Best Acoustic Underlay for Hardwood Floors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
Choosing the right acoustic underlay is often an afterthought for homeowners, but in my trade, we know it's critical. If you live in a semi-detached or terraced property, reducing footfall noise isn't just a luxury; it's essential for maintaining good relations with your neighbours.
In York's older housing stock, nothing is ever perfectly flat or square. A quality underlay does more than just dampen sound; it helps level out minor imperfections in the subfloor and, crucially, provides a barrier against the damp that plagues so many ground-floor rooms here.
In this review, I've selected three underlay options I've encountered on site. I'll distinguish between basic foam for upstairs rooms and heavy-duty foil-backed options that are vital for protecting your investment against moisture and noise.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Decibel (dB) Ratings"
"Manufacturers claim reducing noise by 20dB or more."
These figures are achieved in controlled lab settings. In a real home with gaps in skirting and hollow joists, the reduction will be less. However, a higher rating is still a good indicator of density.
The Spec: "Levelling Capabilities"
"Underlay claims to 'level uneven floors'."
It handles minor grit and slight deviations (1-2mm). If your floorboards are cupped or the concrete is undulating significantly, you need ply lining or self-levelling compound first, not just thick underlay.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Royale - 2mm White Foam Underlay for Any Laminate/Real Wood Floor - 1m x 15m (15m2 Roll Size) - Acoustic Flooring Underlay
Royale
This is your standard white foam underlay. It does the job for upper floors where moisture isn't a concern and you just need a separation layer between the laminate and the subfloor. It's cheap, cheerful, and effective for basic needs.
The Good
- Extremely cost-effective covering a large area for under £13
- Easy to cut and fit around radiator pipes and door linings
- Provide a basic cushion for laminate preventing click-clack noise
The Bad
- Offers minimal thermal insulation compared to foil options
- 2mm thickness won't hide many imperfections in the subfloor
- Not suitable for ground floors with concrete subfloors (no moisture barrier)
Installer Tip:
I only use this extensively on first-floor bedrooms where damp isn't an issue. Do not tape the joints too tightly or overlapping; butt them together and use a standard masking tape just to hold it in place whilst you lay the boards.
Priced at £12.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon3mm Acoustic Silver Underlay for Wood or Laminate Flooring - Foil Damp Proof Membrane - by AcuStick® Brand (30m (1m x 30m))
AcuStick
When fitting engineered oak or high-end laminate, I prefer this grade of underlay. The 3mm thickness provides a noticeably better walk-feel, and the integrated foil barrier is essential for protecting timber from residual moisture in concrete floors.
The Good
- Integrated damp proof membrane saves time laying separate plastic sheets
- 3mm thickness helps smooth out slight ridges in floorboards
- Excellent acoustic properties reducing hollow tapping sounds
The Bad
- More expensive upfront cost
- Requires specific barrier tape to maintain the moisture warrantee
Installer Tip:
When joining this underlay, you must use proper aluminium barrier tape (like Barrier Pro X) to seal the seams. If you use standard tape, moisture can rise through the joints and cup your beautiful new oak floor.
Priced at £41.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon3mm Acoustic Silver Underlay for Wood or Laminate Flooring - 15m2 Roll
Royale
This sits perfectly in the middle ground. It solves the problem of damp protection without the higher price tag of premium brands. Ideally suited for renovations where you need both sound reduction and moisture protection on a budget.
The Good
- Includes the vital silver foil barrier for damp protection
- 3mm thickness offers better leveling than the 2mm budget option
- Great value for money for smaller rooms or tighter budgets
The Bad
- Foam density may be slightly lower than the premium AcuStick version
- Like the others, requires specific taping for full moisture seal
Installer Tip:
This is a great problem solver for drafty upper floors in older York terraces. The foil backing acts as a thermal reflector, helping keep a bit more heat in the room below, whilst the 3mm foam creates a snug fit against uneven timber joists.
Priced at £18.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Does thicker underlay mean better soundproofing?
Do I really need a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) underlay?
Can I put two layers of underlay to double the soundproofing?
How do I fix underlay to floorboards?
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