Vinyl plank flooring has gained popularity among homeowners because of its water resistance, durability, and visual appeal. But there’s more to it than just these characteristics. A significant factor that is usually not given much attention is its sound-absorbing quality. Acoustic vinyl plank flooring is designed to minimize airborne and impact sound, making it an ideal choice for residential areas, apartments, and office spaces where effective sound control is required.
This guide will walk you through soundproofing performance-affecting considerations like acoustic ratings, underlayment selection, core construction, and installation methods that will assist you in finding the best soundproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring for your requirements.
Understanding Sound Resistance in Vinyl Plank Flooring
What is Sound Resistance in Flooring?
Sound resistance is the capability of flooring material to minimize noise transmission, producing a quieter indoor space. The performance of vinyl plank flooring in noise reduction is quantified by acoustic ratings, such as the Sound Transmission Class (STC) and the Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings.
- STC Rating (Sound Transmission Class): A metric that evaluates the effectiveness of flooring in obstructing airborne sounds, including voices, music, and television noise, from penetrating the material. A higher STC rating indicates superior sound insulation, making it particularly suitable for shared living environments and multi-level structures.
- IIC Rating (Impact Insulation Class): Measures the capacity of the flooring to restrict impact noise, i.e., furniture movement, or falling objects. The higher the IIC rating, the more the floor reduces noise in high-traffic areas, making them best suited for apartments and office spaces.
The greater the STC and IIC ratings, the better the soundproofing of the vinyl plank flooring. When purchasing vinyl flooring, always look for the manufacturer’s acoustic ratings so that you can be sure that it will meet your sound reduction needs.
How Sound Travels Through Flooring
Understanding how sound travels makes it easier to select an appropriate sound-resistant LVP floor. There are two general types of noise:
- Airborne Sound: This is the noise from many sources, such as voices, music, TV, and overall background noise. It moves through the air and passes through walls and floors. Highly insulated floors with high STC ratings are good at reducing airborne sound from disturbing quiet spaces.
- Impact Noise: Impact noise occurs when there is direct floor contact, i.e., walking, moving heavy furniture, or dropping something. Underlayment and high IIC-rated flooring materials dampen vibrations, cutting down on unwanted sound.
Choosing the right vinyl plank flooring with soundproofing layers can minimize both types of noise efficiently, resulting in a cozier and quieter living area.
Key Factors That Affect Sound Resistance in Vinyl Plank Flooring
Core Construction and Its Impact on Noise Reduction
The basic composition of vinyl flooring is accountable for facilitating sound absorption. There are two general categories:
SPC (Stone Polymer Core):
- It consists of plastic composite and limestone, so it is very stiff and strong.
- Offers better resistance to dents and water, ideal for heavily trafficked regions.
- Provides minimal sound absorption due to its weight, thus it is less effective for soundproofing.
WPC (Wood Polymer Core):
- Made from a mixture of plastic and wood fiber to produce a less rigid, softer product.
- More comfortable on foot and has better noise reduction due to its less dense, more absorbent core.
- A better solution to reducing airborne and impact sound in home spaces.
WPC flooring is superior to SPC flooring when it comes to improved sound resistance due to its higher noise absorption effectiveness.
The Role of Flooring Thickness
Thick flooring provides better sound insulation. Standard thicknesses are:
4mm – 5mm:
- Ideal for low-traffic use with moderate sound absorption.
- Performs best in bedrooms or offices where noise level is not a significant issue.
6mm – 8mm:
- Provides a noticeable upgrade in soundproofing and impact sound reduction.
- Ideal for most living rooms, kitchens, and areas with medium traffic.
8mm – 12mm:
- It provides the best sound absorption and insulation.
- Best suited for apartment buildings, apartments, and crowded areas.
The Importance of Underlayment in Noise Reduction
Placing an underlayment under vinyl plank flooring makes a substantial improvement in soundproofing. The ideal underlayment products are:
Foam Padding:
- Lightweight and low cost, providing medium sound absorption.
