If you are an avid fan of “Friends,” the 1990s TV comedy show, then you probably remember the one where Mr. Heckles incessantly tells them to keep it down by banging his broom against his roof, which would be Monica and Rachel’s floor. This is an all too familiar scenario, especially if you live in an apartment building.
Although, there is a very good chance that you might be interested in how to soundproof a tile floor even if you don’t have downstairs neighbors.
Mr. Heckles’ irritation in the series is understandable. Noise permeating through floors can be frustrating, especially for those who love their peace and quiet.
It is made even worse if any of your family members or residents have heavy feet and happen to be clumsy. Even the most peaceful of moments can be disturbed by the thumping of feet or worse, loud music from above.
If you are concerned about causing your neighbors this kind of irritation or are just focused on making sure that your house is as quiet as possible, then soundproofing your tile floor could be an excellent idea. Thankfully, it isn’t that difficult to do.
Ideas on How to Soundproof a Tile Floor
To fully understand the kind of soundproofing you will need in your home, you must first understand the type of noises that you will be experiencing.
When it comes to floor noises, there are two main types:
- Impact noises: These are almost unavoidable, no matter the kind of floor you have installed. Impact noises are often caused by people and pets when they are walking or running around the house (stomping feet), falling objects, and things being dragged across the floor as they will from time to time.
- Airborne noise: These are noises that emanate from things such as TV, stereo, people talking, laughing, and even pets. Just like impact noises, airborne noise is often unavoidable.
Since you will be dealing with both types of noises, it is best to find soundproofing solutions that can remedy both types.
That being said, here are some tips and tricks you can try to soundproof a tile floor:
Use a Layer of Sound Deadening Vinyl Flooring
Often referred to as “Mass Loaded Vinyl,” this self-adhesive mat-like flooring material is a go-to for people who want to soundproof their homes.
Not only is it versatile in terms of use, but it’s also very effective when it comes to absorbing noises and vibrations that often travel through the apartment floor and into your neighbors’ ears. The best part is that it’s very easy to install; just lay it on the floor, and it’s quite affordable.
Lay a Carpet on the Floor
This is probably something that you have already considered…and with good reason. Laying the right type of carpet on your floor, no matter the type of floor is an excellent way to reduce impact noises that come from stomping or falling objects.
Have you ever walked into a carpeted room and instantly realized how quiet it was? Even your shoes don’t make that “walking on high-heels” like the noise they usually make when you step on tiles. That is because rugs can absorb the impact caused by the interaction between the soles of your shoes and the floor.
However, it’s not just about finding any old rug and laying it on the floor. The quality and thickness of the carpet matter a great deal. The thicker and denser the carpet, the more its ability to absorb the noise.
Anti-Vibration Mat
Another common source of noise is the use of heavy machinery. If you have something like a washing machine that is bound to cause vibrations that will translate into noises for both your neighbors and yourself, then it’s best to have an anti-vibration mat installed.
These mats offer several features and benefits such as:
- Non-slip properties
- Wider ribs
- Synthetic rubber
The best part is that you don’t have to install the mat all over the house if you don’t fancy the look. You can have it placed under the offending machine, and it will absorb the vibrations and dampen the sound wave transmission that causes the noise through the floor.
Acoustic Floor Tiles
Let’s say, for example, you have only a little bit of a problem with the noise from your tile floor. You know, not too much of an issue with it to go to extreme ends to make it stop. What then, would you use instead of carpets, mass loaded vinyl, or anti-vibration mats? Acoustic floor tiles.
The thing about these acoustic floor tiles is that as effective as they tend to be, they aren’t exactly designed to be used on their own. They are most effective when used in conjunction with some other kind of tile floor soundproofing measure, such as carpets.
However, if all you want to do is slightly reduce the amount of impact noise emanating from high traffic areas such as hallways, then acoustic tiles will do just fine.
These are often interlocking foam tiles that are lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and even easier to install. The best part is that they don’t cost that much money, and since they are designed to be used in conjunction with things like carpets anyway, they often come in plain colors that will work well with your decor.
Sound Absorbing Carpet Pads
Not as fancy as your typical carpet, sound-absorbing carpet pads tend to be a bit denser and quite effective when it comes to absorbing sound and preventing the noise created by footsteps from transmitting through the floor to other rooms.
These are designed to keep your carpet securely in place and should therefore be used in conjunction with a carpet of your choice.
These are just some ideas on how to soundproof a tile floor. The best part is that many of these solutions come in a variety of colors and can be used as part of your home decor.