In this article, we present the best acoustic underlay for laminate and parquet flooring and explain the functions it performs. Have you already chosen a beautiful laminate or parquet floor and just need the right acoustic underlay? Do you want to avoid accidentally purchasing a low-quality underlay? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Content
Key Functions of a Good Acoustic Underlay
Laminate and parquet are both hard flooring types. Both can be installed as a floating floor, meaning there is no adhesive connection with the underlay or subfloor. For this type of installation, an acoustic underlay is always required, as it performs several important tasks, such as:
• Reducing footfall noise (room noise): When walking on the floor, noise is generated in the room you are currently in. A good acoustic underlay minimises this footfall noise by absorbing sound waves, creating a quieter environment, which is especially beneficial for comfort in living spaces.
• Reducing impact sound: Impact sound is the noise that travels through the floor and walls into adjacent or lower rooms. A high-quality acoustic underlay significantly reduces this sound, ensuring that movement on the floor is not disruptive in other rooms. This is especially advantageous in apartment buildings or rooms above living areas.
• Supporting heat transfer: Particularly when combined with underfloor heating, it is essential that the acoustic underlay supports heat transfer. A low thermal resistance ensures that heat is optimally transferred to the flooring, increasing the efficiency of your underfloor heating and reducing heating costs.
• Levelling minor subfloor imperfections: The subfloor on which laminate or parquet is laid is not always perfectly even. A good acoustic underlay smooths out such minor unevenness and ensures a uniform surface for the flooring. This makes the floor more stable and provides better durability and a more comfortable walking experience.
Which Acoustic Underlay is the Best?
Our recommendation is: planeo SilentStep DB 3 mm acoustic underlay – the ideal solution for efficient sound and heat insulation with hard flooring. Order a free sample today and see for yourself:
This acoustic underlay is among the best on the market. It is easy to install, offers excellent sound reduction, and is also perfectly suited for underfloor heating. Thanks to its composition, it efficiently transfers heat to the flooring, allowing your rooms to heat up faster and more efficiently. A special advantage is the integrated moisture barrier, making additional PE sheets unnecessary.
Those who think they can save money on acoustic underlay often opt for inferior quality. But this only leads to frustration later on, as both impact sound and footfall noise are inadequately insulated. With the planeo SilentStep DB 3 mm acoustic underlay, you can significantly reduce annoying noises more effectively than with many other underlays.
The Heavier the Underlay, the Less Noise
The weight of an underlay plays a crucial role. The heavier the mat, the less sound passes through to the rooms below. This is particularly noticeable with laminate and parquet flooring, as hard floors transmit sound more easily.
The SilentStep DB 3 mm acoustic underlay from planeo, thanks to its high-quality materials and optimised thickness, provides a reduction in impact sound of up to 19 dB, while footfall noise is reduced by up to 31%. This results in a noticeably quieter and more comfortable living atmosphere. Additionally, the underlay is load-resistant up to 15 t/m², making it ideal for high-traffic areas and heavy furniture.
Installation Recommendation for planeo SilentStep DB 3 mm Acoustic Underlay
For optimal installation, please follow these steps:
• The planeo SilentStep DB 3 mm acoustic underlay is suitable for floating installation of laminate and parquet flooring.
• Lay the underlay on the prepared subfloor, without any adhesive connection to the subfloor.
• Suitable subfloors: Cement & anhydrite screed, tiles.
• Place the aluminium side of the underlay facing upwards.
• Ensure the edges of the underlay are tightly aligned and seal the joints with aluminium tape.
• Additional PE foil is not necessary.
• Lay the underlay perpendicular to the direction of the flooring installation.
• Use a utility knife to precisely cut the underlay.
• Make sure the edges are laid close together without overlapping.
• Always follow the flooring manufacturer's guidelines regarding the underlay.
Why This Acoustic Underlay is Worth Its Price
This underlay is of much higher quality than simple foam, polystyrene, or cork underlays. With the planeo SilentStep DB 3 mm acoustic underlay, you are investing in one of the best acoustic underlays for laminate and parquet flooring:
• It effectively reduces noise and ensures a quieter environment in your home.
• It optimally transfers heat from underfloor heating, which can help reduce heating costs.
• It is environmentally friendly, being free from formaldehyde, plasticisers, and heavy metals, supporting a healthy indoor climate.
• Additionally, it contains no halogens, solvents, asbestos, or other harmful substances, making it a healthy choice for your home.
• It features an integrated moisture barrier, eliminating the need for additional materials.
Experience the best service with planeo - because you need it!
No matter what challenges you face with your project, planeo provides you with the right solution. Benefit from the advantages of our services:
- Free samples⁴ for many of our products: Order up to 7 free samples, for instance, of our vinyl flooring, laminate flooring or parquet. Soundproofing underlays, skirting boards, floor profiles, installation accessories, adhesives and much more can be found here.
- Express delivery² - for urgent projects and quick decisions.
- Expert advice¹ - We offer professional consultation through our contact page or answer your questions directly in the comments.
These topics might also interest you
Laminate Flooring - Advantages, Disadvantages & Quality Differences
The Benefits of Solid Wood Flooring: Your Comprehensive Guide