Laminate flooring can produce 'ticking' or 'hollow' sounds due to the hard surface and the rigid nature of the HDF core. Installing a high-quality acoustic underlayment is the standard solution to minimize this resonance. Materials like high-density polyurethane foam or cross-linked polyethylene provide enough cushion to dampen the impact of footsteps. Some luxury laminates come with pre-attached pads, but adding an additional, compatible underlayment layer can further enhance sound deadening performance.
Ask an ExpertLaminate
Are specific underlayments recommended to reduce echo on laminate?
Yes, high-density foam or acoustic-grade rubber underlayments are highly recommended. These materials act as decoupling agents, absorbing impact noise and dampening the vibrations that cause hollow sounds or echoes when walking across laminate flooring in a room.