How to Soundproof an Attic Floor

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
Key Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Attic Floor
Why UnderBlock Rubber Underlayment Is Right For You
Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?
Need Help or Have Questions?
Helpful Guides You May Want Next

What You'll Learn (and Why It Matters)

Sound traveling through an attic floor is usually caused by impact noise (footsteps, movement) and airborne noise (voices, TV, music). Because an attic sits directly above living space, both types can easily transfer through the structure.

By the End of This Guide, You’ll Be Able To:

Understand how impact and airborne noise travel through attic floors into the rooms below
Determine when a rubber underlayment system is the right solution for your setup
Decide when you need a plywood layer—and when you don’t for effective noise control
Seal gaps and openings properly to prevent sound leaks
Recognize when ceiling soundproofing may be a better option based on your situation

Skill

Handyman

Article Read Time

~8 minutes

Build Time

1 day (varies by floor size)

Key Tools and Materials You'll Need

Key Tools

Utility knife
Tape measure
Straight edge
Caulk gun
Drill / driver

Key Materials

Choose options

UnderBlock™ Rubber Floor Underlayment

From $206.99

rsic-1 clips in red from different angles

RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$4.50

Choose options

Acoustical Sealant Caulk

From $19.99

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Before You Start: Choosing the Right Approach

This method focuses on reducing sound transmission through the attic floor.

If you’re hearing primarily airborne noise, also inspect the attic access door. Gaps around the hatch or thin materials can allow sound to pass through easily. You may need to increase the amount of sound blocked by the door using a proper soundproof door seal or other solutions found in the section.

If your noise issue is coming from a different floor type, see guidance on soundproofing wooden floors or general strategies to soundproof a floor.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Attic Floor

Step 1: Lay Out Rubber Underlayment

Install acoustic rubber flooring directly over the attic subfloor. Roll out the material wall-to-wall, butting the seams tightly together. Trim the edges to fit snugly.

Step 2: Place Plywood Layer Over Underlayment (Optional)

This step is only required if you plan to nail flooring down.

You need a plywood layer if your finished flooring requires you to nail it down like a hardwood floor or carpet needing tacking strips, and if you have a tile floor that needs additional stability, you’ll need the plywood layer.

Step 3: Install a Finished Flooring

Install your final flooring over the system leaving 1/4" of space along the perimeter and any penetrations to be sealed by acoustical caulk. The rubber underlayment works beneath your floor to reduce impact transfer.

Step 4: Seal with Acoustical Sealant Caulk

Seal all perimeter gaps around the wall and any penetrations. Even small air gaps allow airborne sound to pass through. Sealing is critical to complete the system.

Why UnderBlock Rubber Underlayment Is Right For You

Feature	UnderBlock Rubber Underlayment
Impact Noise Reduction	Reduces structure-borne vibration from footsteps and movement
Airborne Noise Reduction	Adds density and damping to help reduce transmitted airborne noise
Ease of Install	Roll-out installation; minimal tools required
Best For	Attics converted to storage, offices, or living areas
Cost	Moderate material investment; no major structural rebuild required
	Shop UnderBlock

Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?

25+ Years
in business

3,500+
5-star reviews

Used By
Professional installers and DIY enthusiasts

Made in the USA
Headquarters in Charlotte, NC

Featured In
Redfin, Garage Gym Reviews, Family Handyman, Breaking Muscle

Quality Guarantee
Expert help with premium products

Need Help or Have Questions?

FAQ

Can you soundproof the ceiling instead?

Yes, instead of treating the attic floor, you can treat the ceiling below. Ceiling soundproofing typically involves isolation techniques. Learn more about ceiling soundproofing strategies if you’re on the fence about choosing between treating the top or bottom of the assembly.

Will this completely eliminate attic noise?

No system eliminates 100% of sound, but adding rubber underlayment significantly reduces vibration transfer and airborne leakage when properly sealed.

Do I need plywood for all installations?

No. Only if your finished flooring requires mechanical fastening.

Can I install this over an existing attic subfloor?

Yes. The rubber underlayment installs directly over most standard subfloors.

Does this work for heavy foot traffic?

Yes, especially when paired with a stable finished flooring system.

What if the noise is coming through walls?

You may need a broader isolation strategy using appropriate soundproofing material.

What if I have only one spot that needs soundproofing?

Someone from our team has a golf mat and screen in their attic. They used The Stomp Mat under the golf hitting mat to reduce the swing impact. See the golf simulator soundproofing test results. This also applies for things like treadmills and other standalone items.

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