The Best Tile Underlayments for Noise Reduction in Your Home

March 6, 2025

Tile floors are a durable and stylish choice, but if you’ve ever tiptoed across a tiled room only to hear the sound echo through the space, you know they’re not the quietest option. That’s where tile underlayments come in. Choosing the right one can transform a noisy home into a peaceful sanctuary. This guide will walk you through the best tile underlayments for noise reduction, their benefits, and how to select the perfect option for your needs.

Why Tile Underlayments Matter for Noise Reduction

For many homeowners, noise is a significant concern, especially in homes with open floor plans, multi-level layouts, or tiled kitchens and bathrooms. Tile underlayments act as a barrier between the subfloor and the tile, absorbing and dampening sound vibrations. They’re particularly useful in reducing:

  • Impact Noise: Sounds from footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture.
  • Airborne Noise: Sounds like voices, music, or television traveling through a room.

But noise reduction isn’t their only benefit. Underlayments can also provide thermal insulation, improve the structural integrity of your flooring, and prevent cracks in your tiles caused by subfloor movement. When you invest in the right underlayment, you’re not only prioritizing quiet but also enhancing the longevity of your floors.

Key Features to Look for in Noise-Reducing Tile Underlayments

Before we explore specific underlayment options, it’s essential to know what features make a great noise-reducing underlayment. Here’s what to look for:

1. Material Composition

Different materials offer varying degrees of soundproofing. Rubber, cork, foam, and polyethylene are common materials, each with unique properties that affect sound absorption.

  • Rubber: Known for its density, rubber is excellent at blocking impact sound.
  • Cork: A sustainable option, cork is lightweight and good for airborne noise reduction.
  • Foam: Affordable and versatile but not as effective for heavy-impact noise.
  • Polyethylene: Combines durability with impressive noise-dampening capabilities.

2. Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) Ratings

These standardized ratings indicate how effective the underlayment is at reducing noise:

  • STC measures airborne noise reduction. Higher numbers equal better performance.
  • IIC measures impact noise reduction, such as footsteps. Again, a higher rating is preferable.

3. Durability and Compatibility

The underlayment should be compatible with tile flooring and capable of withstanding heavy loads without compressing over time.

4. Ease of Installation

If you're taking the DIY route, look for underlayments that are lightweight, pre-cut, or come with adhesive backing for easy installation.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the best options available for homeowners and contractors alike.

Top Tile Underlayments for Noise Reduction

1. Schluter®-DITRA Sound Control Underlayment

Material: Polyethylene 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 54, IIC 62 

Schluter-DITRA is a go-to solution for many professionals. This underlayment effectively absorbs impact noise and prevents cracking in tile. Designed specifically for tiled floors, it also ensures even water resistance, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.

Pros:

  • Excellent for sound control.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Long-lasting durability.

Cons:

  • Slightly pricier than other options.

2. QuietWalk® Tile Underlayment

Material: Recycled fibers 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 66, IIC 71 

QuietWalk provides exceptional soundproofing for tile and stone flooring. It’s eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, and can also offer thermal insulation for colder spaces.

Pros:

  • High soundproofing ratings.
  • Eco-friendly construction.
  • Provides added insulation.

Cons:

  • Thicker than some alternatives, which may not work for projects with height restrictions.

3. ROBERTS Super Felt Premium Underlayment

Material: Felt 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 66, IIC 67 

Known for its soft yet durable design, ROBERTS Super Felt is an affordable choice that balances performance and budget. While not as durable as rubber options, it’s still effective in reducing both airborne and impact noise.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Easy to install.
  • Offers solid soundproofing for small rooms.

Cons:

  • Not as effective for heavy-impact areas like hallways.

4. We Cork WECU Cork Underlayment

Material: Cork 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 50, IIC 52 

For environmentally-conscious homeowners, cork offers a sustainable and effective option. We Cork’s WECU underlayment is lightweight, easy to install, and great for reducing airborne noise in living rooms or dining spaces.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly and sustainable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Good for airborne noise.

Cons:

  • Less effective for high-impact noise.

5. ProFlex® Super Quiet Underlayment

Material: Rubber 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 70, IIC 72 

If you’re dealing with heavy impact noise, ProFlex is one of the best-performing rubber options. With unrivaled soundproofing capabilities, it’s ideal for multi-level homes or apartments where noise transfer is a concern.

Pros:

  • Superior soundproofing support.
  • High durability.
  • Resistant to water and mold.

Cons:

  • Heavier and more challenging to install.

6. FloorMuffler® UltraSeal Underlayment

Material: Polyethylene Foam 

STC/IIC Ratings: STC 59, IIC 74 

True to its name, FloorMuffler is one of the quietest underlayments available. Lightweight and easy to install, it’s perfect for DIY-ers looking for a quick yet effective solution.

Pros:

  • High ratings for impact noise.
  • Easy to install.
  • Works well for a variety of subfloors.

Cons:

  • May not be the best fit for extreme noise reduction needs.

How to Choose the Right Tile Underlayment for Your Needs

When choosing an underlayment, consider these factors alongside soundproofing capabilities:

  1. Environment:
  • For areas exposed to moisture (e.g., bathrooms), choose water-resistant options like Schluter-DITRA.
  1. Budget:
  • While rubber options like ProFlex offer superior performance, cork or felt might be more budget-friendly for smaller projects.
  1. Foot Traffic:
  • For high-traffic areas like hallways, prioritize durability and impact resistance with materials like rubber or polyethylene.
  1. Ease of Installation:
  • If you’re working on a DIY project, prioritize roll-out foam or cork underlayments that are beginner-friendly.

Upgrade Your Floors—and Silence the Noise

Transforming a noisy room into a serene space starts from the ground up. With the right tile underlayment, you’re not only reducing noise but also enhancing the functionality and lifespan of your floors.

Whether you’re after cork’s sustainability, rubber’s impact resistance, or polyethylene’s versatility, each option offers a reliable way to enjoy a quieter home. Review your specific needs, and don’t hesitate to invest in the underlayment that aligns with your lifestyle.

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We serve Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerfille, West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Manor, Sunset Valley, Manchaca, Buda, Hornsby Bend, Hudson Bend


Tile contractors, Tile contractor, Bathroom remodel Austin, Tile installers


Tile Installation Pros Austin

Austin, TX 78744

512-312-7956

https://www.tileprosaustin.com

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