AFter searching the archives for answers, I came up short. The older threads seem to deal with insulation rather than room acoustics.
Why do people recommend OSB vs. plywood for floating subfloor, besides the price? And what about cement reinforced gypsum floor boards?
My concerns are low freq absorbtion (room acoustics) as well as sound insulation.
My construction thoughts are (attic HT room above bedrooms - ceilings below are decoupled from joists):
1.
- wooden planks subfloor on the joists (cavities filled with rockwool)
- rubbermat 10 mm (~3/8") (isolgomma R10, european brand)
- (GG??)
- 1/2" wood
- GG
- 1/2" wood
- carpet
OR
2.
- wooden planks subfloor on the joists (cavities filled with rockwool)
- rubbermat 10 mm (~3/8") (isolgomma R10, european brand)
- (GG??)
- 1/2 " cement reinforced gypsum boards
- GG
- 1/2 " cement reinforced gypsum boards
- carpet
Thoughts on Gypsum vs. wood:
Gypsum boards are heavier thus better for low freq insulation, however also less flexible and therefor less absorbing (I think?). In other words, I might have an acoustic penalty for getting better sound insulation...?
Thoughts on OSB vs. plywood:
OSB is cheaper and a little heavier, thus better sound insulation; however, I read somewhere that the multiple layers in plywood creates better absorbtion and less low freq resonans, thus better low freq room acoustics...?
Thoughts on T&G OSB/plywood vs. non-T&G:
Using T&G osb/plywood makes it easier to lay vs. screwing the two layers of OSB/plywood together (GG in between) and using acoustic chalk to seal the seams. However, wouldn't it make the top layer (T&G) act as one big resonater rather than many smaller plates- and isn't that worse for room acoustics?
I appreciate any answer and help, but please state your knowledge level vs. hearsay
(i.e. DE or BP answers will hold higher value to me
)
Added:
My local wood supplier said today that he wouldn't recommend plywood for any kind of floating floor/subfloor, due to the tension in the wood. He said it would be difficult to control it - even if using T&G plywood. He recommended using chipboard as it is completely dead. Any thoughts on this is
Thanks!!!!
Jacob
Attic HT in progress
Why do people recommend OSB vs. plywood for floating subfloor, besides the price? And what about cement reinforced gypsum floor boards?
My concerns are low freq absorbtion (room acoustics) as well as sound insulation.
My construction thoughts are (attic HT room above bedrooms - ceilings below are decoupled from joists):
1.
- wooden planks subfloor on the joists (cavities filled with rockwool)
- rubbermat 10 mm (~3/8") (isolgomma R10, european brand)
- (GG??)
- 1/2" wood
- GG
- 1/2" wood
- carpet
OR
2.
- wooden planks subfloor on the joists (cavities filled with rockwool)
- rubbermat 10 mm (~3/8") (isolgomma R10, european brand)
- (GG??)
- 1/2 " cement reinforced gypsum boards
- GG
- 1/2 " cement reinforced gypsum boards
- carpet
Thoughts on Gypsum vs. wood:
Gypsum boards are heavier thus better for low freq insulation, however also less flexible and therefor less absorbing (I think?). In other words, I might have an acoustic penalty for getting better sound insulation...?
Thoughts on OSB vs. plywood:
OSB is cheaper and a little heavier, thus better sound insulation; however, I read somewhere that the multiple layers in plywood creates better absorbtion and less low freq resonans, thus better low freq room acoustics...?
Thoughts on T&G OSB/plywood vs. non-T&G:
Using T&G osb/plywood makes it easier to lay vs. screwing the two layers of OSB/plywood together (GG in between) and using acoustic chalk to seal the seams. However, wouldn't it make the top layer (T&G) act as one big resonater rather than many smaller plates- and isn't that worse for room acoustics?
I appreciate any answer and help, but please state your knowledge level vs. hearsay
(i.e. DE or BP answers will hold higher value to me
)Added:
My local wood supplier said today that he wouldn't recommend plywood for any kind of floating floor/subfloor, due to the tension in the wood. He said it would be difficult to control it - even if using T&G plywood. He recommended using chipboard as it is completely dead. Any thoughts on this is
Thanks!!!!
Jacob
Attic HT in progress












