Acoustic performance is often an afterthought in flooring specification, but in hotels — where corridor noise can directly disturb guests trying to sleep — it deserves the same attention as durability and design. Here is how carpet acoustic performance is actually measured and why it matters.
1. Why Acoustic Performance Matters in Hospitality
Hard flooring transmits and reflects footstep noise far more than carpet, which is why carpet remains the flooring of choice for hotel corridors directly adjacent to guest rooms. Poor acoustic performance in these zones is a common source of guest complaints.
2. Sound Absorption vs Sound Insulation
These are two different properties. Sound absorption refers to how much a carpet reduces noise and echo within a room, while sound insulation (impact noise reduction) refers to how much footstep noise is prevented from transmitting through the floor to the space below — both are relevant for multi-storey hotel buildings.
3. How Testing Is Standardised
Acoustic performance for building materials, including carpet, is measured using standardised test methods published by international bodies such as ISO, which allow different products to be compared on a like-for-like basis rather than relying on manufacturer marketing claims alone.
4. Common Acoustic Metrics You May See
- NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): A general measure of sound absorption performance
- Impact sound reduction: A measure of how much a flooring system reduces footstep noise transmission to the floor below
Ask your supplier which specific test standard and value applies to the exact carpet-and-underlay combination being specified, since acoustic performance is affected by the full flooring system, not the carpet surface alone.
5. Backing and Underlay Affect Acoustic Performance
Backing type and any underlay used beneath the carpet significantly influence acoustic results — the same face fibre can perform very differently depending on what sits beneath it, which is why acoustic ratings should always be considered as a full system rather than a carpet-only specification.
6. Where Acoustic Performance Matters Most
- Guest room corridors, especially above and adjacent to sleeping areas
- Multi-storey hotels where impact noise transmission between floors is a concern
- Meeting rooms and conference spaces where speech clarity matters
Looking for carpet solutions with strong acoustic performance for your hospitality project? Explore SolevoCarpet’s carpet range, or contact our team for acoustic performance data on specific products.