Question
We're ripping up our wall-to-wall carpeting. What underlayment for wood/bamboo provides the best sound reduction?
My family and I have health problems (asthma, reactive airways, allergies and chemical sensitivities) and we need to rip up the wall-to-wall carpet -- doctor's orders. Would sound reduction underlayment reduce sound enough to fulfill noise-reduction standards in our co-op? (I will then install either wood or bamboo on top of the underlay.) What is the best underlayment? I need the quietest underlay that is also good for chemical sensitivities.
Answer
I would recommend an acoustic underlayment such as Acoustik.
- The adhesive they use is a low-VOC adhesive, and if you click on the testimonial you will see an installation of a wood floor in a second-floor recreation room.
- This product is good for tile installation also, and is rated for residential and commercial applications.
- The rubber they use is also a recycled material.
For more information:
Read Rich Franz-Ünder's Q&A "I am insulating the walls in my duplex for sound. I need advice on what will be most effective."