- It is appropriate for low-impact residential use.
Cork Underlay:
- Great for cutting airborne sound, so it’s an ideal choice for quiet rooms such as bedrooms and offices.
- Also offers added thermal insulation, resulting in warm floors.
Rubber Underlay:
- Provides enhanced durability and sound reduction of impacts.
- Optimum application in congested areas, high buildings, and business complexes.
Installation Method and Soundproofing Performance
The sound resistance of LVP flooring is also affected by its installation.
Floating Vinyl Flooring:
- Features a click-lock installation that offers improved sound insulation when used with underlayment.
- Suits best for self-installation and provides ease in soundproofing.
Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring:
- Attached directly to the subfloor, minimizing movement noise but with decreased impact noise absorption.
- Cost-effective for interior spaces where strength is an issue.
For optimal soundproofing, a high-quality underlayment should be combined with floating vinyl flooring.
How to Choose the Best Sound-Resistant Vinyl Plank Flooring
Check Acoustic Ratings Before Buying
Search for STC and IIC ratings when buying vinyl flooring:
- STC 50+ and IIC 55+ are appropriate for moderate soundproofing.
- STC 60+ and IIC 65+ deliver superior noise reduction, suitable for apartments and office use.
Opt for a Flooring Type with a High-Quality Core
- Choose WPC flooring to maximize noise absorption.
- SPC flooring is more appropriate for heavy usage but is less sound-insulating.
Select the Right Underlayment for Maximum Sound Absorption
- Cork underlayment is most appropriate for airborne sound reduction.
- Rubber underlayment functions best in the sound reduction of impacts.
Consider Room Usage and Noise Levels
- Bedrooms & Living Rooms: WPC flooring with cork underlayment for complete quietness.
- Apartments & Offices: Use 8mm+ thickness flooring with improved STC/IIC rating.
- High-Traffic Areas: Consider SPC flooring with rubber underlayment for durability and sound suppression.
Conclusion
Selecting the proper sound-resistant vinyl plank flooring is crucial in ensuring a quiet and comfortable ambiance in residential, commercial, and multi-family settings. By learning about acoustic ratings, core construction, flooring thickness, underlayment, and installation methods, you can make a decision that can satisfy your soundproofing requirements. A discerning choice would be to go for WPC flooring with a proper quality underlayment to achieve maximum noise absorption; further, it is also essential to inspect STC and IIC ratings before making a purchase. With the proper flooring, it is possible to significantly minimize airborne and impact noise, establishing a quiet indoor environment.
What is the best vinyl floor type for sound dampening?
WPC (Wood Polymer Core) vinyl flooring is the better option when it comes to sound reduction because it features a softer core that has better sound absorption compared to SPC (Stone Polymer Core) flooring.
How does underlayment assist with soundproofing vinyl flooring?
Underlayment acts as a good sound barrier that accomplishes both airborne and impact sound reduction. Cushion materials like rubber and cork are excellent noise absorbers, making them well-adapted for multi-story dwellings and shared living spaces.
What are the STC and IIC ratings to look for when selecting soundproof vinyl flooring?
For mid-range soundproofing, use STC 50+ and IIC 55+. For premium sound reduction, use flooring with STC 60+ and IIC 65+, which is ideal for apartments and offices.
Is floating or glue-down vinyl better for noise reduction?
Floating vinyl flooring with underlayment is superior for sound reduction because it has more padding underneath, and this suppresses the sound. Glue-down vinyl lowers the noise due to movement but not as much in the situation of impact noise reduction.
Can I install sound-resistant vinyl flooring in an apartment?
Yes, high STC and IIC-rated floors are needed in some apartment buildings to limit the transfer of noise from one apartment to another.
Does thicker vinyl flooring reduce noise?
Yes, thicker vinyl flooring (8mm – 12mm) is more sound-insulating than thinner vinyl flooring (4mm – 5mm). The extra thickness helps to dissipate more sound, minimizing impact and airborne noise.
