We are preparing to put down hardwood floors on the second floor of a timberframe. We’d like to know what products are available out there for sound proofing the floors (between the first and second floors of the house). We will be applying the hardwood floors over the 2×4 spruce of the first floor ceiling, which are supported by the 6×8 beams of the timber frame.
What products are available to sound proof in this situation? And what are the dimensions… is there a quarter inch product out there that would do the job? Do we have to go half inch.
Replies
I've used 3/4" particle board. The board are very heavy and priced right. But they wont stop impact noise, especially from tap dancing on hardwood floors. Only a physically seperated floor and ceiling will stop impact noise transmission.
You use the term "sound proof" twice in your post, which is a little concerning. You'll never make the second floor "sound proof" from the first. You can "reduce" the sound transmission, in which case there are two types of sound to be concerned with- airborne sound transmission (voices, music, etc), and impact noise (high heels on the hardwood flooring, etc). Each type requires different materials to deaden the sound transmission. For the airborne sound, you could use 1/2" Homosote or a specialized sound barrier like those shown on the page linked below. For the impact noise, there are also specialized underlayments shown on the page linked below.
Amusingly enough, even the company I've linked to calls it's products "Soundproofing Materials", which is a misnomer.
http://www.soundprooffoam.com/floor-products.html
Bob
I am familiar with type of construction and sound is always a problem. I would make sure that there are no holes or spaces for sound to travel first. then I would use a product sold in Canada at Rona Building supplies they call it sound board it is 1/2" thick green in colour 4x8 sheet like a tentest material. This Product is made here in Canada I will find the manufacturer and post later.
George
Cork. You can buy it in sheets. and glue it down. Make sure you go to the edge of the floor and up the wall to match the height of the flooring material. Some condo construction requires it for sound dampening on their typical concrete floors.