Reduce Noise in Your Apartment: Floor Soundproofing Tips for Accra Residents

iving in an apartment in Accra often means dealing with noise from neighbors below or minimizing the impact of your own footsteps, moving furniture, or dropping objects. Whether you want to reduce noise from downstairs neighbors or prevent your noise from disturbing others, soundproofing your floor is essential.

This guide provides practical and cost-effective ways to soundproof your apartment floor without major renovations.

1. Identify the Type of Noise You Want to Block

Before soundproofing your floor, determine the type of noise you need to control.

Types of Noise in Apartments:

• Impact Noise – Sounds from footsteps, moving furniture, or dropped objects.
• Airborne Noise – Sounds like music, talking, or TV noise traveling through the floor.
• Structural Vibrations – Low-frequency noise from generators, heavy machinery, or construction nearby.

Knowing the type of noise will help you choose the right soundproofing solution.

2. Use Rugs and Carpets to Absorb Sound

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to soundproof a floor is to add rugs or carpets.

Best Floor Coverings for Noise Reduction:

• Thick area rugs – Absorb sound and reduce echo in the room.
• Carpets with padding – Provide extra insulation against noise.
• Interlocking foam mats – Great for reducing footstep noise in high-traffic areas.

Where to Buy Floor Coverings in Accra:

• Local carpet stores and home decor shops.
• Online platforms like Jiji Ghana and Tonaton.
• Supermarkets with home improvement sections.

Placing rugs or carpets in high-noise areas like the living room, hallways, and bedrooms will significantly reduce sound transmission.

3. Use Soundproof Underlays or Floor Mats

If you want better noise reduction, add soundproof underlays beneath carpets or rugs.

Best Soundproof Underlays for Apartments:

• Rubber or foam underlays – Reduce both impact and airborne noise.
• Cork underlays – Provide natural soundproofing and are eco-friendly.
• Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) – Blocks noise efficiently but is more expensive.

These underlays help block sound from traveling through the floor, making your apartment quieter.

4. Rearrange Furniture to Reduce Noise Transmission

Furniture placement can help absorb sound and prevent noise from traveling through the floor.

How to Use Furniture for Soundproofing:

• Place heavy furniture like sofas, bookshelves, and cabinets on noisy areas.
• Use upholstered furniture instead of wooden or metal furniture to absorb more sound.
• Avoid bare floors – Fill open spaces with rugs, plants, or decorative items to reduce echo.

Strategically arranging furniture helps dampen noise without extra costs.

5. Install Floor Padding or Acoustic Mats

If rugs are not enough, consider installing acoustic floor padding to add an extra soundproofing layer.

Types of Floor Padding to Consider:

• Thick foam padding – Softens footstep noise and reduces impact sounds.
• Rubber mats – Ideal for soundproofing tiled or wooden floors.
• Cork tiles – Absorb vibrations and are good for reducing echo.

These materials can be installed without damaging the existing flooring, making them ideal for rented apartments.

6. Add Floor-Length Curtains or Wall Hangings

While curtains are usually for windows, floor-length curtains and fabric wall hangings can help absorb sound vibrations.

How Curtains Help with Floor Soundproofing:

• Reduce echo and reverberation in the apartment.
• Block noise from outside, especially if near a noisy street.
• Help trap sound within the room, preventing noise from traveling downstairs.

For best results, use thick, heavy fabrics or layered curtains.

7. Use Felt Pads or Rubber Feet on Furniture

If your furniture scrapes or moves noisily, adding felt pads or rubber feet can help reduce impact noise.

Best Noise-Reducing Add-ons for Furniture:

• Felt pads for chairs, tables, and sofas.
• Rubber feet or anti-vibration pads for heavy furniture.
• Chair socks to prevent loud scraping sounds on tiled or wooden floors.

These simple accessories are affordable and easy to install, making them a great solution for renters.

8. Consider Floating Floors for Permanent Soundproofing

If you own your apartment or have permission from your landlord, installing a floating floor is one of the best long-term solutions.

Best Floating Floor Materials for Soundproofing:

• Laminate flooring with underlayment – Reduces impact noise.
• Vinyl plank flooring – Softens footstep sounds and is water-resistant.
• Cork flooring – Naturally soundproof and environmentally friendly.

Floating floors add a soundproof layer between the existing floor and the new material, blocking noise effectively.

9. Reduce Noise from Below with Ceiling Soundproofing

If you are experiencing noise from neighbors below, consider soundproofing their ceiling or asking your landlord for an upgrade.

Ways to Reduce Noise from Below:

• Install acoustic ceiling panels in your apartment.
• Use drop ceilings with insulation to reduce sound transfer.
• Ask neighbors below to add rugs or carpet in their apartment.

These solutions may require landlord approval, but they help create a quieter living environment.

10. Communicate with Neighbors or Landlord About Noise Issues

If noise complaints are frequent, try discussing the issue with your neighbors or landlord.

How to Address Noise Issues with Neighbors:

• Politely inform them about excessive noise levels.
• Suggest adding rugs or soft flooring to minimize noise transmission.
• If needed, talk to building management about installing soundproofing solutions.

Having a respectful conversation can lead to mutual understanding and a quieter apartment.

How Apartments.com.gh Can Help You Find a Quieter Apartment

If soundproofing your current apartment is not enough, consider moving to a quieter location. Apartments.com.gh offers listings in Accra with:

• Soundproofed apartments in gated communities.
• Units with carpeted floors and noise-reducing materials.
• Quiet neighborhoods with minimal traffic and construction noise.

Visit Apartments.com.gh to explore soundproof-friendly rentals.

Conclusion

Soundproofing the floor in your apartment can reduce noise disturbances and create a quieter, more comfortable living space. Whether you choose rugs, underlays, furniture adjustments, or floating floors, there are budget-friendly and long-term solutions to block sound effectively.

For renters who cannot make major modifications, simple fixes like thick carpets, furniture placement, and felt pads can greatly reduce noise impact. If noise remains a major issue, consider moving to a quieter apartment through Apartments.com.gh.

Start soundproofing your floor today and enjoy a peaceful living environment in Accra.