A soundproof rug is a thick floor covering capable of reducing unwanted noises. It works by absorbing the sound in the room. Its effectiveness is determined by the type of material used and the density of its weave.
You can use soundproof rugs to improve the acoustics of your home, apartment, hotel, meeting room, or any other applicable space.
The best rug pads for soundproofing are made from thick materials. For example, wool and jute rugs work perfectly for sound reduction in small spaces.
Materials like polyester, fiberglass, foam, and batting are good alternatives.
A woven jute rug can be a fantastic addition to your indoor space if you face undesirable distractions from telephone conversations, loud electronics, footsteps on hardwood floors, or furniture being pulled back and forth.
Let’s explore the qualities of soundproof rugs that differentiate them from regular rugs and carpets.
Key Takeaways
- A soundproof rug is a floor covering designed to reduce noise and improve room acoustics.
- There are two main types of noise treated by soundproofing: airborne and impact noise. The best approach is to use a material that can manage both.
- Soundproofing involves blocking outside sounds from entering the room and absorbing the sounds created inside.
- The effectiveness of a rug in soundproofing can be evaluated using ratings like Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Impact Insulation Class (IIC), and Sound Transmission Class (STC).
- Various factors influence the efficiency of a rug in managing noises, such as the height and density of the rug pile, its type, and backing material.
Sound Type
In soundproofing, unwanted noise is classified according to how sound is produced and transmitted.
Two main classes of sound are treated with soundproofing: airborne and impact noise.
These two types of noise are closely related. Impact noise often becomes airborne noise, and airborne noise is also transmittable through physical structures.
It means the best approach to unwanted noise reduction is to use a medium that covers both noise classes.
Airborne Noise
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Airborne noise is sound relayed through the atmosphere. It includes noises like meowing cats, barking dogs, voices, television audio, blenders, and vacuum cleaners.
This type of noise is transmitted through the vibration of air molecules.
Empty spaces may amplify the sound, creating a loud echo noise.
Similarly, hard surfaces like wood floors can reflect the sound within a room, amplifying it further.
Impact Noise
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This noise is structure-borne and created through physical contact. It could be footfalls from people walking, falling objects, slamming doors, or moving furniture.
All these activities cause vibrations.
When a vibration travels through a structure, it creates sound waves. These sound waves can spread through the floor and pass to the ceiling of the room below, resulting in impact noise.
How Does a Soundproof Rug Work?
The best method to prevent noise from traveling in your home is to invest in products made from soundproofing materials.
These products help reduce sound transmission in two ways:
- by absorbing noise pollution coming from inside the room,
- by preventing the noise coming from the outside into the room.
Here’s an in-depth explanation of how they do it.
Sound Absorption
Adding surfaces that absorb or dampen the sound is vital to prevent the noise from resonating, echoing, or amplifying within the room.
Solutions like sound-absorbing rug pads made from memory foam can reduce noise intensity before it reaches your ears.
Hard surfaces increase ambient sound levels because they reflect or echo every sound wave back into the room. Rugs are the opposite. They are effective absorbers of both airborne and impact sound.
Their uneven, soft material comprises numerous individual tufts, fibers, and underlay with varying diameters, crimps, lengths, and spirality. This diversity lets them handle varying resonant frequencies from all directions, diffusing and absorbing sounds.
The uneven, soft material splits and scatters the sound waves. It dampens their intensity and reduces the overall sound level.
Blackout curtains also work well for this purpose. Placing a heavy curtain near your window can go a long way in making your quiet corner noise-proof.
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is using things to block sound, preventing external sounds from getting into the room.
The goal is to avoid transference through floors, windows, doors, walls, and ceilings in and out of a room.
Rugs are best for this task. They absorb both internal and external sound waves, which on its own reduces the rate of transference and intensity of sounds.
On top of that, the density of the material functions as a barrier to the sound waves going through the floor.
A thick rug pad or a soundproof carpet can significantly reduce the amount of noise generated in a room.
Soundproof Ratings
Before settling on a non-slip rug that would help to reduce echo and reverb in your house, it’s essential to learn about soundproof ratings.
This way, you can pick a rug pad that is best for soundproofing in your particular space.
Soundproofing professionals use different ratings to rank efficiency that you should be aware of. Here’s a brief rundown.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
This figure represents the amount of sound that a soundproof product can reduce. The higher the NRC rating, the more sound the item can reduce.
Impact Insulation Class (IIC)
IIC measures the amount of impact sound insulation an acoustic material can provide. It’s the ability to block structure-borne noise from transmitting to the space below it.
In this context, IIC refers to how well the soundproof rug isolates noises in the room by preventing sound vibrations from traveling through the floor. A higher rating means better soundproofing capabilities.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
STC is determined by how much the medium can dampen airborne sounds so they are not reflected or amplified. It addresses the ambient noises within the room.
Again, the higher the rating, the better the performance.
What Makes a Soundproof Rug Effective for Noise Reduction?
Many people use rug pads for noise reduction, and not without reason.
Rug pads provide excellent soundproofing qualities through their unique features. These features make them highly effective at creating a noise-free environment.
Let’s take a look at the fundamentals.
Rug Pile
This term refers to the fiber or fabric loops woven onto the rug’s backing, essentially forming the rug.
These fibers influence how efficient the rug will be in soundproofing in many ways:
Rug Pile Height
High pile rugs have loose, long fibers and loops measured from the surface to the backing. They are also referred to as shag rugs.
These pile rugs feel softer than lower pile rugs. Since they cover more surface area, they can also absorb more sound than low pile rugs.
The higher the pile height, the more noise it can absorb.
Rug Pile Density
This category refers to how close the fibers are to each other at the base of the carpet. It ultimately determines the total number of fibers the rug has.
The more fibers a rug has, the better it is at deadening sound due to a combined increase in surface area and density.
Cut Pile vs Loop Pile Rugs
Cut pile is a particular style of carpet, hailed for its popularity in many homes and businesses. Its production involves cutting the fiber loops, hence the name ‘cut pile.’
This type of carpet is known for its softness and luxury. The tips of its fiber loops create a fuzzy top.
Thanks to it, cut piles are better at absorbing sound than loop pile rugs.
On the other hand, loop pile carpets are just as they sound. Rather than shearing the fibers, manufacturers leave them intact, creating an array of loops. Unlike cut pile carpets, these remain uncut, adding to their distinct texture.
Looping fiber tips enhances durability, as they are less likely to fray and have a lower memory for furniture markings.
Backing
The backing is the underside of the rug that keeps the woven fibers together, provides strength and stability, and prevents the rug from slipping on the floor. Many carpets have double backing.
The backing material also affects the NRC. Permeable backing allows more sound energy to penetrate it, resulting in a higher NRC. The higher its weight and thickness, the better the NRC.
Padding
You can enhance the performance of your rug by adding padding underneath. It will provide an extra insulation layer for sound absorption and noise isolation.
The thicker the padding, the better its damping and absorption capabilities. Its density will significantly cut down the amount of noise that can penetrate between floors.
Paddings attach easily under the rug and can be cut to size to fit in your space. Many of them are designed to prevent area rugs from slipping, so you can use them to soundproof high traffic areas without worrying about injuries.
Rug pads without this property can be secured to the floor using double-sided carpet tape to achieve the same outcome.
Our pick for the day is the Mohawk Home premium all-surface felt rug pad. It is easily customizable and permeable enough to absorb sound without compromising stability.
If you need help with soundproofing, it’s a no-brainer.
Placement
The more area of your floor covered by the rug, the more effective the soundproofing is.
It is, however, impractical to cover the entire house with soundproofing rugs. So, you need to be tactical about it.
Place the rug in an open space on a hard floor so it can intercept the sound waves before they reflect. Ensure it covers the open parts of the room where the noise will be reflecting off the floor.
Other pieces of furniture with soft parts like cushions will take care of the rest of the room.
Gorilla Grip Faux Fur Area Rug
This rug has just the right combination of the features we have listed above for soundproofing your home or apartment. Besides the lush cut pile, it comes with a durable rubber backing. It is fade-resistant and machine washable for easy maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The ability to absorb sound and mute noise levels makes soundproof rugs the perfect flooring option for a wide range of circumstances.
You can effectively use them in standalone homes, multi-floor apartments, hotels, or auditoriums.
They deliver heat insulation while making the floor cozy.
Moreover, they provide a soft cushion option for kids’ safety.
You can enhance the room’s appeal by experimenting with sizes, colors, patterns, weaves, and materials that complement your home.
You can place your soundproofing rag on top of your standard carpet or any floor, whether you have cork tiles, vinyl, hardwood, or cement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sound-absorbing rugs work?
Yes, sound-absorbing rugs work remarkably well. They trap and absorb the noise, reducing unwanted sounds in your space.
How do rugs reduce noise?
Rugs reduce noise by creating a barrier between the sound source and the listener. They dampen vibrations and echoes, absorbing the intensity of the sound.
Do rugs help with neighbor noise?
Absolutely! Rugs, especially those with thick pads, can significantly reduce neighbor noise. The same goes for carpet underlay.
Even curtains can help you with this issue. Hung on walls, they are highly effective at absorbing sound coming in from the outside.
What type of carpet is best for noise reduction?
The best type of carpet for noise reduction is one with a high-density pad. This kind of carpet is thicker and has more material to absorb sound waves.
How do I soundproof so I don’t hear my neighbors?
To soundproof your space from neighbor noise, use items that absorb sound, like thick curtains, bookshelves filled with books, or specialty-made soundproofing panels.
Factors to consider when choosing a suitable option for your space include the type of noise you’re dealing with and the available budget.
Is it normal to hear neighbors through walls?
It’s quite normal to hear neighbors through walls, especially in older apartments or condos where walls may be thin.
If you want more privacy, you’ll need to invest in some soundproof solutions.
How do I reduce footstep noise from upstairs?
A practical method is to install thick carpets or area rugs. These will create a soft barrier, muffling the noise of footsteps.
What kind of rugs absorb sound?
Wool and shag rugs are fantastic for sound absorption. Their dense fibers have excellent noise-dampening qualities
Feel free to contact us, so we can help you choose the right option.
What is the best soundproofing for a room?
The best soundproofing for a room depends on your needs.
Available options include:
- Installing acoustic foam panels.
- Placing bookshelves against walls.
- Using thick curtains.
- Laying down heavy rugs.
What are the benefits of using a memory foam rug pad for soundproofing?
A memory foam rug pad is an excellent sound absorber. It not only provides cushioning and comfort underfoot but also helps reduce echo and block sound transmission. It is a popular choice for soundproofing purposes.
Can a rubber rug pad help with soundproofing?
Yes, it can! Rubber is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, making it an effective material for reducing noise and minimizing sound transfer.
Can I use a rug on top of a carpet and still benefit from soundproofing?
Yes, you can. The rug pad will absorb sound and reduce noise, even when placed on top of the carpet.
It is recommended to choose a thicker rug pad for better soundproofing results.
