Soundproof underlayment for nail-down hardwood floors is an important consideration when installing new floors or renovating existing flooring. It offers excellent noise reduction and is also a sustainable material that will be definitely a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Many soundproof underlayments for nail-down hardwood floors are available, but not all of them are equal in terms of effectiveness.
The best soundproof underlayment for nail down hardwood floors has thermal insulation properties, helping to keep the room temperature consistent. This can also save energy in the long run so it’s a win-win situation.
With strong moisture protection, it will also prevent any damage to the hardwood flooring from water or humidity. In addition, it has a smooth, flat surface for easy installation and provides cushioning for added comfort underfoot.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment
Made of 3-in-1 premium material for sound
630 square feet per roll
STC rating of 67 and IIC rating of 68
ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 sq 60 in. x 72 ft. x 3 mm
Exceptional sound absorption and sound dampening
Durable construction
Suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children
Laminate Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier
Eco-friendly
Vapor barrier
Supports click-together mechanism
How Do The Best Soundproof Underlayments For Nail Down Hardwood Floors Reduce The Noise?
These soundproof reduce noise by the following:
1 - Absorbing Sound Waves:
They can reduce the noise by absorbing sound waves, preventing them from traveling through the flooring and into the rooms below.
2 - Increasing Mass:
These underlayments also increase the mass of the flooring, making it harder for sound waves to penetrate through.
3 - Creating A Decoupling Effect:
Lastly, they create a decoupling effect by separating the hardwood floors from the subfloor, preventing sound vibrations from transferring through.
Best Soundproof Underlayment For Nail Down Hardwood Floors At a Glance:
- Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment
- ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 sq 60 in. x 72 ft. x 3 mm
- Laminate Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier
- Black Jack 100 sq. ft., 28 ft. x 43 in. x 2.5 mm
- Global Products QW100B1LT Laminate Flooring Underlayment
- STEICO 3 mm 1/8 Inch Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment for Laminate
Best Soundproof Underlayment For Nail Down Hardwood Floors Reviews
First Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment
SPECIFICATIONS
Color: Green |Material: Wood |Brand: ROBERTS |Shape: Square |Is Dishwasher Safe: No
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Made of 3-in-1 premium material for sound
✓ 630 square feet per roll
✓ STC rating of 67 and IIC rating of 68
✓ R-value of 40 for added insulation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Difficult to unroll and flatten
We start our list with one of the most reliable underlayment options for nail-down hardwood flooring. It’s made of premium 3-in-1 material that’s designed to deaden sound, protect against moisture, and provide a smooth, level surface, so it ticks off all the boxes for what you need in an underlayment.
This underlayment is easy to install and comes in a 100-square-foot roll, so you’ll have plenty to cover your entire floor. It is perfect for use on both concrete slabs and wood subfloors that are on or above grade. Not only is it effective for sound reduction, but it also provides extra comfort and helps level minor sub-floor corrections.
This roll provides 630 square feet of protection and includes an adhesive strip and a 4-inch overlap film for linking multiple rolls. It also has an STC rating of 67 and an IIC rating of 68, making it ideal for reducing noise transmission. Plus, with an R-value of 40, it’s perfect for insulating your floors.
ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 sq 60 in. x 72 ft. x 3 mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: QEP Tools |Part Number: 70-193 |Item Weight: 45.5 pounds **|Product Dimensions:** 12 x 12.2 x 60 inches |Item model number: 70-193A
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Exceptional sound absorption and sound dampening
✓ Durable construction
✓ Suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children
✓ 3 mm thickness provides cushioning
✓ Tested for both IIC and STC ratings
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not suitable for floating floors
Meet the ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 is a great option. This top-of-the-line product has been engineered to provide exceptional sound absorption and sound-dampening qualities, thanks to its dense, multi-layered construction.
It’s also extremely durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. With a thickness of 3 mm, it provides just the right amount of cushioning to help protect your floors and make them more comfortable to walk on.
The ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 sq 60 in. x 72 ft. x 3 mm Cushion Underlayment has been tested for both IIC and STC ratings, making it a great choice for families with small children or pets. Best of all, it’s easy to install - simply unroll and lay down in the desired area. So don’t wait any longer, order your ROBERTS 70-193A Super Felt 360 sq. today!
QuietWalk Laminate Flooring Underlayment with Attached Vapor Barrier
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Felt |Brand: Quiet Walk |Item Dimensions LxWxH: 720 x 72 x 0.13 inches |Color: Blue |Shape: Rectangular
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Eco-friendly
✓ Vapor barrier
✓ Supports click-together mechanism
✓ Approved for in-floor radiant heat
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Installation is a bit harder
Check out the QuietWalk is a perfect choice! Made from recycled fibers, it absorbs sound and prevents it from traveling to other rooms, so you’ll enjoy quieter, more peaceful living. The attached vapor barrier protects your floors from moisture damage.
Ideal for installations over concrete, this innovative underlayment allows your floor to “breathe,” managing vapors and preventing them from becoming bulk moisture. The dense recycled fiber structure provides superior support for the click-together mechanism.
