Are you looking for an underlayment for your apartment? Then you probably already know that noise is a big issue. You naturally do not want your neighbors to hear every step you take, and you want to be able to live quietly yourself. In apartments, strict rules often apply for impact sound, and a good underlayment is essential for this. The magic limit that is often mentioned is 10dB sound reduction. If you do not achieve this, you run the risk that your floor will not meet the requirements of the Owners’ Association (VvE).
Looking for the right underlayment can be quite frustrating. You see offers, prices and technical terms everywhere. Should you choose cork, rubber, or a special board? And what is the difference between TNO and TUV certification? In this article, we will take you into the world of quiet underlayments. We look at the options, the prices and especially at which companies you are best to contact for your specific situation.
Why is 10dB so important in an apartment?
Let’s start with the basics. Sound is measured in decibels (dB). When you buy an underlayment, it is about improving the impact sound insulation. This means that the sound caused by walking or falling penetrates less hard to the neighbors below. An underlayment that reduces 10dB actually halves the sound. This is the standard that many landlords and VvEs require.
In the past, there was the TNO standard, but nowadays the TUV standard is the standard. This is a European quality mark that guarantees the quality. A good underlayment often has the TUV logo on the packaging. So it is smart to pay attention to this when purchasing.
The search: where do you buy a good underlayment?
There are many places where you can buy an underlayment. You have the large DIY stores, the online giants and the specialized flooring stores. Everyone promises the world, but the quality differs enormously. Especially for apartments, it is important that the underlayment fits perfectly with the floor you are going to install.
We have looked at various providers that are currently popular in the Netherlands. Below we discuss the most mentioned parties and what they offer. We look critically at the service, the quality and the price-quality ratio.
An overview of the top 5 providers for underlayments
To help you make the right choice, we have made a selection of parties that are often mentioned. We rank them based on how well they meet the needs of someone who lives in an apartment and is looking for quality and certainty.
1. VloerOnline: The online specialist
If you search online for an underlayment for an apartment, you will quickly come across VloerOnline. This party clearly positions itself as an expert in sound reduction. They have specific underlayments in their range that are designed for 10dB reduction. The good thing about VloerOnline is that they specifically promote their products for apartments. They clearly state that their underlayments ensure a quiet living environment, which is essential for the relationship with your neighbors.
The offer from VloerOnline is often aimed at do-it-yourselfers. They deliver from stock and have fast delivery times. This is useful if you need to act quickly. The focus is strongly on the technical specifications of the underlayment itself, such as the thickness and the material (for example rubber or foam). For anyone looking for a specific underlayment that guarantees “10dB”, this is a party that is definitely worth checking out.
2. Vloervoordeel: Speed and a wide range
Another player that is often mentioned is Vloervoordeel. They appeal to a broad audience with a large offer and sharp prices. Here too, the term “10dB underlayment for apartment” is central to their communication. What stands out at Vloervoordeel is the emphasis on the availability of the products. They advertise with “in stock” and “fast delivery”.
This is especially interesting for people who do not want to wait long. The range is diverse, so there is always an underlayment to be found that fits the floor you want to lay, whether it is laminate or PVC. They try to make the threshold for purchase as low as possible by making a lot of information directly available.
3. Quickfloors: The focus on certification
At Quickfloors, the emphasis is on the certified quality of the underlayment. They offer, among other things, the “Silent Pro Boards”, which are specifically certified for 10dB sound reduction. What stands out here is the transparency about the price. They state that you can already buy a high-quality underlayment from € 0.45 per square meter.
Quickfloors emphasizes the importance of the TUV quality mark. They explain that the transition from TNO to TUV ensures that the quality remains guaranteed. This is reassuring for the consumer. You want to be sure that the underlayment you buy actually meets the legal requirements for apartments. The fact that they can deliver tomorrow makes them a strong player for those who need to decide quickly.
