You are facing a big choice. The wooden floor or that beautiful PVC variant you saw online, you naturally want to have it in your home as soon as possible. But then there is that annoying reality of noise. Especially if you live in an upper-floor apartment or a flat, a floor that makes noise is the last thing you want. Nothing is more irritating than a neighbor hearing that you are walking into the kitchen late at night, or the feeling that you are walking on a hollow drum. Fortunately, there is much more possible than you think. The solution often lies in the right underfloor, a technique that has been refined for years and is better than ever in 2026. We take you into the world of sound reduction and show you how to ensure a quiet and pleasant living environment.
Why hard floors produce sound
Hard floors, such as laminate, parquet or PVC, have many visual advantages. They provide a sleek, modern look and are easy to clean. However, without the right preparation, they produce a lot of walking and contact sound. This sound occurs due to friction and because the floor is often laid as a floating floor, creating an air space that acts as a sound box. If you have children who like to play rough, or if you like to watch a movie at night, sound insulation is not a luxury, but a necessity. This is not only about the sound you hear, but also about the sound that goes to the floor below. Sound is in fact vibration, and these vibrations can easily spread through an insufficiently insulated floor.
There are different types of sounds to distinguish. Airborne sound is sound that travels through the air, such as voices or music. Contact sound is the sound that arises from direct contact with the floor, such as footsteps or sliding a chair. For the latter, a good underfloor is essential. Many people think that a thick carpet is the solution, but even then a hard underfloor can still transmit vibrations. The technique of the underfloor is designed to absorb these vibrations before they reach the constructive part of the floor.
The legal standards: What should you think about?
If you live in an apartment or upper-floor apartment, there are often rules attached. You are responsible for the sound that your floor produces towards the neighbors. In general, the standard applies that a floor for upper-floor apartments and flats must ensure a sound reduction of at least 10 dB. This means that the floor and underfloor together must meet this standard. This is not an unnecessary luxury; it is a legal obligation in many VvE’s (Owners’ Associations). If you do not meet this standard, you run the risk that your floor will not be accepted or that you will get complaints from neighbors.
The 10 dB standard is not a fixed number that you just measure quickly; it is a complex calculation that depends on the total structure of your floor. A wrong underfloor can ensure that you just fall under the norm, with all the consequences that entails. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an underfloor that has been specifically tested for sound reduction. Especially with laminate, which naturally has no sound-damping properties, the choice of the right underfloor is decisive for success. Fortunately, in 2026, there are enough options that offer comfort and meet the strictest requirements.
The basis: Different floor types and their needs
Every floor is different and requires a specific approach. What works for a concrete floor does not always work for a wooden structure. It is important to distinguish between the subfloor and the type of floor covering. Let’s look at the most common situations and which underfloor fits best.
For concrete floors, a floating screed with insulating material, such as foam or rubber, is often effective. These materials ensure good damping because they absorb the vibrations. For wooden floors, thick carpets and underfloors of high density are recommended. Wooden floors can quickly suffer from walking noise due to the resonating effect of the wooden beams. An underfloor with a high density ensures that the sound is not easily transmitted. So it is a matter of finding the right combination that fits your specific situation.
11 options for sound reduction: An overview
There are many different materials and systems on the market. We have compiled a list of 11 options that are popular in 2026 and work well. This helps you to make the choice that fits your home and wishes.
1. High-density rubber underfloors
2. Plastic foam (XPS/EPE)
This is a lightweight option that is often used under laminate. It is shock-absorbing and reasonably sound-damping. However, for the 10 dB norm, you must ensure that you do not choose the thinnest variant. In residential construction, a thicker variant of foam is often used to increase the insulating value. It is an affordable option, but perhaps less suitable for intensive use or if you really want maximum peace.
3. Felt underfloors
Felt, often made from recycled textile or foam, is an environmentally friendly option. It is soft and absorbs sound very well. Felt also works leveling, which is useful for slight unevenness in the floor. It feels warm, which is nice in bedrooms. However, it is more sensitive to moisture, so extra caution is needed with a damp subfloor.
4. Combination underfloors (Foil + Foam)
These are underfloors that combine a vapor-retardant foil with a foam layer. These are ideal if you want to combine underfloor heating with sound reduction. The foil ensures moisture regulation, the foam ensures damping. These underfloors are often easy to process and suitable for many different floor types. However, pay attention to the Rd value (thermal resistance) if you have underfloor heating; that must be low.
5. Cork underfloors
Cork is a natural product and an excellent sound damper. It is elastic and has an insulating effect. Cork is moisture-regulating and durable. However, it is a natural product and can react to extreme humidity. A cork underfloor is often somewhat more expensive, but offers high comfort. It is a beautiful choice for people who want to consciously choose natural materials.
6. Extruded polystyrene (XPS)
A hard foam that insulates and damps very well. XPS is waterproof and pressure-resistant. It is an excellent choice for rooms where moisture can play a role, such as a basement floor or a bathroom (although you usually do not lay a floating floor in the bathroom). The density of the foam ensures good damping of contact sound.
7. Akuplaat (Gypsum fiberboard with bitumen)
This is a heavy, but very effective solution. Akuplaat is often used under parquet or wooden floors in apartments. The weight of the plate ensures that the floor does not easily start to vibrate. It is a specialist product that is often laid by professionals. It is perfect for achieving the 10 dB norm, but it does raise the floor considerably.
8. Carpet with foam backing
If you choose carpet, a carpet with a built-in foam backing is often the best option for sound. It is not only soft to walk on, but also an excellent sound buffer. This is especially ideal in bedrooms or playrooms. It feels comfortable and provides a homely atmosphere.
