Hi Everyone,

I have been searching this forum for a few days now and I have truly learned a lot.

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

I would just use the felt paper under the floor. I would also insulate the crawl space if it isn't.

The only reason you should be concerned about sound with a crawlspace underneath is if you have very short people living underneath it.

Very short people?

Ed I assume your talking about the acoustics in the large open room. I've installed quite a bit of Insulayment, and people have been happy with the sound difference in the room, as compared to 15lb felt. I haven't had any experience with Muffler.