Disturbing Footsteps Keeping You Awake? The Best Soundproof Floor Mats for Apartments

If you live in an apartment, chances are you've dealt with annoying noise from upstairs neighbors. Their loud footsteps, creaky furniture, and booming voices can make it feel impossible to relax or sleep. While you can try complaining or using a sound machine, these don't solve the root of the problem - noise transferring between floors.

That's where soundproofing floor mats come in. These dense mats are specially designed to reduce footfall noise and other impact sounds from traveling down into your apartment. Made from materials like cork, rubber, and foam, the mats absorb vibrations and dampen noise to give you some peace and quiet.

What Causes Noise Transfer in Apartments?

In apartment buildings, noise transferring between floors is inevitable thanks to the configuration of shared spaces. Hard flooring materials like hardwood, tile, and laminate do little to absorb noise, enabling impact sounds and airborne noise to travel through floors and ceilings.

Impact noises come from sources like footsteps, shifting furniture, dropped objects, or pets running around. These transfer vibrations directly into the flooring. Airborne noises like voices, music, or TVs transmit noise through the air which penetrates floors and ceilings.

With little insulation between units, an upstairs neighbor's normal daily activities become a downstairs neighbor's headache. Thin subfloors and hollow construction of many apartments make this worse. Unfortunately noise pollution is a common reality of apartment living.

Benefits of Soundproof Floor Mats

Soundproofing floor mats offer an easy and affordable solution to dampen impact noises and block noise transfer between apartments. Here are some key benefits:

• Reduce footfall noise from footsteps, pacing, and exercise
• Absorb sound vibrations rather than transferring them
• Provide acoustic insulation without removing existing floors
• Install under area rugs and furniture to dampen vibrations
• Effective at blocking both impact and airborne noises
• Relieve noise issues without major or permanent renovations
• Can be used in rented apartments without structural changes

Floor mats add mass to impact zones like floors, creating an extra barrier that keeps soundwaves from traveling down into lower units. The materials dampen vibrations and the thickness prevents noises from passing through easily. They absorb a significant portion of noise so less reaches the rooms below you.

What to Look For When Buying

Material

Soundproof floor mats come in a few common materials, each with their own acoustic properties and benefits:

• Cork - Naturally moisture and mold resistant. Provides thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Rubber - Dense to block noise but remains lightweight. Adds minimal height.
• Foam - Affordable acoustic damping material. Effectively absorbs vibrations.
• Vinyl - Durable and easily cleaned. Contains mass loading ingredients.
• Felt - Soft fabric good for light footfall dampening. Budget option.

Many mats also use several materials in a layered or composite design to optimize noise blocking. For example, a rubber base layer topped with a cork layer combines durability with acoustic performance.

Thickness

In general, the thicker the soundproofing mat, the more noise it will block. Look for mats that are at least 2mm thick, though 3-10mm is optimal. With more density, the mat is better able to dampen vibrations and absorb soundwaves.

However, make sure to balance thickness with walking comfort if installing wall-to-wall under carpets. A mat that is too thick and dense can feel awkward to walk on. Test mats first to find the right thickness for your space.

Coverage Area

Determine how much floor space you need to cover with the soundproofing mats. For targeted spot treatment, calculate the floor area under noise sources like beds, treadmills, entertainment centers or heavy foot traffic areas.

For whole-room soundproofing, measure wall-to-wall floor dimensions. Budget at least an extra 10% for overlapping seams and edges. Consider buying more mats than initially needed so you can add additional soundproofing later if desired.

Top Soundproof Floor Mats

With so many products available, here are my top recommendations for the best soundproofing floor mats for apartments:

Best Overall: AcoustiCORK Soundproofing Mat

Made from 100% recycled cork harvested sustainably from the cork oak tree, the AcoustiCORK mat boasts impressive noise reduction up to 18 decibels. It's breathable and antimicrobial, safe for living spaces.

I like the waterproof design and that AcoustiCORK offers custom sizing. At 10mm thick, it's on the higher end for blocking footfall and impact noise but is comfortable enough for use under carpet.

Best Value: ROOFULL Sound Deadening Mat

If you want noise blocking performance on a budget, the ROOFULL mat is a great choice. Made with vibration dampening SBR rubber, it reduces noise by up to 15 decibels. The durable material won't break down with normal use.

At just 2mm thick, it can be used for flooring or in areas like automotive or appliance insulation too. Given the price, it outperforms expectations.

Best High-End: QuietWalk Underlayment

On the pricier side, QuietWalk contains a special viscoelastic polymer layer that translates noise into thermal energy instead. This advanced material blocks impact and airborne sound exceptionally well.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, it excels at reducing noise from hard flooring. It may be overkill for some, but QuietWalk offers unparalleled acoustic insulation.

Best for Footfalls: FloorMuff Sound Absorbing Mat

Specifically designed to reduce footfall noise and walking vibrations, FloorMuff is made from 90% recycled rubber tire crumb with a thin foam layer on top. The combination absorbs heavy impact sounds well.

FloorMuff is heavy duty, able to handle high foot traffic areas. Durable and fire retardant, it also has antimicrobial properties to inhibit mold, good for apartment use.

Installation Guide

Installing your soundproofing floor mats properly ensures they work as intended. Here are some best practices when putting them in place:

• Thoroughly clean subfloor and remove debris
• Roll mats out and cut to fit using utility knife
• For under area rugs, use rug grip tape to hold mat in place
• For wall-to-wall installation, use acoustical sealant at seams and perimeter
• Use an adhesive like Roberts 70-190 for permanent hold
• Watch out for bumps, remove them for smooth surface
• Refer to manufacturer instructions for mat-specific guidance

For a visual tutorial, see this helpful installation video: [link to Youtube video]

Does a Landlord Allow Installation?

If renting your apartment, first check if your lease agreement allows installing soundproofing materials. Many landlords prohibit tenants from making permanent changes. Make sure to get written approval before proceeding.

If your request is denied, explain how it will improve livability without damaging the unit. Offer to restore floors to original condition when moving out. Suggest trialing in one room only. If still no approval, look into removable acoustic wall panels or rugs to dampen noise.

As a last resort, speak to the upstairs neighbors directly about the noise. Some may be unaware of the disruption and willing to accommodate changes like taking off shoes indoors or moving exercise equipment if politely asked.

Finding quiet in a noisy apartment can feel hopeless, but soundproof floor mats offer an easy fix to reduce impact noises from upstairs neighbors. The right mat dampens footfall, furniture shuffling, voices, and other annoying sounds.

Focus on thick, dense materials like acoustic cork, rubber, or foam. Cover heavy use areas first, then expand coverage for whole-room relief as needed. And always get landlord approval before installing soundproofing in a rental.

For the best overall noise blocking and comfort underfoot, the AcoustiCORK Soundproofing Mat is my top recommendation. But all the options covered here can help restore some peace and sanity when you need it most. Turn an apartment nightmare into a soundproof haven with floor mat soundproofing.

Even noisy apartments can be transformed into peaceful sanctuaries with the combination of acoustic floor mats, insulation, and tiles. Careful soundproofing lets you control your space so you can live comfortably on your own terms.