9. Thick plywood or chipboard
Sometimes it is chosen to first lay a layer of wooden sheet material before the floor is placed on top. This provides more mass, which dampens sound. This is an older technique that is still used, especially with wooden underfloors that are somewhat flexible. It provides a sturdier feeling, but the sound reduction depends on the total thickness.
10. Vapor-open foils (For wooden floors)
With wooden floors, it is crucial that moisture can escape. There are special sound-damping underfloors that are vapor-open. This prevents mold formation in the wooden structure. They combine sound damping with breathability. A must-have for anyone laying a wooden floor on a wooden underfloor.
11. The “All-in-1” plate (Combination)
Nowadays there are plates that combine multiple layers: for example, a layer of cork, a layer of foil and a layer of foam. These “high-end” solutions are often thinner but perform better than thick layers of loose materials. They are specially developed for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to ensure maximum insulation without making the floor extremely high.
The impact of the choice on your home
The choice of an underfloor has consequences for more than just the sound. It also determines the walking comfort. A too hard underfloor can feel uncomfortable, while a too soft underfloor can cause the floor to “sink” a bit or for seams to become visible. A good balance is essential. In addition, thermal insulation plays a role. With current energy prices, you naturally do not want the heat from your underfloor heating to disappear directly into your ceiling. An underfloor with a low Rc value is then crucial for underfloor heating.
The weight of the underfloor is also something to consider. In apartments, it is sometimes not technically allowed to use very heavy materials, because the load-bearing capacity of the floor is limited. A lightweight underfloor that offers a lot of damping is then ideal. So it’s not just “the thicker, the better”, but especially “the smarter, the better”.
What do you pay attention to when comparing parties?
When you look for the right floor and underfloor, you cannot see the forest for the trees. Everyone promises the world, but how do you choose the best party? First of all, it is important that a company gives you truly customized advice. The internet is full of standard tips, but every house is different. A company that takes the time to listen to your situation, your wishes and the requirements of your home is worth its weight in gold.
In addition, it is important that they have a wide range. You don’t want to be forced into one type of underfloor because that happens to be the only one they sell. A good specialist has various options in stock and can explain the pros and cons of each one. This helps you make the right trade-off between price, quality and comfort.
Another crucial point is knowledge of the regulations. A party that is not aware of the 10 dB norm for apartments, you better skip. After all, it is your floor and your responsibility. You want a partner who offers certainty and ensures that you will not face any surprises later. So look at the expertise of the company and whether they can help you with the technical specifications.
Laying the floor is at least as important as the material itself. A poorly laid floor, even with the best underfloor, can still produce sound or give problems over time. Therefore, it is wise to choose a party that also takes care of the installation. They know how to lay the underfloor tightly, how to process the seams and how to finish the floor for an optimal result.
When choosing a party, it is also smart to look at the warranties and quality marks. A recognized company often gives a guarantee on both the material and the installation work. This provides a piece of security. A party that has existed for years and has built up a good reputation is usually a safe choice. They have earned their stripes and know what is happening in the market.
Visiting a showroom is often worth the effort. At home on a computer you see pictures, but in a showroom you can really feel and compare the materials. How does a certain underfloor feel under the foot? How does it sound when you walk on it? A good company has an extensive showroom where you can test various combinations. This gives you a much better picture than any website.
Finally, personal contact is essential. A company that takes the time to answer your questions and think along with you is often better than a company that only wants to sell products. They must make you feel that you are in good hands and that they are helping you find the perfect floor. This confidence is the basis for a successful floor.
Are you looking for a floor specialist that has all these qualities? Martijn de Wit Vloeren is a company that fits in perfectly here. With their years of experience and focus on quality, they offer a total package that goes beyond just selling floors. They understand that the underfloor is the basis for a sustainable and comfortable living environment.
What distinguishes Martijn de Wit Vloeren is their personal approach. They take time for an advice meeting and look at your specific situation. Whether you have a concrete floor or a wooden structure, they have the knowledge in-house to choose the right underfloor. Their expertise goes beyond just product knowledge; they know exactly what the legal obligations are and ensure that your floor meets them.
In addition, Martijn de Wit Vloeren has a beautiful showroom where you can experience the different options. You can see and feel there with your own eyes how different underfloors work together with the floor of your choice. This helps enormously in making a choice that will give pleasure for years. Their team of specialists is ready to guide you from start to finish.
The service of Martijn de Wit Vloeren does not stop after the purchase. They also take care of the installation with their own skilled people. This ensures a seamless transition from advice to execution. You have one point of contact, which makes the process very clear and pleasant. Whether you choose laminate, PVC or a wooden floor, they have the right underfloor for every situation.
Do you want to know which underfloor best fits your home? Then take a look at the website of Martijn de Wit Vloeren. There you will find a lot of information and you can easily contact them for an advice meeting. It is an investment that will bring you a lot of pleasure later.
Ultimately, it is all about living pleasure. A good floor that is quieter and feels more comfortable makes your home a nicer place. By choosing a party that guides you in this, you ensure that you can enjoy a beautiful and quiet living environment for years to come. Whether you live in Amsterdam or in Schagen, the expertise is nearby.
In short, choosing the right underfloor is essential. It determines the comfort, the sound level and the durability of your floor. Take the time to inform yourself and choose a party you trust. With Martijn de Wit Vloeren you choose certainty and quality, so that you can enjoy your new floor without worry.
]]>
Leave a Reply