How to Soundproof Floors

Floor noise works in two directions. You might be trying to reduce footsteps and other sounds you're transmitting to the apartment below. Or you might be dealing with noise coming up from downstairs (though that's less common—most floor/ceiling noise travels downward).

Understanding Floor Noise

Impact Noise

This is the big one: footsteps, dropped items, moving furniture, kids running, pets' paws. The impact transfers directly through the floor structure. Hard floors (wood, laminate, tile) transmit impact noise much more than carpet.

Airborne Noise

Sound from voices, TV, and music can also travel through floors, but this is usually a lesser concern than impact noise.

Reducing Noise to Neighbors Below

If you live above someone and want to be considerate (or if they've already complained):

Area Rugs with Dense Pads

This is the single most effective thing you can do. A thick rug with a dense pad underneath cushions your footsteps and absorbs impact. Key points:

• Coverage matters—rug as much of the floor as practical
• Pad density matters more than thickness—look for heavy, dense pads
• Rubber-backed pads work well for sound
• Focus on high-traffic areas first

Cork or Rubber Underlayment

If you have hard floors, you can add underlayment beneath area rugs for extra cushioning. This is especially helpful in exercise areas or kids' play areas.

Interlocking Floor Mats

Foam or rubber interlocking tiles (like gym mats) provide excellent impact absorption. They're not pretty, but they're effective for home gyms, kids' rooms, or workspaces.

Behavioral Changes

Sometimes the most effective solution is simple awareness:

• Remove shoes at home
• Walk softly on heels
• Use furniture pads on chair and table legs
• Avoid exercising directly on hard floors

Reducing Noise from Below

If you're hearing noise from the apartment downstairs, the floor is actually acting as your ceiling for this purpose. Options include:

• Rugs: Absorb some airborne sound within your space
• White noise: Mask sounds you can't block
• Talk to your neighbor: They may not realize how much sound travels

Truly blocking noise from below requires addressing the ceiling, not the floor. See our ceiling soundproofing guide.

For Homeowners: Underlayment Options

If you're installing new flooring (not typical for renters), consider:

• Cork underlayment: Good sound absorption, natural material
• Rubber underlayment: Excellent impact absorption
• MLV underlayment: Adds mass for airborne noise
• Acoustic underlayment: Purpose-made for sound reduction

The best results come from combining underlayment with a floating floor installation that doesn't rigidly connect to the subfloor.