Best Acoustic Underlay UK: Top 7 Options Compared (2025 Buyer's Guide)

Best Acoustic Underlay UK: Complete Buyer's Guide

Choosing the best acoustic underlay is essential for reducing impact noise from footsteps, meeting Building Regulations Part E requirements, and creating peaceful living spaces in flats and houses. With numerous options available in the UK market, this comprehensive guide compares the top acoustic underlays, explains key performance metrics, and helps you choose the right product for your needs.

What Is Acoustic Underlay?

Acoustic underlay is specialized material installed beneath flooring to reduce impact noise transmission between floors. Unlike standard carpet underlay, acoustic underlay is engineered specifically for sound insulation:

• Purpose: Reduce impact noise (footsteps, dropped objects, furniture movement)
• Installation: Beneath laminate, engineered wood, carpet, or vinyl flooring
• Performance: Measured in dB reduction and Part E compliance
• Thickness: Typically 3mm-15mm depending on specification

Key Performance Metrics Explained

Impact Sound Reduction (ΔLw)

• Measures how much impact noise the underlay reduces
• Higher numbers = better performance
• Look for minimum 20 dB reduction for effective soundproofing
• Premium products achieve 25-35 dB reduction

Part E Compliance (L'nT,w)

• Building Regulations Part E requires maximum L'nT,w ≤ 62 dB (new builds)
• Maximum L'nT,w ≤ 64 dB (conversions)
• Lower numbers = better performance
• Quality acoustic underlay helps achieve compliance

Thickness vs Performance

• Thicker doesn't always mean better
• Density and material composition matter more
• 3mm high-density rubber can outperform 10mm foam
• Consider floor height restrictions

Top 7 Best Acoustic Underlays UK (2025)

1. SilentCloud FFR Acoustic Rubber Underlay (Best Overall)

SilentCloud FFR Acoustic Rubber Underlay Roll

Specifications:

• Material: Premium recycled rubber
• Thickness: 5mm
• Impact reduction: Up to 54 dB
• Part E compliant: Yes
• Suitable for: Laminate, engineered wood, vinyl

Pros:

• Excellent impact noise reduction
• Premium soundproofing and shock absorption
• Durable floor protection
• Eco-friendly recycled content
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Higher price point than basic options
• 5mm thickness may require door adjustments

Best for: Flats, apartments, and houses requiring maximum impact noise reduction

Price: £££ (Premium)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

2. 3mm Acoustic Underlay – 54dB Noise Reduction (Best Value)

3mm Acoustic Underlay – 54dB Noise Reduction | Recycled Rubber | UK Part E

Specifications:

• Material: Recycled rubber
• Thickness: 3mm
• Impact reduction: Up to 54 dB
• Part E compliant: Yes
• Suitable for: All hard flooring types

Pros:

• Excellent performance at competitive price
• Minimal thickness (3mm) - no door adjustments needed
• Part E compliant for new builds and conversions
• Eco-friendly recycled rubber
• Easy DIY installation

Cons:

• Thinner than premium options
• Less cushioning underfoot

Best for: Budget-conscious projects requiring Part E compliance with minimal floor height increase

Price: ££ (Mid-range)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

3. 3mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay – SilentCloud (Best Eco-Friendly)

3mm Recycled Rubber Acoustic Underlay – Up to 54 SilentCloud Impact Noise Insulation

Specifications:

• Material: 100% recycled rubber
• Thickness: 3mm
• Impact reduction: Up to 54 dB
• Part E compliant: Yes
• Suitable for: Laminate, engineered wood, LVT

Pros:

• Excellent environmental credentials
• High-performance impact noise reduction
• Minimal floor height increase
• Durable and long-lasting
• Moisture resistant

Cons:

• Rubber smell initially (dissipates quickly)
• Requires careful cutting for neat installation

Best for: Environmentally conscious projects requiring Part E compliance

Price: ££ (Mid-range)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

4. SilentMat 15mm Professional Acoustic Floor Mat (Best for Maximum Isolation)

SilentMat™ 15mm Professional Acoustic Floor Soundproofing Mat Impact & Airborne Noise Reduction | Floating System

Specifications:

• Material: High-density acoustic mat
• Thickness: 15mm
• Impact reduction: 25-35 dB
• Airborne reduction: Excellent
• Part E compliant: Yes (exceeds requirements)
• Suitable for: Floating floor systems

Pros:

• Maximum impact and airborne noise reduction
• Professional-grade performance
• Ideal for floating floor systems
• Exceeds Part E requirements
• Suitable for commercial applications

Cons:

• 15mm thickness requires floor height consideration
• Higher cost than thinner options
• Requires professional installation for best results

Best for: New builds, conversions, and projects requiring maximum soundproofing performance

Price: £££ (Premium)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

5. Under Screed Soundproofing Acoustic Floor Underlay (Best for New Builds)

Under Screed Soundproofing Acoustic Floor Underlay

Specifications:

• Material: High-density acoustic foam
• Thickness: Varies (typically 10-20mm)
• Impact reduction: 25-30 dB
• Part E compliant: Yes
• Suitable for: Under screed installations

