Acoustic Underlay for Concrete Floors — Expert Guide

Written by our acoustic insulation specialist — 15+ years experience supplying soundproofing to UK homeowners, developers and contractors. About our experts.

From our acoustic insulation specialist — concrete floors are the most common substrate we specify for.

Acoustic underlay on concrete floors is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make in a flat or apartment.

Why Concrete Floors Transmit Noise

Concrete is rigid — it transmits impact vibration efficiently throughout the structure. A direct hard floor finish on concrete amplifies footstep noise. The acoustic underlay creates a resilient decoupling layer between the floor finish and the concrete, absorbing and dissipating impact energy before it reaches the slab.

Which Underlay for Concrete?

Our 6mm rubber underlay (74dB) is ideal for concrete floors — it has sufficient density to add mass for airborne noise and sufficient resilience to decouple impact vibration from the slab. For compliance-critical projects: 12mm acoustic flooring system.

Concrete Floor Installation Note

Always test for damp before installing — concrete floors can transmit ground moisture. If damp is present, apply a damp proof membrane before the acoustic underlay. Do not lay the underlay directly on damp concrete as this will trap moisture and potentially damage the floor finish above.