Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Choosing flooring for second floors and upper levels requires special consideration for sound transmission, weight, and comfort. The right flooring can significantly reduce noise between floors while providing comfort and style. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the best flooring for second floors in 2026.

Why Flooring Matters on Second Floors

Second floor flooring presents unique challenges that require specific considerations:

• Sound Transmission: Reduce noise traveling to floors below
• Weight Considerations: Lighter materials reduce structural load
• Comfort: Softer surfaces provide better comfort for bedrooms and living areas
• Moisture Protection: Protect against spills and bathroom moisture
• Durability: Withstand daily wear and tear

Top Flooring Options for Second Floors

1. Carpet Flooring

Carpet is the most popular choice for second floors, offering excellent sound absorption and comfort.

Benefits:

• Superior sound absorption reduces noise transmission
• Comfortable and warm underfoot
• Reduces impact noise from footsteps
• Wide variety of styles and colors
• Cost-effective option
• Provides additional insulation

Best Carpet Options:

• Plush Carpet: Dense, soft pile for maximum comfort
• Berber Carpet: Durable loop pile that resists crushing
• Frieze Carpet: Textured appearance that hides footprints

Recommended Padding: Use premium acoustic padding (minimum 8-10 lb density) to maximize sound reduction and comfort.

2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl plank offers a modern alternative with good sound reduction when properly installed with acoustic underlayment.

Benefits:

• Easy to clean and maintain
• Waterproof options available
• Comfortable with proper underlayment
• Durable and long-lasting
• Wide variety of styles
• Good sound reduction with acoustic underlayment

Best LVP Options: Choose products with attached padding or use premium acoustic underlayment for maximum sound reduction.

3. Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood provides the elegance of wood with better stability than solid hardwood for upper levels.

Benefits:

• Authentic wood appearance
• Better stability than solid hardwood
• Increases property value
• Durable and long-lasting
• Can be refinished

Important Note: Use premium underlayment for sound reduction. Consider area rugs for additional noise control.

4. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly option with good sound reduction when properly installed.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective
• Easy installation
• Good sound reduction with proper underlayment
• Wide variety of styles
• Durable and scratch-resistant

Best Laminate Options: Choose products with attached padding or use premium acoustic underlayment.

Key Considerations for Second Floor Flooring

Sound Transmission

Reducing noise transmission is crucial for second floors:

• Impact noise from footsteps
• Airborne noise from voices and music
• Vibration from appliances

Underlayment Selection

Premium underlayment is essential for sound reduction:

• Carpet Padding: 8-10 lb density minimum
• Acoustic Underlayment: For LVP and laminate
• Mass-Loaded Vinyl: For maximum sound isolation

Weight Considerations

Consider the weight of flooring materials:

• Lighter materials reduce structural load
• Carpet and LVP are relatively lightweight
• Tile and natural stone are heavier
• Consult structural engineer for heavy materials

Room-Specific Needs

Different rooms have different requirements:

• Bedrooms: Carpet for comfort and sound
• Bathrooms: Waterproof tile or LVP
• Living Areas: Carpet, LVP, or engineered hardwood
• Hallways: Durable options like LVP or laminate

Installation Tips for Second Floor Flooring

Subfloor Preparation

Proper subfloor preparation is essential:

• Ensure subfloor is level and stable
• Check for squeaks and reinforce if needed
• Install proper underlayment
• Consider sound isolation systems

Sound Isolation

For maximum sound reduction:

• Install premium acoustic underlayment
• Use mass-loaded vinyl for critical areas
• Consider resilient channels for hard surfaces
• Seal gaps and penetrations

Cost Comparison

Flooring Type	Cost per sq ft	Installation	Total Cost (400 sq ft)
Carpet with Premium Padding	$3-8	$2-4	$2,000-4,800
Luxury Vinyl Plank	$2-7	$2-4	$1,600-4,400
Engineered Hardwood	$4-12	$4-8	$3,200-8,000
Laminate Flooring	$1-5	$2-4	$1,200-3,600

Expert Recommendations

For Maximum Sound Reduction

Choose carpet with premium acoustic padding (10-12 lb density). This provides the best sound absorption and reduces noise transmission to floors below.

For Easy Maintenance

Luxury vinyl plank with premium acoustic underlayment offers easy cleaning while maintaining good sound reduction.

For Elegant Appearance

Engineered hardwood with premium underlayment and area rugs provides elegance with good sound control.

Room-by-Room Recommendations

Bedrooms

Carpet with premium padding is ideal for bedrooms, providing comfort, warmth, and excellent sound reduction.

Bathrooms

Waterproof tile or luxury vinyl plank with proper waterproofing is essential for second-floor bathrooms.

Living Areas

Carpet, LVP, or engineered hardwood work well, depending on your style preferences and maintenance needs.

Hallways

Durable options like LVP or laminate with acoustic underlayment are ideal for high-traffic hallways.

Additional Tips

• Use area rugs over hard surfaces for additional sound absorption
• Install door sweeps to reduce sound transmission
• Consider soundproofing walls for maximum noise control
• Maintain proper humidity levels to prevent flooring issues
• Regular maintenance extends flooring life

Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring for second floors requires balancing sound reduction, comfort, and style. Carpet with premium padding remains the top choice for maximum sound absorption and comfort, while luxury vinyl plank offers a modern alternative with easier maintenance. Always use premium underlayment for hard surfaces to reduce noise transmission and ensure proper installation for long-lasting results.

For more information on flooring options, check out our guides on soundproof flooring, carpet flooring, and luxury vinyl plank installation.