Simply Natural Home

Underlay & Acoustic Ratings Guide for Timber-Look Floors

Underlay & Acoustic Ratings Guide for Timber-Look Floors

Understand impact sound ratings, vapour barriers and choosing the right underlay for timber-look floors on slabs.

Underlay & Acoustic Ratings Guide for Timber-Look Floors

Why underlay matters

  • Acoustics: Reduces impact sound (handy in apartments and double-storey homes)
  • Vapour control: Some include moisture barriers for slabs
  • Comfort: Softer underfoot and helps minor subfloor variation

What to look for

  • Rw/Ln,w or ΔLw numbers: Higher ΔLw = better impact sound reduction
  • Moisture barrier: Essential on concrete slabs without dedicated vapour barrier
  • Density & thickness: Balance comfort, stability and door clearances

Tips

  • Use the manufacturer-approved underlay for warranty.
  • Tape joins, seal edges per the install manual.
  • In apartments, check your body corporate acoustic requirements before purchase.

Further reading: