Wood floors reflect sound waves making them a little noisy. But sound reduction is possible both pre and post-installation!
Having wood floors installed in your home can be very beneficial. Wood is incredibly durable, hypoallergenic and easy to clean, and adds to your home value. Without the proper preparation, wood flooring can reflect sound waves easily and make your room a little noisier than you’d like. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing the wood flooring of your dreams! Sound reduction can be planned for and achieved during the installation process, and you can take steps even after installation if you need to. Let’s take a look at how sound reduction in wood floors works.
Pre-Install
The best path to sound reduction is in isolating noise before it has a chance to reflect in a room. One way to do this is by installing a sound board beneath the subflooring. This acoustical board insulates sound vibrations and prevents them from bouncing around the room in the first place. Also, to further deaden sound, underlayments like mats can provide additional support in isolating sound. These mats are made of rubber, vinyl, or closed cell foam. Your hardwood flooring contractor can walk you through the different options available according to your unique sound reduction needs.
Post-Install
If you already have flooring installed, outside of ripping up the old flooring to put in new soundproofing materials, your most effective option will be in your decorating choices. Specific pieces of furniture can be used to absorb sound waves and reduce the amount of sound in your room. Upholstered sofas and sectionals are great at sound reduction compared to leather furniture. Fabric wall hangings and area rugs can also be used, if necessary, to further reduce the sound in a room with hardwood floors. You may also want to try cloth drapes around your windows as well.
Trust Jason Brown Wood Floors for All Your Hardwood Flooring Needs!
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 3 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
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