Managing noise is a critical aspect of creating comfortable and functional spaces, whether at home, in the office, or in commercial environments. From reducing ambient sounds to minimizing impact noise, Summit International Flooring offers a range of acoustic flooring solutions tailored to meet your sound-dampening needs.

Why Acoustic Flooring Matters

Unwanted noise can disrupt productivity, relaxation, and communication. The right flooring solution can significantly improve both, ensuring a quieter, more pleasant environment. Acoustic flooring addresses two key types of sound issues:

Ambient Sound

Noise that travels through the air, such as conversations or music.

Impact Sound

Noise resulting from objects hitting the floor, like footsteps or dropped items.

Best Flooring Options for Sound Dampening

1. Carpet: The Gold Standard for Sound Dampening

OBJECT CARPET FORUM Brad 1301 Glossy Velours

Carpet is one of the most effective flooring materials for sound absorption, capable of reducing noise by up to 40% compared to laminate or wood floors.

  • High-Density Carpet: Offers superior sound dampening by absorbing both ambient and impact noise.
  • Ideal Applications: Offices, residential spaces, and hospitality environments where noise reduction is a priority.

2. Rubber Flooring: A Durable and Stylish Solution

Rubberazzo Prosper 5631
Rubberazzo Rubber Flooring Acoustic Flooring Solutions

Rubber flooring effectively dampens impact sounds and is a versatile choice for various spaces:

  • Decorative Rubber: Unlike traditional recycled rubber, our high-design rubber flooring is free of odors and available in vibrant colors and patterns.
  • Performance Ratings:
    • 8 mm Rubber Flooring: IIC rating of 59.
    • 6 mm Rubber Flooring: IIC rating of 53.
  • Applications Beyond Gyms: With its attractive design, rubber flooring is now being used in offices, schools, and multi-purpose spaces.

3. Cork Flooring: Naturally Quiet and Sustainable

Granorte Vita Classic Larch Frost 002-03

Cork flooring is inherently sound-absorbing due to its natural air pockets.

  • Glue-Down Cork Tiles: Offer the best sound-dampening performance.
  • Floating Cork Floors: Provide comfort and substantial impact noise reduction.
  • Eco-Friendly Benefits: Cork is a renewable material that contributes to indoor air quality.
Granorte 3DForms Bluemoon

granorte cork wallcovering

In addition to cork flooring, Granorte wallcoverings are an excellent choice for sound dampening. Made from the same eco-friendly material, these wallcoverings reduce ambient noise while adding a unique design element to any space.

Granorte’s flat wallcover designs can reduce noise transmission by 24%. Sound dampening is further improved with their 3-dimensional designs such as 3DForms, Rusticork, and Geo.

4. DURA WOOD and DURA CRETE

Dura Wood Oshkosh Oak
Dure Crete Seattle Slate

These innovative products combine a vinyl surface with a rubber base for effective sound control.

  • Ratings:
    • IIC rating of 26 for ambient sound.
    • IIC rating of 52 for impact sound.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Mimics wood or concrete for a stylish yet practical solution.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Acoustic Flooring

Type of Noise:

  • Ambient Noise: Requires materials with high sound absorption.
  • Impact Noise: Needs flooring with strong impact insulation (high IIC rating).

Frequency of Sound:

  • Different materials are optimized for specific sound frequencies. For example, heavy machinery noise may require different solutions than everyday household sounds.

Design Preferences and Functionality:

    • Consider aesthetics and performance to find the right balance for your space.

Why Choose Summit International Flooring for Acoustic Solutions?

At Summit International Flooring, we offer industry-leading products that combine cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and design. Whether you’re looking to enhance sound control in a commercial building, home, or hospitality setting, our team of experts will help you find the ideal acoustic flooring solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about our innovative acoustic flooring options and how we can help create quieter, more comfortable environments.

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