_{Join 11X11 Circular G225R Area Rug Available as Broadloom Commercial Flooring | ShawContract}

_{Article Written By: Amanda Hopkins: Shaw Contract, Marketing Manager, Multi-Family + Hospitality Segments. Published by: Shaw Contract}

Noisy Neighbors: The #1 Multifamily Complaint—and How to Fix It

We’ve all been there. You’re finally settling in for a quiet night, and suddenly, the upstairs neighbor starts rearranging their living room furniture. Or maybe it’s the annoying thud of footsteps and a bouncing golf ball, the neighbor’s dog getting the zoomies or the full-volume Wicked soundtrack on repeat.

In multifamily housing, noise is one of the top complaints among tenants. It’s more than just an annoyance. Noise complaints are a major factor in tenant dissatisfaction, lease renewals and even property value. When noise complaints pile up, negative reviews and increased turnover are quick to follow.

But here’s the good news: noise problems in multifamily buildings can be significantly reduced with the right flooring solutions. Let’s dive into how flooring impacts sound control and what you can do to create a quieter, more comfortable living space.

Why Acoustics Matter in Multifamily Spaces

Noise control isn’t just a luxury — it’s a critical factor in tenant retention and overall property performance. When acoustic issues persist, they can lead to increased tenant dissatisfaction and turnover, as excessive noise often results in frequent complaints, negative online reviews and residents choosing to move elsewhere.

Beyond tenant experience, poor acoustics can also impact a property’s value and desirability. A building with well-designed sound control measures is more attractive to prospective renters, reducing vacancy rates and improving return on investment.

Additionally, with the growing demand for live-work-play environments, quiet spaces have become essential for wellness and productivity. Unwanted noise can disrupt concentration, increase stress levels and negatively affect residents' overall quality of life. By prioritizing acoustics, multifamily property owners can create a more comfortable, appealing living spaces.

Understanding Sound in Multifamily Buildings

Before we discuss solutions, it helps to understand how sound travels in buildings:

• Airborne Noise: Sound that moves through the air, like voices, TV or music.
• Impact Noise: Vibrations that transfer through the building structure, such as footsteps, furniture movement or dropped objects.

To measure sound control, two key ratings are used:

• STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how well floors and walls block airborne noise.
• IIC (Impact Insulation Class): Measures how well flooring absorbs impact noise like footsteps.
• A higher STC/IIC rating means less noise traveling between units — leading to a quieter, more enjoyable space. Learn more here

_{Reside 12 mil in Inhabit Reside | Shaw Contract}

The Importance of Flooring in Acoustic Performance

Acoustics is not just about flooring; it is about the entire flooring assembly, including:

Subfloor & Ceiling Construction: The materials used in floors and ceilings greatly affect how sound travels.

Flooring & Underlayment: The right combination of flooring and underlayment can significantly improve acoustic performance.

Choosing the right flooring assembly ensures optimal sound absorption and a quieter, more comfortable environment for tenants.

Discover the Future of Acoustic Flooring: Dive into our interactive flipbook and see how our solutions can transform your multifamily projects.

Best Flooring Choices for Multifamily Acoustics

The right flooring in multifamily spaces makes all the difference in noise and acoustics. Here are some of the best options for reducing noise:

• Carpet: One of the best choices for sound absorption, carpet helps reduce both airborne and impact noise.
• LVT with Acoustic Underlayment: Choose from an acoustic-backed luxury vinyl Tile (LVT) or combine LVT with an underlayment to improve Impact / floor to floor sound and the IIC rating.
• Adding Rugs: A simple but effective way to improve acoustics: placing a rug over a hard surface can increase sound absorption by up to 40%.

View coordinated Shaw Contract flooring products curated specifically for multifamily acoustic comfort. These products help absorb in room sound and improve IIC + STC scores with floor-to-floor sound.

How Shaw Contract’s Acoustic Solutions Help

At Shaw Contract, we design flooring solutions that prioritize both acoustics and aesthetics—helping you create spaces that tenants love. Our products are tested to meet industry standards for acoustic performance, controlling both airborne and impact noise.

Want to hear the difference of different flooring options paired with subfloor and ceiling constructions? Our Sound Advisor™ tool allows you to compare real-world sound performance of different flooring options, helping you select the best solution for your project. Listen today.