One of the most common culprits of unwanted noise is right under our feet: our floors. Engineered wood flooring has surged in popularity for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendly qualities. But did you know that this type of flooring can also be tailored to help keep your home quieter?
In this article, we’ll explore why engineered wood floors are ideal for soundproofing, look at the best acoustic solutions for flooring, and share insider tips to ensure your soundproof engineered wood flooring retains its function over time.
Why Engineered Wood Floors Are Best For Quiet Seekers
Engineered wood flooring is built to balance beauty, durability, and acoustic comfort. By layering hardwood veneers over a stable core, these floors gain exceptional dimensional stability. Compared to materials like laminate or tile, which can sound hollow or generate echoes, engineered wood inherently absorbs and diffuses noise.
At Lux and Beyond, we provide engineered wood floors from Foglie d’Oro, a luxury engineered wood flooring brand with over five decades of Italian woodworking heritage. Every plank is crafted from the finest sustainably sourced raw materials. Expert artisans transform hand-selected American Walnut, European Walnut, and European Oak into exquisite planks, chevrons, and herringbones, each meticulously designed and finished to bring out the wood’s natural character.
The result is a floor that not only enhances the look and feel of any space, but also contributes to a quieter, more serene home environment.
Top Soundproofing Solutions To Ensure Quiet Engineered Wood Flooring
When it comes to creating quiet engineered wood flooring, you have a few key approaches at your disposal. By mixing and matching different solutions, you can fine-tune the level of sound reduction you need.
Underlayment Materials
Underlayment is a material layer installed between your subfloor and your engineered wood planks, and it can dramatically reduce both impact and airborne noise. Popular underlayments include:
Plywood substrate: A plywood substrate helps control noise in engineered wood flooring by absorbing impact sounds like footsteps and reducing sound transmission. Its dense structure provides a stable base and enhances acoustic performance, especially when paired with sound-insulating underlayments like cork, foam, or rubber.
Cork: Natural cork underlayment is eco-friendly, resilient, and excellent at absorbing sound. It is also compressible and provides a comfortable cushion underfoot while minimising the transfer of noise.
Foam: Foam underlayments are lightweight, easy to install, and effective at dampening a wide range of noises. They also tend to come with added moisture barriers, making them suited for places where dampness may be present.
Rubber: A rubber underlayment is best suited for high-traffic areas due to its resilience and sound-absorbing properties. It can be especially useful in multi-storey homes, as its dense, flexible nature helps absorb vibration and lower noise transmission.
Floating Floor Installation
Instead of nailing planks directly to the subfloor, a floating floor relies on interlocking boards that “float” over the underlayment and subfloor. This reduces the direct points of contact that can cause vibrations and creaks.
Additionally, a floating floor makes future maintenance or replacement simpler. If you need to access something underneath the floor, like repairing a pipe or adding extra soundproofing, it’s often easier to lift up and re-lay a floating floor than one that’s been permanently affixed.
Acoustic Mats and Pads
These mats are specially designed for noise reduction, featuring dense materials that help break up and disperse sound waves. Some acoustic mats can be layered over standard underlayment, providing a two-tiered approach to noise reduction.
Installation Best Practices to Prevent Noise
Choosing the right materials is crucial, but how you install them can make all the difference. Even top-notch acoustic solutions won’t perform at their best if the installation isn’t done properly.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Start with a Smooth, Level Subfloor: Before you lay down any underlayment or flooring, ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Uneven surfaces can cause planks to flex, rub, or creak, eventually leading to noise issues.
Maintain Proper Expansion Gaps: Engineered wood expands and contracts slightly with changes in humidity and temperature. Ensuring the proper gap along the edges of the room prevents planks from pressing against walls and creating noise.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use a sealant to fill any gaps, cracks, or holes in the subfloor or around the edges of the flooring. This prevents airborne noise from passing through these openings
DIY Soundproofing vs. Professional Installation
While there is an undeniable sense of pride that comes with tackling a flooring project on your own, investing in a professional installation can save you from headaches, guesswork, and time consuming trial and error.
Factors | DIY Installation | Professional Installation |
Expertise Level | Requires research and learning from scratch. | In-depth knowledge of materials, techniques, and best practices. |
Time Commitment | May take several weeks to complete. | Completed efficiently in a short amount of time depending on the project. |
Acoustic Performance | May be inconsistent or not up to expectations due to inadequate skill level or poor product choices. | High-quality results with optimal noise reduction. |
Risk of Errors | Higher risk of making mistakes, leading to costly fixes, damage, or noise issues. | Minimal risk as professionals know how to prevent and address common problems. |
Long-Term Maintenance | Potential for more frequent maintenance and adjustments. | Fewer issues down the road, due to the professionalism and knowledge of those performing the installation. |
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Quiet Floors
Once you’ve achieved that blissfully quiet engineered wood flooring, you’ll want to keep it that way. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your floors but also helps maintain their acoustic properties.
Keep Them Dry: Moisture is the enemy of wood flooring. Too much moisture can cause planks to swell and distort, leading to creaks over time. Clean up spills promptly and maintain a stable indoor humidity level to prevent moisture-related issues.
Regular Cleaning: Dust, dirt, and debris can work their way between floorboards, causing friction and even subtle noises. Sweep or vacuum regularly and use a damp mop (not a soaking wet one) to keep your floors looking pristine. Gentle cleaners designed for wood floors help avoid residue that can make planks stick or squeak.
Address Loose Planks Promptly: If you notice a plank shifting or hear a sudden creak in a well-used area, don’t ignore it. Checking for loose boards and refastening them if needed can prevent minor issues from escalating into big noise problems.
Add Protective Pads Under Furniture: Heavy furniture, chairs that get dragged across the floor, or even a favourite rocking chair can all contribute to noise. Invest in felt pads or rubber caps for chair and table legs. They’re a simple way to protect both your flooring and your peace and quiet.
Are You Interested In A Quiet, Comfortable Home?
A quiet, comfortable home isn’t just about walls and windows; it often starts with what’s beneath your feet. By choosing engineered wood flooring from Foglie d’Oro and taking advantage of modern soundproofing techniques, you can create a serene environment that enhances your day-to-day life.
Get in touch with us at Lux and Beyond to get Foglie d’Oro woof flooring and learn more about creating a soundproof home!
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