Underlayment: Insulayment vs. Floor Muffler

monkeystomach

Hi Everyone,

I am going to be installing 1400+ sq. feet of 3/4” hardwood (BR111 – Brazilian Teak). The subfloor is 3/4” T&G plywood. This is on the 1st floor of a house that has a crawlspace underneath. The floor plan is very open and I am concerned about noise. I have been researching different underlayments and I know that I want something that will help reduce the noise.

My question is, for my situation, which is better, Insulayment or Floor Muffler?
If they are both similar, which is easier to install hardwood over?

Also, should I also put down 15# felt over the subfloor, then the sound deadening layer, then the floor? Do I need the felt, or do either of the above mentioned products work as a vapor barrier?


Thanks,

Ed

poppameth

Personally, I don't like Floor Muffler. It's way over rated from my experience. I haven't used Insulayment but I like the build on it better. I've used one from Anchor called QuietGuard that is very similar but has a green vapor barrier on it.

Regardless, if sound is your main concern, get a cork underlayment instead. Rolls of cork will be more expensive but much better for sound reduction.