This product contains no VOCs or off-gassing materials, making it a great choice for your home. Additionally, QuietWalk is approved for in-floor radiant heat systems. This means that you can enjoy a warm, comfortable floor without worrying about thermal shock.
ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft., 28 ft. x 43 in. x 2.5 mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Roberts |Part Number: 70-026 |Item Weight: 1.95 pounds **|Product Dimensions:** 336 x 43 x 0.09 inches |Item model number: 70-026 |ASIN: B00CJBLR2I
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Quick and easy installation
✓ Moisture and mold resistance
✓ Sound absorption
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ A little bit smelly
Another ROBERTS Black Jack 100 sq. ft. Underlayment is here. This top-of-the-line underlay provides 100 sq. ft. of coverage and features rolls measuring 28 ft. x 43 in. x 2.5 mm. Not only will it help your floors look their best, but it will also extend their lifespan by protecting them from everyday wear and tear.
This premium product is made with a dense, closed-cell structure that resists moisture, mold, and mildew. It also provides cushioning and sound reduction, and levels out minor subfloor imperfections.
This product is perfect for those who want a quick and easy installation process simply overlap the plastic and adhere the strip. It is also great for sound absorption, helping to keep your home quiet and comfortable. Plus, the sleek black color will give your floors a classy and polished look.
MP Global Products QW100B1LT Laminate Flooring Underlayment
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Felt |Brand: MP Global Products |Item Dimensions LxWxH: 400 x 36 inches |Color: Blue |Shape: Rectangular
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Dense and recycled fibers for sound absorption
✓ Attached vapor barrier
✓ Thermal protection
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Check guidelines specific installation
The MP Global Products QW100B1LT is a top-of-the-line product that features recycled fibers that absorb sound, keeping it from traveling to other rooms. You’ll love the improved sound reduction and the way your floors feel more solid beneath your feet.
Made from compression-resistant recycled fibers, this underlayment is dense and strong enough to support even the heaviest click-together laminate floors. Plus, its attached vapor barrier protects your floors from harmful moisture, ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment.
This specially-designed underlayment helps to evenly distribute heat while protecting your floor covering material from thermal shock. Plus, it’s easy to install simply roll out and join the seam. Give your home the cozy, inviting feel of radiant heat without sacrificing style or comfort.
STEICO 3 mm 1/8 Inch Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment for Laminate
SPECIFICATIONS
**Manufacturer:** STEICO |Part Number: PR16005955 |Item Weight: 14.12 pounds **|Product Dimensions:** 24 x 2 x 36 inches **|Item model number:** PR16005955 |ASIN: B01LD0RC24
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Natural wood fiber construction
✓ Excellent sound reduction
✓ High density for durability and stability
✓ Eco-friendly, no harmful chemicals
✓ US-tested and certified
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Require a thicker underlayment for better results in high-traffic areas
The last soundproof underlayment on our list is the STEICO Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment, which is made from natural wood fiber and has a thickness of 3 mm (1/8 inch). This underlayment boasts excellent sound reduction properties and moisture protection for your hardwood floors.
It also has a high density for added durability and stability. In addition, this product is eco-friendly and does not contain any harmful chemicals. This premium product is US tested and certified after passing the strictest acoustic tests, ensuring optimal soundproofing for your home.
The wood fiber construction also provides increased comfort and acoustic improvement, making it the perfect choice for any home. Don’t settle for anything less, choose STEICO 3 mm 1/8 Inch Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment for Laminate Vinyl LVT LVP.
Quick Shopping Tips For The Top Soundproof Underlayments For Nail Down Hardwood Floors:
Before shopping, here are a few quick shopping tips that will help you to find the best underlayment for your flooring:
1 - Thickness:
Check the thickness of the underlayment. Generally, thicker underlayments will provide more soundproofing capabilities.
2 - Compatibility:
Make sure the underlayment is compatible with your type of flooring. Some underlayments may not be suitable for nail-down hardwood floors.
3 - Density:
Look for a high-density underlayment as it can offer better soundproofing capabilities.
4 - Additional Features:
Consider underlayments that have additional features such as moisture protection or comfort cushioning.
5 - Budget:
You need to consider the cost of the underlayment and balance it with the features and benefits you desire.
Conclusion:
The soundproof underlayment for nail-down hardwood floors is a great way to reduce noise and enhance the comfort of your home. It also provides additional features that can protect and prolong the life of your floors.
Here we recommend the First Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment based on our personal usage. This underlayment is thick, compatible with nail-down hardwood floors, and offers a moisture barrier. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which soundproof underlayment for nail-down hardwood floors?
The First Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment is a great choice for soundproofing and cushioning when installing hardwood floors using a nail-down method.
Is the soundproof underlayment good for hardwood floors?
Yes, this underlayment is specifically designed for use with hardwood floors and will provide both soundproofing and cushioning.
Is the soundproof underlayment worth buying?
Definitely, this underlayment will not only improve the soundproofing of your floors but also add cushioning, making for a more comfortable walking surface. Plus, it will extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors. It’s worth every penny.
