Flooring Choices That Help Reduce Noise in Multi-Level Homes
When you live in a multi-level home, sound control becomes more than a nice-to-have—it’s essential. From the sound of kids running upstairs to clattering heels in the hallway or even echoes in open-concept spaces, the right flooring can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and peace of mind.
At The Floor Shop in Toronto, we often hear from homeowners looking to reduce noise between floors or quiet foot traffic within rooms. The good news is, today’s flooring options offer both style and sound reduction—without sacrificing one for the other.
Whether you’re renovating a two-storey family home, a townhome, or a finished basement, this guide covers the best flooring choices for sound absorption, insulation, and reduced transmission between levels.
Why Flooring Plays a Role in Sound Control
Before diving into materials, it’s helpful to understand how sound travels in a home:
- Impact noise: Caused by footsteps, dropped items, or furniture movement—especially noticeable on upper floors.
- Airborne noise: Includes voices, music, and other sounds that pass through floors and walls.
- Echo and reverb: Common in open spaces with hard surfaces, where sound bounces around and becomes amplified.
The right flooring can minimize all three by absorbing, dampening, or isolating sound. It starts with choosing the right material—and pairing it with proper underlayment and installation techniques.
Top Flooring Materials for Noise Reduction
#1. Cork Flooring
Cork is one of the best natural sound absorbers on the market. It’s soft underfoot, flexible, and full of tiny air pockets that help absorb both impact and airborne noise.
Why it’s great:
- Naturally quiet and warm
- Excellent for bedrooms, playrooms, and offices
- Eco-friendly and stylish
- Resilient and comfortable for long periods of standing
Best uses: Second-floor rooms, basements, and homes where sound insulation is a priority.
At The Floor Shop, we offer high-quality cork flooring in several finishes that blend beautifully into both rustic and modern spaces.
#2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) with Attached Underlayment
Luxury vinyl plank is one of the most versatile flooring materials—and when paired with a built-in acoustic underpad, it becomes an excellent option for noise control.
Why it’s great:
- Durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance
- Built-in foam layers help reduce impact noise
- Mimics wood or stone for a high-end look
- Cost-effective and easy to install
Best uses: Kitchens, basements, hallways, and even stair landings.
If you’re working with concrete subfloors or want to reduce noise in active family zones, LVP is a smart solution. We can help you select styles that balance durability with softness underfoot.
#3. Engineered Hardwood with Acoustic Underlayment
If you love the timeless look of hardwood but want quieter floors, engineered hardwood is the best choice. Its layered construction provides greater dimensional stability—and with the right underlayment, it offers improved sound insulation over traditional solid hardwood.
Why it’s great:
- Real wood surface for natural beauty
- More stable in changing climates (like Toronto’s)
- Can be floated or glued over sound-absorbing underlay
- Available in matte, brushed, and textured finishes that help minimize footfall sound
Best uses: Living rooms, hallways, upper-level bedrooms.
Pairing engineered hardwood with a high-density acoustic underlay helps reduce sound transfer to rooms below. We recommend this combo for homes that want the look of wood with better acoustic performance.
#4. Laminate Flooring with Sound-Reducing Pads
Laminate flooring is a popular option for families thanks to its durability and affordability. While laminate can be noisier than cork or vinyl on its own, the right underlayment makes all the difference.
Why it’s great:
- Tough, scratch-resistant surface
- Available in wood-look styles
- Click-lock floating installation over quiet underlayment
- Budget-friendly and easy to maintain
Best uses: Bedrooms, basements, or rental units where cost and comfort both matter.
Pro tip: Choose waterproof laminate with integrated padding to help muffle impact noise, especially on upper floors.
Don’t Forget the Underlayment
No matter which flooring you choose, underlayment plays a huge role in how quiet your floors are.
Types of sound-absorbing underlayment include:
- Foam or cork pads: Ideal for vinyl and laminate flooring.
- Rubber underlay: Great for soundproofing between floors.
- Felt or fiber pads: Often used under engineered hardwood.
Some luxury vinyl and laminate products come with built-in underlayment, but others will need a separate layer. Our experts at The Floor Shop can help you choose the right one for your floor type and installation style.
Additional Tips for a Quieter Home
If reducing sound is your top priority, consider these extra strategies:
1. Use Door Sweeps and Seals
Doors are major sound leaks. Adding sweeps to the bottom and weatherstripping around edges can help muffle noise between rooms.
2. Add Rugs or Soft Furnishings
Upholstered furniture, thick curtains, and textile accents help absorb sound and reduce echo in open spaces.
3. Consider Staggered Flooring Layouts
Diagonal or staggered flooring patterns can help scatter sound waves more effectively than straight planks.
4. Think About the Subfloor
A creaky subfloor makes even the best flooring noisy. We inspect and level subfloors during installation to prevent squeaks and uneven boards.
Why Choose The Floor Shop?
At The Floor Shop, we’ve been helping Toronto homeowners upgrade their floors for over 30 years. When sound reduction is a priority, we offer:
- A wide selection of quiet flooring materials.
- Expert advice on underlayments and product pairing.
- Professional installation that ensures squeak-free, seamless results.
- Personalized recommendations based on your floorplan, room use, and family needs.
Whether you’re building a new home or soundproofing an existing one, we’ll help you find a flooring solution that looks great and feels even better.
Visit The Floor Shop Today
Living in a multi-level home shouldn’t mean putting up with echo, footsteps, or constant background noise. With the right flooring—and the right installation—you can dramatically improve the acoustics of your space.
From cork and luxury vinyl to engineered hardwood and sound-reducing laminates, there’s a stylish and practical solution for every room in your home.
Ready to explore quiet, comfortable flooring options? Visit one of The Floor Shop’s Toronto showrooms or book a consultation with our team. We’ll help you select, plan, and install flooring that suits your lifestyle—and your ears. Let’s create a quieter, more beautiful home—one step at a time.
