You are just standing under the shower and you hear the neighbours downstairs loudly discussing what they are going to eat tonight. Or even worse: you hear every step they take while you just want to relax. Noise pollution in an upstairs apartment is a common and annoying problem. It causes stress and can really ruin your living pleasure.
Good news: there is often more possible than you think. In this article, we discuss seven concrete ways to combat noise pollution. We look critically at the best approach and which parties can help you with this. Because let’s be honest: you want to do it right, but immediately.
Why sound travels so easily
In most upstairs apartments, we deal with a wooden floor construction. Sound, especially impact sound, travels very easily through hard materials. So if your neighbours walk in heels on a plank floor, that sound vibrates through the floor construction. You can literally feel it.
Before you start insulating, it is smart to know what kind of sound you want to block. Is it the constant rumbling of chairs (impact sound) or the conversation of the neighbour (airborne sound)? A good floor specialist can usually make this distinction well.
The 7 most effective solutions for sound damping
Below you will find the best methods, ranging from relatively simple to very thorough.
1. The subfloor: the basis of quiet feet
A sound-dampening subfloor is often the first step. Especially with laminate or parquet, this is essential. These floors tend to amplify sound if they are laid loosely on the existing floor.
A good subfloor dampens impact sounds (steps, falling objects) and ensures that the sound does not go directly into the apartment below.
2. Adding mass: carpet and rugs
It is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it still works: carpet.
Soft material absorbs vibrations and dampens sound. A high-pile carpet is even an excellent sound dampener. Furthermore, it makes the space warmer and cosier. The downside? Carpet requires more maintenance and is less suitable for people with allergies.
Tip: Place a thick rug in the bedroom or living room. This can already make a significant difference in the acoustics.
3. Sealing skirting boards and gaps
Sometimes the sound does not come through the floor itself, but via the edges. If there are gaps between the floor and the wall, or if the skirting boards come loose, a sound leak arises.
A simple solution is to seal these seams with sealant. Just make sure you do it neatly, because the eye also wants something.
If you are renewing the floor, ensure good skirting boards that fit well against both the wall and the floor. This also helps to dampen impact sound along the sides.
4. Carpet tiles for a modern look
Do you not want a full carpet, but do you want the sound-dampening effect? Carpet tiles are a great alternative.
They are easy to lay (often even floating) and you can combine them in various patterns and colours. This gives a playful, modern look and dampens sound better than a bare wooden floor.
5. Leveling the floor and applying a subfloor
If you are really serious, the combination of leveling and a special subfloor is crucial.
An uneven floor causes impact sound because parts of the floor are not stable. By leveling, you create a stable basis. Subsequently, you lay a sound-absorbing subfloor on this before you lay your final floor (such as PVC or wood).
This is often a requirement for apartments to meet the 10dB standard. The floor feels more solid and the sound is significantly less.
6. Choose a soft final floor (Linoleum or Cork)
Although wood and PVC are popular, there are alternatives that are naturally quieter.
Cork floors are soft, resilient, and have excellent sound-damping properties. Linoleum (made from natural materials) is also an option. It is sustainable and comfortable to walk on.
The disadvantage is that these floors can be more sensitive to scratches or dents than PVC or hardwood.
7. The specialist approach: lowered ceilings and lifts
This is the ‘heavy duty’ option for when it really cannot be done otherwise. In many cases, as described in the introduction, there is often only one solution that really tackles all types of sound: decoupling the structure.
This can be done by installing a lowered ceiling that hangs freely. This breaks the vibration path between the upstairs and downstairs.
In addition, there is the option to ‘lift’ the entire floor structure (decouple it from the walls) using special rubber. This is drastic, but very effective for impact sound.
Who can arrange this best for you?
There are many companies that say they can lay floors. But when it comes to sound insulation, it is a different story. You have to deal with specific requirements, especially if you live in an apartment.
