Noise is a crucial consideration in building design especially when sound control is important for overall safety, functionality and comfort.
The type of flooring used in a building can have a big impact on its acoustic properties, noise transmission and reverberation within the space. Architects, builders and facility managers need to understand how different flooring materials affect acoustics.
In this blog we look at the relationship between flooring and noise control, highlighting solutions for different uses, applications and materials.
Table of Contents
Where is Noise Control Important?
How Flooring Materials Affect Acoustics
Common Flooring Types and Their Acoustic Performance
How do Floor Soundproofing Systems work?
Ways to Minimise Noise Transfer and Disturbance
Where is Noise Control Important?
Some facilities demand exceptional noise control due to their unique operational requirements.
Here are examples of spaces where acoustic considerations are key:
1. Gyms and Fitness Centres
Gyms are notoriously noisy and vibrational due to heavy footfall, dropped weights and group classes. Noise management and high impact flooring ensures a pleasant experience for gym users and minimises disturbance to surrounding areas, especially in urban or mixed-use developments.
2. Hospitals
In healthcare environments quietness is essential for patient recovery and focus. Noise reduction in hospitals minimises sound transmission from equipment, staff movement and conversation, for a restful atmosphere.
3. Law Enforcement Facilities
Police stations and law enforcement offices require confidential soundproofing to protect sensitive discussions. Acoustic flooring prevents sound transfer between interrogation rooms, conference areas and surrounding spaces.
4. Dance and Performance Studios
Dance studios need flooring that minimises noise transfer and enhances acoustics for music and performance. Proper sprung flooring also needs to absorb impact noise to protect dancers and performers from injury.
5. Recording Studios
Sound isolation is the foundation of recording studio design. Specialised flooring and wall systems are critical to eliminate external noise interference and internal sound reverberation.
6. Cinemas and Theatres
In these entertainment spaces sound transfer needs to be controlled to prevent disruption between auditoriums and maintain sound quality. High performing wall and floor acoustics are essential for an immersive experience.
How Flooring Materials Affect Acoustics
The type of installed flooring can influence the acoustics of a room, the building and surrounding environment. Here are the different ways that flooring can impact on the sound control of a space:
Key Acoustic Factors
Flooring materials affect two types of noise:
- Impact Noise: Created by objects or footsteps striking the floor, often travelling to lower levels.
- Airborne Noise: Includes sound from voices, music or machinery that can reverberate through a space.
The choice of flooring can either amplify or reduce these noises.
Common Flooring Types and Their Acoustic Performance
Different flooring types react differently to sound. Let's look at the most common flooring materials and their acoustic qualities.
- Carpet and Carpet Tiles: Carpet is good at absorbing airborne noise and impact noise, perfect for office spaces and libraries. Not suitable for high wear and tear or moisture resistant areas.
- Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl is versatile and can be paired with acoustic underlays to improve sound absorption. Popular in healthcare and education facilities due to hygiene and durability.
- Rubber Flooring: Rubber flooring is great for impact noise absorption, ideal for gyms, recording studios and play areas. Flexibility and cushioning also protects users from injury.
- Laminate and Hardwood: While aesthetically pleasing, these materials amplify noise unless paired with underlayment. Best avoided in areas where noise control is priority unless additional floor soundproofing measures are in place.
- Concrete: Concrete floors generate impact and airborne noise. Acoustic solutions for concrete are overlays or floating floor systems with soundproof rubber underlay.
Here are the best types of acoustic flooring materials and systems:
How do Floor Soundproofing Systems work?
Specialised soundproofing floor systems utilise layered materials like cork, foam, wood and rubber to achieve optimal acoustics by combining sound absorption, insulation and vibration dampening. These acoustic flooring solutions cater to varying requirements and levels of sound control, customised for different environments.
They are now used in modern residential projects to enhance privacy and comfort in multi-unit housing and high-rise buildings. Also used in facilities where acoustics is crucial, like recording studios, performance spaces and luxury developments to ensure superior noise management and sound quality.
Ways to Minimise Noise Transfer and Disturbance
To optimise acoustics in a building consider the following:
- Use Acoustic Underlays Specialised underlays can significantly reduce sound transfer through floors. These materials often feature high-density foam or acoustic rubber roll underlay for both airborne and impact noise absorption.
- Implement Floating Floors Floating floor systems isolate the flooring from the subfloor, minimising noise transmission. Ideal for multi-storey buildings.
- Install Softer Flooring Materials Opt for rubber or foam floor mats in areas where noise control is top priority. Soft materials absorb sound and reduce echoes.
- Add Soundproof Layers For facilities with hard flooring consider installing soundproof mats or cork layers to reduce sound transfer without compromising aesthetics.
- Get Acoustic Advice Consult with experts to find solutions that fit your needs, balancing performance and design.
Customer Feedback (Acoustic Gym Tiles)
"Getting the thicker tiles has made a massive difference to our busy strength gym. They cancel out the repeated weight drops and workout machine noise significantly. The tiles are heavy duty and good quality. Would definitely be buying more of these mats."
Summary
Flooring plays a big role in noise management and acoustics to create functional and comfortable spaces. Whether you’re building a hospital, gym or recording studio, you need to understand the acoustic properties of flooring materials.
Choose the right materials and systems with expert advice and you’ll get noise control and spaces meant for their purpose.
For projects that require custom acoustic solutions always consult with experts to find materials and designs that meet performance and aesthetics.
Need to soundproof your gym space? Browse our Acoustic Gym Flooring collection for maximum noise and vibration reduction.
