Noisy room!

[lorla]

Having ripped up the carpet in my dining room the noise from the downstairs flat is a real problem (we can hear everything from her TV to her talking!) I wanted to rub down and varnish the floorboards because they're in good nick but think it'll just be too noisy (even with the gaps inbetween filled with PVA and sawdust as I've been advised). If I went for something like laminate flooring would it be quieter or is carpet the only choice? Thanks for any info.

[bushbaby_de]

Laminate flooring may muffle the sound that you are hearing, but will make life hell for your downstairs neighbour. Do a favour to the pair of you and put the carpet back down!

[ummmm]

Laminate should be ok as they put underlay underneath it.

[scotman]

How old is this property? There are standards for noise insulation in new buildings. If you can hear normal volume speech it seems like you have very little under your floor.
Remember, if you can hear them then they can hear you!

[bushbaby_de]

I'm about to go and laminate the inbred upstairs who thinks its ok to bring a drum kit into a block of flats!!!!

[Kim A]

I'd check your deeds as well - sometimes there are clauses in deeds/leases (especially those for flats), which govern noise. You may find that, even if you want a lovely wood floor (and who wouldn't?), you are required to have something on your floor to protect your downstairs neighbour from YOUR noise, rather than the other way round - if you see what I mean! I read about this in the newspaper a few months ago. Don't know how true it is, but it was in the Telegraph 'Ask and Expert' section........................

[lorla]

It's quite old (1930's?) but worth checking the deeds - thanks for that. Have considered the lady below too - as soon as the carpet came up a rug went down and we don't wear shoes in there because heels on the boards make a right old racket (shame she doesn't show the same considration when having her parties that go on until all hours but that's another matter!)! Think laminate with underlay might be the solution then. Thanks all.