Soundproof Underlay Comparison — Which Is Best for Your Floor?
Choosing the right soundproof underlay comes down to three things: your noise problem, your substrate, and your floor height budget. This head-to-head comparison breaks down the key products in our range, with real performance data and specific recommendations by use case.
The Contenders
We compare four core products across critical performance metrics:
- 6mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay
- 3mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay
- Cork & Rubber Composite Underlay
- 12mm Acoustic Flooring System
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Metric | 6mm Rubber | 3mm Rubber | Cork-Rubber | 12mm System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6mm | 3mm | 3–5mm | 12mm |
| Impact Reduction (ΔLw) | 74 dB | 54 dB | ~55–60 dB | 30 dB* |
| Airborne Reduction | High | Moderate | Moderate-High | 58 dB |
| Part E Compatible | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| UFH Compatible | Check TOG | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Check spec |
| Under Screed | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best Substrate | Concrete/screed | Concrete/timber | All floors | Concrete/timber |
| Material | Recycled rubber | Recycled rubber | Cork + rubber | Multi-layer composite |
*The 12mm system impact figure reflects the system's specification for use in composite assemblies; standalone ΔLw values vary by configuration.
Deep Dive: Each Product
6mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay — Best for Maximum Impact Noise Reduction
The 6mm Rubber Underlay is our most popular product and the UK market leader for residential acoustic flooring. At 74 dB ΔLw, it outperforms every comparable product at this thickness. Made from recycled rubber granulate, it is both high-performance and environmentally responsible.
Why choose it: You need the highest possible impact noise reduction, you're laying under screed or a floating floor on concrete, and you need Part E compliance documentation.
Limitations: Adds 6mm to floor height. Not suitable under some UFH systems without checking TOG values. Not the right choice if you need very thin profile.
3mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay — Best for Height-Restricted Rooms
The 3mm Recycled Rubber Underlay delivers 54 dB ΔLw in a 3mm profile. For rooms where door heights, adjacent floor levels, or staircase constraints limit the amount of floor raise permissible, this is the professional's choice.
Why choose it: Height restrictions exist, you want acoustic performance without significant floor raise, or you need UFH compatibility with minimal TOG increase.
Limitations: Lower ΔLw than 6mm. Cannot be used under screed.
Cork & Rubber Composite Underlay — Best Natural Option
The Cork & Rubber Composite provides a natural alternative to pure rubber underlay. Cork is a sustainable, naturally resilient material that provides good acoustic and thermal insulation. Combined with rubber, it achieves performance comparable to our 3mm rubber at similar thickness.
Why choose it: You want a natural material, need good thermal insulation alongside acoustic performance, or are installing over UFH where low TOG is beneficial.
Limitations: Cork can be sensitive to moisture. Not rated for under-screed use.
12mm Acoustic Flooring System — Best for Full Part E Compliance
The 12mm Acoustic Flooring System is a multi-layer engineered system delivering 30 dB impact reduction and 58 dB airborne sound reduction. This is the product specified when nothing less than full regulatory compliance will do — for flat conversions, change of use projects, and developments subject to Pre-Completion Testing.
Why choose it: Part E compliance is mandatory, you're working on a flat conversion or new-build separating floor, or you face significant airborne noise challenges in addition to impact noise.
Limitations: Adds 12mm floor height — significant at thresholds and adjacent to existing floors. Higher cost than single-layer underlays.
Recommendations by Use Case
Flat Conversion — Part E Separating Floor
✅ Use: 12mm Acoustic Flooring System
Delivers the highest combined impact and airborne performance. Required for Pre-Completion Testing submissions.
Top-Floor Flat — Reducing Noise to Neighbour Below
✅ Use: 6mm Recycled Rubber (74 dB ΔLw)
Maximum impact attenuation. Your neighbour below will notice the difference immediately.
Laminate or LVT Renovation
✅ Use: 3mm Recycled Rubber or Cork Rubber Composite
Thin profile, compatible with click-lock floor systems, UFH-compatible.
Screed Application — New Build or Refurb
✅ Use: 6mm Recycled Rubber (rated for under-screed use)
Withstands alkaline screed environment and compressive loads during screeding.
Timber Joist Floor — Victorian or Edwardian Property
✅ Use: SilentMat 15mm or 12mm Acoustic System plus ceiling treatment
Timber floors require mass added to the deck and resilient isolation. Consider also a resilient ceiling solution for maximum performance.
Which Is the Best Acoustic Underlay in the UK?
There is no single "best" — it depends on your project. But as a rule of thumb:
- Maximum impact noise reduction: 6mm Recycled Rubber (74 dB ΔLw)
- Thin profile + good acoustic performance: 3mm Recycled Rubber (54 dB ΔLw)
- Natural + thermal + acoustic: Cork Rubber Composite
- Full Part E compliance: 12mm Acoustic Flooring System
Browse the full acoustic underlay collection or go straight to our #1 best seller.