How to Tell If Your Floor Needs Acoustic Underlay

Apr 7, 2026

Written by our acoustic insulation specialist — 15+ years experience. About our experts.

Not every floor needs acoustic underlay — but many do. Here is how to assess whether your floor would benefit from acoustic treatment.

Signs Your Floor Needs Acoustic Underlay

  • You can clearly hear footsteps from above (impact noise)
  • People below complain about noise from your floor
  • You are installing a new hard floor finish over concrete or screed
  • You are converting a house to flats (Part E compliance required)
  • The existing floor feels hollow or resonant when you walk on it
  • You are in a flat — any multi-storey residential building benefits from acoustic underlay

Simple Self-Test

Stand in the room and stamp your foot firmly. If someone below can hear it clearly, you have a significant impact noise problem. Walk normally — if footsteps are audible, acoustic underlay will help. Drop a book on the floor — if the impact is clearly audible from below, acoustic treatment is worthwhile.

What to Do Next

For most situations: start with our 6mm rubber underlay (74dB) — it is the best all-round product for first-time acoustic treatment. For compliance requirements: 12mm acoustic flooring system. Contact our team if you are unsure.

Browse our acoustic underlay range or contact our experts for a free recommendation.
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