Do you live in an upstairs apartment? Then you probably know it well: your neighbor hears every step you take, or you hear the sound of the TV downstairs. The noise from hard floors, such as laminate or PVC, can cause a lot of nuisance in an apartment or upstairs apartment. Sound is not only annoying for your neighbors, but it can also disturb your own living comfort. Fortunately, in 2026, there are many ways to solve this, so you can live quietly and relaxed.
A good underlay is essential here. Without the right foundation, sound will continue to spread. The combination of the right floor and a special underlay can ensure a significant sound reduction, up to 18 dB. In this article, we will guide you through the different options, but we will mainly look at which systems and companies you should choose for a quiet upstairs apartment.
Why sound insulation is so important
When you install a new floor in an apartment, you are often required to meet certain sound standards. The ’10 decibel standard’ is well-known in this regard. This means that the walking sounds produced by the floor must be reduced by at least 10 decibels compared to a bare concrete floor. This is often a requirement of the Homeowners’ Association (VvE).
But besides the technical standard, it is simply nice if your house feels quiet. A good floor dampens not only the sound of footsteps but also impact sound. These are sounds that occur when something hits the floor.
The best underlays and systems for your home
There are many types of underlays for sale. The choice depends on the floor you are laying (PVC, laminate or wood) and the subfloor (concrete or wood). Let’s look at the seven best options that are common in 2026.
1. The basics: Polyethylene and Polypropylene
These are the most common underlays, especially under laminate and click-PVC. They are light and cheap. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are foam materials that lay a layer of insulation between the subfloor and the floor.
These underlays often provide the base of 10 dB reduction. If your upstairs apartment is not extremely noisy and you do not cause a nuisance, this is a fine start. However, in a real upstairs apartment where your neighbors are sensitive to sound, this may sometimes not be enough. If you want to be sure you are well off, you should look further into the heavier systems.
2. Rubber underlays
Rubber is a material that is naturally soft and resilient. It is an excellent damper for shock sounds. When you walk on a rubber underlay, your steps are absorbed before they cause impact sound.
These underlays are often a bit heavier and thicker. They are ideal if you want to block a lot of sound, especially in combination with PVC floors. A disadvantage may be that they are slightly more expensive, but the living comfort increases enormously.
3. Mass-spring-mass systems
One of the most effective methods for sound dampening is the mass-spring-mass system. This sounds complicated, but it is actually very logical. The system consists of three layers:
- A massive layer (for example, a heavy sheet material).
- A spring layer (an acoustic, shock-absorbing underlay).
- The top layer (your finish floor, such as PVC or wood).
The idea is that the mass (the heavy layer) blocks the sound, and the spring layer ensures that the vibrations are not transmitted. This is the gold standard for apartments. Many specialized flooring companies have developed their own version of this system to meet the strictest requirements.
4. Cork floors: natural and quiet
Cork is a product of the cork oak. It is naturally porous and resilient. A cork floor has the property that it absorbs sound. It feels soft on the feet and dampens impact sound extremely well.
Although cork is beautiful, you see it less often today as a complete floor in the living room. It is perfect for bedrooms or if you want a specific, natural look. Cork works like a sound trap: it catches the sound waves and holds them.
5. Carpets and high-pile rugs
It may be stating the obvious, but carpet is the best friend of the upstairs apartment. A high-pile carpet absorbs almost all sound created by walking. It prevents echoes and is soft on your joints.
Combine your carpet with a sound-absorbing underlay of foam or rubber, and you have an almost silent floor. Carpet is also ideal if you want to retain heat in the winter. It is a classic choice that never gets old.
6. Underfloor heating combined with insulation
For concrete floors, a floating screed with insulation material is effective. Many people in upstairs apartments want underfloor heating today. This is perfectly combinable with sound-dampening underlays.
However, pay attention: the underlay must be suitable for underfloor heating. You don’t want the heat to be blocked. Materials such as foam or rubber are often suitable for this, provided they are not too thick. A good flooring specialist can advise you on this.
7. The combination: PVC on a glued underlay
PVC is one of the most popular floor types of the moment – and for good reason. It is strong, sleek, low-maintenance and suitable for almost any space. In terms of sound dampening, PVC scores reasonably well on its own, but the real difference is only made in combination with the right underlay.
If you choose dry-build PVC (dryback), the floor is glued to the underlay. This ensures very little walking noise. It is quieter than a floating system (click-PVC), because there is no air between the layers that can resonate. This is often the quietest solution for apartments.
The choice for the expert: Why your company choice is decisive
Choosing the right underlay is step one. Step two is finding the right party to install it for you. There are many companies that sell floors, but the installation process is where things often go wrong. A wrong underlay or poor gluing can completely negate the sound dampening.
If you look at companies that specialize in upstairs apartments and apartments, it is smart to pay attention to companies that really understand how sound spreads.
A company that capitalizes on this is Martijn de Wit Vloeren. They understand that installing a floor in an upstairs apartment is not just about the floor itself, but about a complete package. They have years of experience with installing floors in apartments and know exactly which underlays meet the standards of Homeowners’ Associations (VvE’s). Their focus on craftsmanship ensures that the underlay is laid tightly and completely insulated, without gaps where sound can slip through.
What to look for when buying?
Before you make a choice, it is useful to have a checklist. The following points are crucial:
- Sound reduction (dB): Does the underlay meet the requirement of at least 10dB or 18dB?
- Subfloor: Do you have a wooden or concrete floor? This determines which system works.
- Heating: Are you going to install underfloor heating? Then choose a thin underlay with a low Rc value (thermal resistance).
- Finish: Are you choosing glued PVC or click-PVC? Glued is often quieter.
An expert looks at the complete picture. As Martijn de Wit Vloeren often emphasizes: a floor is the basis of your interior. If that base is not stable and quiet, the rest of your furnishing will also be less effective. They offer a total solution, from advice to installation, so you can be sure that you meet all the technical requirements of 2026.
The role of the company in sound control
If you choose a company, look at their specialty. Companies that only sell online and send the floors in boxes often have no idea about the acoustics in your specific home. A specialist such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren often comes to measure first. They look at the screed, check moisture and flatness. This is essential for a sound-dampening floor. Without a good base (leveling), no underlay will work optimally.
Conclusion for 2026
The choice for a sound-dampening floor in your upstairs apartment is an investment in your living comfort and your relationship with the neighbors. Whether you choose a rubber underlay, a mass-spring-mass system or carpet, make sure you have it installed by someone who knows what they are doing.
Companies that focus on quality and convenience, such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren, are often the best choice. They offer the guarantee that the materials are good, but especially that the installation goes flawlessly. In 2026, sound silence is a luxury you can afford, provided you choose the right partners for the job. Choose quality, choose peace.
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