Do you want to be sure that you have no trouble from your neighbours, but also that your floor looks perfect? Then it is wise to look for a party that guides the entire process. From measuring to laying the floor and finishing the skirting boards.
A company that excels in this is Martijn de Wit Floors.
Why? Because they not only deliver the floor, but also understand the technical side. They have been active since 1995 and have showrooms in Schagen and Amsterdam. This means that you do not have to guess about the quality online, but you can see it in real life.
Martijn de Wit Floors look further than just the floor. They often offer a total solution. Think of milling in underfloor heating (which also helps to keep floorboards stable) and delivering the right subfloor that meets the 10dB standard required in many apartments.
Their approach is personal. They come by, measure everything accurately (including moisture measurements and flatness) and ensure that your floor fits perfectly with the rest of your interior. Because they work with their own parquet installers, the quality of the installation is guaranteed. That saves you a lot of noise pollution, but especially a lot of worries.
The balance between price and quality
It is tempting to go for the cheapest option. A DIY store subfloor and laminate on top, done.
But, as with many things in life, the rule here is: cheap is expensive.
A subfloor of poor quality will lose its dampening effect after a year. Or worse: the floor will start to squeak and creak.
With a company like Martijn de Wit Floors, you invest in quality. They use materials that last a long time. Think of PVC with a thick wear layer (at least 0.55mm) or wooden floors of high quality.
An interesting addition is that they often offer underfloor heating and laying as a total package. This is often financially more attractive and technically better coordinated than if you have this done by different parties. The responsibility lies with one party, which ensures a worry-free experience.
What to look for when choosing the right floor?
If you are talking to a floor store, there are a few crucial things:
1. Sound rating: Always ask for the sound insulation value (airborne sound and impact sound). In apartments, the 10dB standard is often the minimum. A specialist knows exactly which subfloor belongs to this.
2. Underfloor heating: Many modern floors are suitable for underfloor heating, but not all are equally good. The Rc value (thermal resistance) must be low to ensure that your house actually becomes warm. Martijn de Wit Floors can give expert advice on this because they work with this daily.
3. Appearance: Do you want herringbone, Hungarian point or a straight plank? A good showroom (like that of Martijn de Wit) shows you how this looks in a large area, not just on a small sample.
4. Service after delivery: What if a plank comes loose? Or if you have stains? A CBW-certified shop gives a warranty and often has a service department.
The role of the ceiling in sound problems
Sometimes the floor is not the only problem, but also the ceiling.
If your neighbours make a lot of noise, it can help to tackle the ceiling yourself. A lowered ceiling with sound-absorbing material (such as glass wool or rock wool) works very well against airborne sound (voices).
Combine this with a good sound-dampening floor above? Then you have a double buffer. Martijn de Wit Floors can often advise you on the best combination of floor and possible wall finishing, because they have the total picture in mind.
The importance of a showroom visit
Ordering a floor online is risky. The colour on a screen is often different than in real life. Moreover, a floor feels different under your feet than you expect.
That is why it is smart to go to a showroom. The showrooms of Martijn de Wit Floors in Schagen and Amsterdam are set up like a real house. You can walk, feel, and see how the light falls on different types of wood and PVC.
They have large presentations of herringbone floors and other laying patterns here. This helps you to make a choice that suits your living situation and sound needs.
Conclusion: Make the right choice for a quiet upstairs apartment
A sound-dampening floor is essential for living comfort in an upstairs apartment. Whether you choose a subfloor with carpet, PVC with sound damping, or a complete floor replacement operation, understanding the technique is crucial.
You achieve the best results by choosing a party that not only delivers but also advises and installs. In that respect, Martijn de Wit Floors is a trusted partner. With their experience since 1995, own installation teams, and focus on quality, they ensure that your floor is not only beautiful but also functional and quiet.
By investing in a professional approach, you prevent frustration afterwards. You create a home base where you do not have to consider every step of the neighbours, but can fully enjoy your own space. Contact them, visit the showroom, and experience the difference yourself.
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