How do different flooring types compare for sound insulation between floors in a NB two-storey home?

Carpet provides the best sound insulation between floors, followed by luxury vinyl plank with quality underlayment, while hardwood and tile offer minimal sound dampening without specialized acoustic treatments.

Sound transmission between floors is a major concern in New Brunswick's older two-storey homes, where floor assemblies often lack modern acoustic design. The flooring material itself plays a significant role, but the underlayment and subfloor preparation are equally important for controlling both impact noise (footsteps, dropped objects) and airborne noise (voices, music).

Carpet delivers superior sound control because the fibres and backing absorb impact energy before it transmits through the floor assembly. Quality nylon broadloom with a thick rebond pad can reduce impact noise by 25-35 decibels compared to bare subfloor. This makes carpet the best choice for upstairs bedrooms in NB homes where family members have different schedules during the long heating season. The thermal insulation benefit is an added bonus for comfort during cold Maritime winters.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with acoustic underlayment offers the best compromise between sound control and moisture resistance for NB conditions. Premium cork or foam underlayments with sound-dampening properties can reduce impact noise by 15-25 decibels while providing the moisture barrier essential for Maritime humidity cycles. SPC (stone plastic composite) core LVP is inherently quieter than WPC (wood plastic composite) due to its denser construction.

Hardwood floors transmit significant sound unless paired with specialized acoustic treatments. Solid hardwood nail-down installation creates direct mechanical connection to the subfloor, efficiently transmitting every footstep and impact to the room below. Engineered hardwood floating installations with quality acoustic underlayment perform better, reducing impact noise by 10-18 decibels compared to nail-down solid wood. However, hardwood's natural resonance amplifies certain frequencies, making conversations and music more audible between floors.

Tile and stone floors are the loudest options without acoustic intervention. The rigid, dense materials transmit impact energy directly through the floor assembly with minimal absorption. Porcelain tile over cement board creates an extremely efficient sound transmission path. However, installing tile over an acoustic membrane or using radiant heating with specialized acoustic mats can dramatically improve performance.

NB-specific considerations include the province's older housing stock, where floor joists are often 2x8 or 2x10 on 16-inch centers rather than modern 2x12 construction. These lighter floor assemblies transmit more sound, making flooring choice even more critical. Additionally, forced-air heating systems common in NB homes create air pathways between floors that allow sound transmission regardless of flooring type — sealing gaps around heating ducts and electrical penetrations is essential for any acoustic improvement.

For maximum sound control in NB homes, consider carpet in bedrooms, LVP with premium acoustic underlayment in living areas, and avoid hardwood or tile in high-traffic upstairs areas unless you're willing to invest in specialized acoustic subfloor systems. The investment in sound control pays dividends during long Maritime winters when families spend more time indoors.

Professional installation is recommended for acoustic flooring systems, as proper gap sealing, transition detailing, and underlayment overlap directly affect sound transmission performance.