Pros:

• Designed specifically for under screed applications
• Excellent long-term performance
• Supports heavy screed loads
• Ideal for new build projects
• Permanent solution

Cons:

• Only suitable for new builds or major renovations
• Requires professional installation
• Cannot be retrofitted to existing floors

Best for: New build houses and flats with screed floors

Price: ££ (Mid-range)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

6. Cork & Rubber Acoustic Underlay (Best Natural Option)

Cork & Rubber Acoustic Underlay – 3mm & 4.5mm | Eco-Friendly Soundproofing | UK

Specifications:

• Material: Natural cork and rubber blend
• Thickness: 3mm or 4.5mm options
• Impact reduction: 18-24 dB
• Part E compliant: Yes (when properly installed)
• Suitable for: All hard flooring types

Pros:

• Natural, sustainable materials
• Good acoustic performance
• Thermal insulation benefits
• Pleasant underfoot feel
• Eco-friendly choice

Cons:

• Slightly lower acoustic performance than pure rubber
• Higher cost than synthetic options
• Can compress over time in high-traffic areas

Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners seeking natural soundproofing materials

Price: £££ (Premium)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

7. High-Performance 3mm Soundproof Rubber Roll (Best Budget Option)

High-Performance 3mm Soundproof Rubber Roll for Impact Noise Reduction in Residential and Commercial Spaces - Eco-Friendly Design

Specifications:

• Material: Recycled rubber
• Thickness: 3mm
• Impact reduction: 18-22 dB
• Part E compliant: Suitable for most applications
• Suitable for: Residential and commercial spaces

Pros:

• Affordable entry-level acoustic underlay
• Minimal floor height increase
• Easy DIY installation
• Eco-friendly recycled content
• Suitable for large areas

Cons:

• Lower acoustic performance than premium options
• May not meet Part E in all scenarios
• Less durable than thicker products

Best for: Budget projects, rental properties, or moderate noise reduction requirements

Price: £ (Budget)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

Comparison Table: Best Acoustic Underlay UK

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Underlay

For Flats and Apartments (Part E Compliance Required)

• Best choice: 3mm Acoustic Underlay 54dB or SilentMat 15mm
• Why: Guaranteed Part E compliance, excellent impact noise reduction
• Performance target: Minimum 20 dB reduction, L'nT,w ≤ 62 dB

For Houses (No Part E Requirement)

• Best choice: SilentCloud FFR or 3mm Recycled Rubber
• Why: Excellent performance, good value, eco-friendly
• Performance target: 18-25 dB reduction for noticeable improvement

For Budget Projects

• Best choice: 3mm Soundproof Rubber Roll
• Why: Affordable, easy to install, suitable for moderate noise reduction
• Performance target: 15-20 dB reduction

For Maximum Soundproofing

• Best choice: SilentMat 15mm
• Why: Professional-grade, maximum impact and airborne noise reduction
• Performance target: 25-35 dB reduction, exceeds Part E

For Eco-Conscious Projects

• Best choice: Cork & Rubber Acoustic Underlay or Recycled Rubber SilentCloud
• Why: Natural/recycled materials, sustainable, good performance
• Performance target: 18-24 dB reduction

Installation Tips for Best Performance

• Cover entire floor: No gaps or missing sections
• Tape joints: Use acoustic tape to seal seams
• Turn up walls: 50mm up walls to prevent sound bridges
• Use expansion gaps: Leave 10mm gap around perimeter for laminate/engineered wood
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Each product has specific installation requirements
• Acclimate materials: Leave underlay in room 24 hours before installation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using standard carpet underlay: Not designed for acoustic performance
• Leaving gaps: Even small gaps reduce effectiveness significantly
• Choosing thickness over density: Density matters more than thickness
• Ignoring Part E requirements: Check if compliance is legally required
• Skimping on quality: Cheap underlay won't deliver adequate noise reduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness acoustic underlay do I need?

3mm high-density rubber is sufficient for most applications and Part E compliance. 5-15mm provides maximum performance but requires floor height consideration.

Can I use acoustic underlay under carpet?

Yes, install acoustic underlay first, then standard carpet underlay on top for best results.

Does acoustic underlay work for airborne noise?

Acoustic underlay primarily reduces impact noise (footsteps). For airborne noise (voices, TV), treat walls and ceilings with acoustic mineral wool and mass layers.

How much does acoustic underlay cost?

Budget options: £8-15 per m². Mid-range: £15-30 per m². Premium: £30-50 per m².

Conclusion: Best Acoustic Underlay UK

The best acoustic underlay for your project depends on your specific requirements, budget, and performance targets. For Part E compliance and excellent value, the 3mm Acoustic Underlay with 54dB noise reduction is our top recommendation. For maximum performance, choose SilentMat 15mm Professional Acoustic Floor Mat. For premium all-round performance, SilentCloud FFR Acoustic Rubber Underlay delivers exceptional results.

All recommended products are Part E compliant, eco-friendly, and proven to deliver significant impact noise reduction in UK homes and flats. Choose based on your thickness constraints, budget, and performance requirements for peaceful, quiet living spaces.