closed-cell foam with a bonded moisture-guard film.
• Quiet roll universal – The Quiet Roll Universal has been designed to deliver natural, sustainable acoustic performance (20dB for impact and 52dB for airborne noise) to click-lock and glue-down hard flooring. With a 2mm ultra-thin profile, it makes it great for builds where floor height is constrained. It is also created to enhance moisture resistance, creating a healthier living space for occupants.

What are the best acoustic underlays for hardwood/engineered wood?

Wood floor types are some of the most common and sophisticated in the UK. Despite this, here are QA’s best acoustic underlays:

• Regupol Sonus 4515 Multi (4.5mm) – This entry offers the highest levels of durability and noise reduction through its three-layer composite, shrugging off heavy footfalls and retaining consistency under load points. It offers an impact sound reduction of 28dB in timber joint assemblies, and reduces airborne noise by 58dB. Supports engineered planks up to 20mm and solid hardwood floors up to 15mm, with an eco version being available for ecologically minded buyers.

What are the best acoustic carpet underlays for domestic and luxury installations?

If you like being spoiled for choice, then our carpet underlays section will have high-performing options for every need. That being said, our most premium options are:

• Combifelt Acoustic (10mm felt-rubber composite) – Our combifelt acoustic carpet underlay is not only environmentally friendly, but provides plush comfort and strong noise control (30 dB). Our 10mm needle-punched wool felt is loved for its natural resilience and high humidity regulations, and its bonded recycled rubber is durable against foot traffic. With our combifelt acoustic underlay, your plush carpets will remain fresh for longer.
• PowerWalk Gold – Our PowerWalk Gold is a gold standard amongst acoustic carpet underlays, giving you impressive soundproofing performance alongside high thermal insulation (2.92 tog rating) and carpet stability. This 100% recyclable PU foam is perfect for busy domestic areas or light commercial spaces. The 11mm closed cell polyurethane foam has 130 kg/m³ density, and has an impressive impact noise reduction of 44 dB.

What acoustic underlays are strongest for high foot traffic areas? 

When you have high traffic areas where you also need a degree of acoustic insulation, we have specially made underlays for these specific purposes:

• Regupol Sonus 3912 (6mm) – Another entry in the Regupol Sonus series. Provides low-build acoustic underlays for refurbishment and timber-based constructions. They comply with Part E of the UK Building Regulations whilst offering long-term resilience.
• QBond 65 – QBond delivers heavy-duty acoustic underlay for fully-adhered commercial carpets, also known as “double-stick”. Often used for schools, offices and hospitality venues. The crumb-rubber layer is made from end-of-life tyres, and is bonded with a minimal PU binder, whilst the mesh backing ensures dimensional stability and simplified adhesive installations.

Conclusion

Overall, at QA Flooring, we have acoustic underlays for every need and flooring type. For more information, compare our acoustic range today.