Reducing noise to support stress-free environments

The benefits of acoustic flooring

Reducing noise is more than just a ‘nice to have’ – it actively supports the health and wellbeing of staff and service users. In busy environments, sound from people, equipment and devices can bounce off hard surfaces, travel far and linger – increasing stress and discomfort.

Why sound matters

A positive sound environment occurs naturally outdoors; our ears are tuned to the natural environment, and the sky absorbs noise. We need to create the same indoors, absorbing or diffusing noise to help support a stress-free environment. Designs that have good acoustics, along with natural light and ventilation, help create a positive, therapeutic atmosphere.

Acoustic flooring helps by reducing airborne and impact noise within a room. Unlike soundproofing, which blocks noise between rooms, acoustic flooring improves the sound environment within a space.

Where can acoustic floors be used to best effect?

Commercial kitchens - Trolleys, clattering crockery and busy equipment make these spaces loud. Acoustic floors reduce noise, supporting concentration and wellbeing.

Hotels - Help guests sleep better and reduce corridor noise with acoustic flooring between rooms and floors.

Care homes - Create quieter, more restful bedrooms and corridors for residents, visitors and staff.

Education - Use acoustic floors in libraries, dorms, classrooms, music and dining areas to reduce disruption and improve focus.

Housing - Help reduce neighbour noise complaints with effective sound-reducing flooring.

Hospitals - Minimise sound from trolleys, equipment and conversations to support patient recovery and privacy.

Offices - Lower stress and boost productivity by controlling noise from conversations and movement in open-plan areas.

Retail - A calmer environment makes for happier staff and more relaxed shoppers.

Flooring designed for performance

At Altro, we’ve developed flooring that not only performs acoustically, but also delivers on safety, hygiene and design. Our range includes:

• Altro Orchestra™ – 15dB sound reduction and available in a wide palette of colours and patterns, making it perfect for education, healthcare and leisure settings.
• Altro Wood™ Comfort – Combines the natural look of wood with sound reduction of up to 15dB, perfect for creating a warm, homely feel in care settings or social spaces.

If this isn’t enough, don’t forget that you can combine the floor of your choice with impact sound reduction underlays. For example, Altro Acoustic Underlay 1101 and Altro Everlay B offer sound reductions of 18dB and 20dB respectively.

Creating better spaces

Acoustic flooring doesn’t just reduce decibels – it contributes to wellbeing, supports safeguarding goals, and enhances the experience of everyone who uses the space.

If you're designing for people – their comfort, care, or concentration – acoustic flooring should be a key part of the conversation.