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How flooring can affect acoustics

The feel of flooring underfoot, the grip it offers, and its robustness and durability are all common factors considered when deciding on flooring for a project. However, something else that flooring can do is affect the acoustics of a space and help dampen the sound produced by footfall and other traffic.

Acoustics can significantly impact an environment and be problematic for specific sectors, like hospitals, care homes, dementia and mental health facilities. With flooring options that help reduce the decibel level of sound reflected off them, you can help create calming and comfortable environments wherever they are needed.

What is acoustic flooring?

Acoustic flooring generally refers to flooring that helps provide sound insulation, thus dampening the effects of sound from within the room, be it airborne noise or impact noise. Acoustic flooring is different from soundproof underlay or flooring, which is designed to reduce sound coming through the floor from adjoining areas.

With a range of vinyl flooring that has sound-dampening properties, you can find Altro products that will serve your needs in more ways than one. With different levels of sound reduction, you can tailor your project to its exact specifications.

19dB 

At 3.9mm thick and with 19dB impact sound insulation Altro Serenade not only reduces noise, it provides a high level of comfort underfoot, making it a great solution for well-used spaces.

Altro Serenade is available in multiple natural shades and five designs that co-ordinate with Altro Orchestra and Altro Operetta.

15dB

If heavy sound reduction is needed, the Altro Orchestra range is ideal for several applications where numerous voices and constant traffic will create persistent sound. Great in corridors, classrooms, housing, patient or resident rooms, and retail, it also has a residual indentation resistance that makes it tough enough to deal with chairs, tables, and other items likely to scuff or scratch. Altro Orchestra Custom can also be designed to suit the exact aesthetic of your space while still providing comfort underfoot and reduced noise levels of up to 15 decibels less.

If you need complete design freedom, Altro Ensemble is a modular flooring system that allows you to create stunning floors for interior spaces. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Altro Ensemble has 15dB sound reduction with added comfort underfoot, making it perfect for front of house areas in hotels including foyers and reception areas, restaurant and café dining areas, retail, offices and student accommodation – any environment where design is key.

If you need complete design freedom, Altro Ensemble is a modular flooring system that allows you to create stunning floors for interior spaces. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Altro Ensemble has 15dB sound reduction with added comfort underfoot, making it perfect for front of house areas in hotels including foyers and reception areas, restaurant and café dining areas, retail, offices and student accommodation – any environment where design is key.

14dB

Altro Wood Comfort is a popular choice for schools, restaurants, and environments where a more natural feel is needed due to its combined wood look and 14 decibel sound reduction qualities. As such, it feels like acoustic flooring boards while being more cost-effective and easier to maintain, thanks to its vinyl properties. However, if you want the look of wood but with a rapid installation that has no downtime, and no adhesive smell, then Altro Wood adhesive-free also provides one-in-a-million slip-resistance reassurance and the same noise-dampening levels.

Suppose you were looking for something more modernist in visual style, with an array of tonal options that have enhanced cleanability, perfect for bustling public spaces. In that case, Altro Cantata is a recyclable choice that doesn't use adhesive, which minimises disruption during installation.

4dB

Altro Wood is an attractive, general-purpose vinyl that brings that biophilic effect inside, to help you feel more aligned with nature without having to source expensive and hard to maintain wood. A 2mm thick safety flooring, Altro Wood provides a 4-decibel reduction in sound to take the edge of busy areas and comes in various wood styles with different plank sizes.

Altro Operetta is a robust floor perfect for medium to high traffic areas that is easy to clean and maintain. Altro Operetta has multiple attractive, natural colours and finishes to fit in your interior design scheme. It matches and coordinates with Altro Orchestra and Altro Serenade to create a complete look throughout.

Altro Zodiac provides an adaptable design that works anywhere and hits the mark on durability. It’s great in a range of spaces, from patient areas in hospitals to student accommodation. Available in four popular shades, there’s a straightforward choice to suit most public spaces.

With so many options, why not visit our Inspiration section for more ideas?

Published 31/01/2024