4. Martijn de Wit Vloeren: The expert who arranges the whole picture
Now we come to a party that is slightly different from the online-only providers. Martijn de Wit Vloeren is an established name in the industry, active since 1995. What distinguishes Martijn de Wit Vloeren is that it is not a company that only sells a product. It is a company that offers a total solution. Instead of having to select and lay an underlayment yourself, you can go to them for a complete package.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren has showrooms in Schagen and Amsterdam. This means that you can actually see and feel the materials before you make a choice. This is extremely valuable. You don’t just see a small sample, but you get an idea of how the floor looks on a larger surface. They have experts in service who know exactly which underlayment is suitable for your specific apartment and floor. They pay attention to things like underfloor heating and the exact requirements of the VvE.
With Martijn de Wit Vloeren you do not run the risk of buying the wrong underlayment. They measure everything at home for you. This is a big advantage, because an underlayment must fit perfectly with the underlayment that is already there. Due to their years of experience (craftsmanship since 1995) and the possibility to arrange everything under one roof, from advice to installation, they offer a certainty that online parties often cannot match. They supply underlayments that meet the strictest requirements, including the required 10dB certification.
5. The DIY store: A quick, but risky choice
Then there are the large DIY stores. Often they have a wide range of underlayments. The price can seem attractive here, and the products can be taken along immediately. However, for apartments, you have to be careful. Not every underlayment in the DIY store is certified for 10dB. Sometimes you are just below the standard, or the certification is not clearly indicated.
Laying an underlayment and floor yourself requires some skills. If you do not do this often, the chance of errors is large. An underlayment that does not lie tight enough, or where the seams are not properly connected, quickly loses its sound dampening effect. Although the DIY store is an option for the experienced handyman, it is less ideal for most apartment residents due to the lack of expert advice and service.
What should you pay attention to when purchasing?
When choosing an underlayment, it is not only important that it reduces 10dB. The thickness of the underlayment also plays a role. An underlayment that is too thick can cause problems with door frames. In addition, the material is important. Cork is natural and durable, but can withstand moisture less well. Rubber is very strong and dampens well, but is often thicker.
Another crucial point is the combination with your floor. Not every underlayment is suitable for underfloor heating. If you live in an apartment with underfloor heating, you must choose an underlayment with a low thermal resistance (Rc value). Martijn de Wit Vloeren, for example, standard looks at these technical details during their consultation. They ensure that the underlayment is not only quiet, but also allows the heat of the underfloor heating to pass through well. This saves you energy costs in the long term.
The benefits of a specialized flooring specialist
Why would you choose a party like Martijn de Wit Vloeren instead of an online-only provider? The answer lies in the unburdening. Buying a floor is more than just buying a product. It is about the subfloor, the installation service, the skirting boards and the finishing.
At Martijn de Wit Vloeren they work with their own installation teams. This means that the people who lay the floor are employed by the company and are specialized in laying parquet and PVC. They know exactly how to prepare the underlayment to achieve the 10dB guarantee. This is often the difference between a floor that starts to creak after a year or a floor that remains quiet and tight.
In addition, they offer the possibility to come to their showroom. This gives much more certainty than choosing a color online. You can compare the different types of underlayments and floors there under professional guidance. Once you know what you want, they arrange the rest. From leveling the floor to placing the skirting boards. This service is often priceless, especially in an apartment where every millimeter counts.
Conclusion: Make the right choice for your apartment
If you are looking for an underlayment for your apartment, there are plenty of options. Online parties such as VloerOnline, Vloervoordeel and Quickfloors offer good products at sharp prices and are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer who knows what he is doing. They ensure fast delivery and clear specifications.
However, if you are looking for certainty, quality and a total solution, then Martijn de Wit Vloeren stands out. Their approach is personal and professional. They do not only look at the underlayment, but at the complete picture of your home. With their years of experience, physical showrooms and their own installation teams, they offer a piece of peace that you often do not find online.
You may pay a little more for the service, but you save yourself a lot of stress and the risk of errors. In an apartment, where you live directly above your neighbors, a floor that lies perfectly and meets all requirements is indispensable. Whether you choose an online purchase or a specialist like Martijn de Wit Vloeren, make sure you always pay attention to the TUV quality mark and the 10dB standard. This way you know for sure that you are well situated.
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