Condo Hardwood Flooring

[Ravi P.]

We would like to install hardwood or laminate flooring into our 2nd floor condo. The only problem the HOA is considering to ban any type of flooring except for carpet in rooms other than the kitchen or bathroom. There have been many condo owners that have installed the flooring with the cheapest material and therefore does not provide enough sound absorption.

My question is does anyone have any suggestions that I can install to prevent or minimize the sound traveling to units below? I know there are different types of padding, but I would like ot hear from someone that has some experience and not some sales guy, 

Thanks in advance

[Dumitru Anton]

@Ravi P.,

wish it was that easy..

but let me guess: your building was built pre 80's, the original builder insulated the exterior walls, and NONE in the interior/between the units/up/down/sides.... Am I right?

now, the HOA should also have (sometimes really hidden in the papers or completely forgotten and never distributed to owners) a Minimum sound reduction index per building/multifamily.

you need to beat that.

what's next depends if the builder managed to secure/nail the plywood sub-floor into the joists and NOT INTO THIN AIR...

so you may need 6mm cork glued, some whisperquiet/sound barrier (3-6 mm) , then you wood floor/laminate. some laminates comes with pad included.... also may need to adjust you doors/threshold and live enough space at walls for material to expand.

short version: find the minimum requirements for the sound index for flooring, choose your material colors, go to the floor store in your area (floor and decor, century tile, lumber liquidators, menards, home depot, etc etc) and check with a knowledgeable associate. if not you need to talk with a contractor working in your area...

tip: get to talk with your building engineer/maintenance people. they inspect the work so they/him should know what works and what not, and (key) where you can buy it quicker/cheaper!!!