Acoustic Flooring Boards: The Smart Solution for Noise Control in Modern Homes

In today’s world, we’re more aware than ever of how important a peaceful, quiet home environment is to our well-being. Whether it’s footsteps overhead, music from the next room, or noise from a busy street, unwanted sound can seriously impact your comfort and concentration. That’s where acoustic flooring boards come in – a simple, effective way to reduce noise transmission between floors and rooms.

At Pinks Insulation & Drylining, we specialise in supplying high-quality acoustic flooring solutions that help builders, renovators, and homeowners across the UK create quieter, more comfortable spaces. With over a decade of experience in insulation and drylining products, we understand the unique needs of UK properties – from period homes to new builds.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about acoustic flooring boards: how they work, their key benefits, where they should be used, how to choose the right type, and tips for successful installation. Let’s get started.

What Are Acoustic Flooring Boards?

Acoustic flooring boards are engineered panels designed specifically to reduce sound transmission through floors. They are made from dense, sound-absorbing materials such as:

• High-density fibreboard (HDF)
• Mineral wool cores
• Rubber-based underlayers
• Gypsum composites

Some boards are manufactured as a single material, while others are layered with integrated acoustic membranes for enhanced performance.

Their primary job is to tackle two types of sound:

• Airborne noise (voices, music, TV sounds)
• Impact noise (footsteps, dropped objects, furniture moving)

By absorbing vibrations and reducing the transmission of sound waves, acoustic flooring boards create quieter living environments – an essential feature for multi-storey homes, flats, and commercial buildings.

Key Benefits of Acoustic Flooring Boards

Choosing acoustic flooring boards delivers a range of valuable benefits:

1. Dramatic Noise Reduction

The most obvious advantage is a significant reduction in both airborne and impact noise. A professionally installed acoustic floor system can dramatically lower noise levels, improving privacy and overall comfort.

2. Improved Property Value

Soundproofed properties are more appealing to buyers and renters. With modern homeowners increasingly valuing peace and quiet, investing in acoustic solutions can enhance the marketability and value of your property.

3. Compliance with Building Regulations

In the UK, Part E of the Building Regulations sets strict requirements for sound insulation in new builds and converted properties (such as turning a house into flats). Installing acoustic flooring boards can help ensure compliance without major construction work.

4. Thermal Benefits

Many acoustic boards also offer excellent thermal insulation properties, contributing to a warmer, more energy-efficient home and reducing heating bills.

5. Simple Installation

Modern acoustic flooring boards are designed for straightforward installation. They can be laid directly over joists, concrete, or existing floors, often with tongue-and-groove systems for easy fitting.

Where Should You Use Acoustic Flooring Boards?

1. Multi-Storey Homes

Adding acoustic boards between floors in a multi-level house prevents noise from travelling between levels – ideal if you have lively teenagers or home offices upstairs.

2. Flats and Apartments

Soundproofing is crucial in apartments, where neighbours live above, below, and beside you. Acoustic flooring boards can help maintain peace with minimal disruption during installation.

3. Loft Conversions

Loft conversions can easily become echo chambers without good soundproofing. Acoustic flooring boards offer an easy, effective solution for controlling noise between your new loft space and the rooms below.

4. Commercial Spaces

Offices, hotels, and schools often install acoustic flooring systems to maintain quiet working environments and meet legal sound control requirements.

How to Choose the Right Acoustic Flooring Boards

When selecting acoustic flooring boards for your project, several important factors need consideration:

1. Type of Noise Problem

• For impact noise (like footsteps), look for boards with resilient layers (e.g., rubber backing or resilient battens).
• For airborne noise (like voices or TV), denser boards (e.g., heavy HDF) combined with insulation batts underneath are ideal.

Many premium acoustic boards tackle both types simultaneously.

2. Subfloor Type

• Timber Joist Floors: Acoustic boards with integrated layers can be laid directly over timber joists with minimal prep.
• Concrete Floors: Choose floating acoustic systems to sit above the slab and deliver maximum sound reduction.

3. Thickness

Thickness matters – thicker boards often provide better sound insulation but can slightly raise floor levels. Consider your available floor height when selecting.

Standard thicknesses range from 18mm to 28mm. Always check that door clearances and thresholds can accommodate the new floor height.

4. Thermal and Fire Ratings

Some acoustic flooring boards offer additional thermal insulation and fire-resistance properties, giving your project extra benefits in terms of safety and energy efficiency.

5. Brand and Certification

We only stock trusted, certified brands that meet or exceed British standards for acoustic performance. Look for products that are:

• Tested to BS EN standards
• CE marked
• Backed by acoustic test data

Popular Types of Acoustic Flooring Boards

We offer a curated range of acoustic flooring boards designed to suit all kinds of residential and commercial projects, including:

1. Acoustic Overlay Boards

These boards are ideal for retrofitting over existing timber or concrete floors. They combine high-density core materials with resilient layers, creating a floating floor system that minimises both airborne and impact noise.

Key features:

• Easy tongue-and-groove fitting
• Suitable for dry or wet screed systems
• Excellent thermal insulation options available

2. Acoustic Decking Systems

Perfect for new builds, acoustic decking systems sit directly over joists or subfloors. They create an immediate barrier to noise transmission and can be used under most floor finishes, including carpet, laminate, and engineered wood.

3. Resilient Battens and Cradles

For projects needing maximum performance (such as home cinemas or commercial spaces), combining acoustic boards with resilient battens or adjustable cradles delivers incredible results in sound reduction.

Installation Tips for Acoustic Flooring Boards

Proper installation is crucial for maximising the performance of acoustic flooring boards. Here are some key tips:

1. Preparation

• Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
• Remove any squeaky or loose boards and repair as necessary.

2. Laying the Boards

• Start from the longest, straightest wall.
• Use tongue-and-groove joints for a snug, gap-free finish.
• Stagger board joints to create a more stable surface.

3. Perimeter Isolation

• Always leave a small expansion gap (typically 5–10mm) at the room edges.
• Install perimeter isolation strips to prevent sound bridging between the floor and walls.

4. Finishing

• Once installed, you can lay carpets, engineered wood, laminate, or vinyl directly over the boards.
• Heavier floor finishes may require an additional underlay for best results.

Conclusion

Installing acoustic flooring boards is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to create a quieter, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient living space. Whether you’re soundproofing a loft conversion, upgrading a family home, or working on a new commercial project, choosing the right acoustic solution makes a lasting difference to your property’s quality and value.

We are proud to supply a trusted range of high-performance acoustic flooring products with fast, reliable nationwide delivery. Our experienced team is always ready to offer technical advice to help you find the best solution for your specific project.

Ready to reduce noise and enjoy a quieter life? Contact us today for expert advice, competitive prices, and the best acoustic flooring boards on the market.