@ House 2 Home Design - The simple answer to that question is no. If the floor is installed correctly with the necessary expansion gaps at the perimeters then there should be no problem. Problems do occur when an expansion gap is not installed and this can causes the floor to swell upwards as the wood expands. It should be noted that the size of the gap differs from product to product and is concealed by the skirting. Another mistake which causes problems with solid wood floors is where the skirting is fixed to the wooden floor without leaving any tolerance and this prevents the wood from expanding and again causes the floor to swell upwards. It should also be noted that even with an engineered wooden floor an expansion gap should always be allowed. With regards to humidity, it is not that great in a kitchen area on a constant basis and I have installed solid wood flooring to rooms that are adjacent to swimming pools; now that is a high humidity situation! :-) In the case of very high quality solid wood floor installations I have often stuck the floor to a plywood sub-floor, however this is not a common requirement for standard residential projects. I hope that this helps.

As other people said those are the original structural floorboards in softwood that were not supposed to be seen. You can sand them and oil them and they will look more or less like the picture below There are several drawbacks. Firstly by the time you have them sanded, oiled, gap filled and fit an edging to cover the gap with the skirting boards, the cost is not insignificant for a very old floor. It's softwood so not designed to be walked on. Many, possibly too many knots so the look is a bit busy Many many nails and nail holes The grain is not that exciting and in reality you can only have the floor in one colour. The biggest issue is that, if after a couple of years you don't like the look anymore, you'll have to fit a new floor anyway. On the positive side sanded pine floorboards look in like with the period of the property. One final advice, contrary to one of the suggestions above, you cannot float old boards on top of an inexpensive boarding. Old boards were not tongue and grooved and have to be nailed down.

Hi @katlucy, thank you for your reply. You make a great observation about centralising the back door. Unfortunately not an option. Something I forgot to mention in my original post was that the back door leads to a outbuilding. Nevertheless the wall across the back door also contains a window and sink. In terms of the ideas mentioned. I’m becoming more inclined just to revert back to the original plan by blocking up the opening to the dining room, keeping the kitchen doorway and reopening the hall. It feels like the easiest decision for some slight improvement but doesn’t quite solve any problems. If we did just block off the kitchen doorway, kept an opening to dining room and reopened the hall access it would create 4 doors as such in the dining room and I’m not sure how I feel about that. It sounds like a lot in one room. Thanks

Living in the vibrant heart of London offers many perks, but it can also bring the challenge of noise. Whether it's foot traffic from the flat above or the echo of urban life below, soundproofing your floors can significantly enhance your living space's tranquillity and privacy. Here's ADOVA's comprehensive guide to soundproofing floors in London flats, with a brief look into replacing carpets with wood flooring. Understanding Sound Transmission Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand two types of sound: airborne (like music or voices) and impact (such as footsteps). Effective soundproofing targets both types, reducing the transmission of noise between floors in multi-storey buildings. Assessing Your Needs Identify Noise Sources: Start by identifying the predominant types of noise you're experiencing. Is the nuisance mainly from airborne sounds coming from adjacent flats or common areas? Or is it impact noise from above or below your unit? Understanding the primary sources of noise will guide you towards the most appropriate soundproofing solutions. Check Building Regulations: Before embarking on any soundproofing project, it's critical to be aware of the local building regulations. London's diverse architecture, including its many conservation areas and listed buildings, means that renovations may be subject to specific restrictions. Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Properties within conservation areas or those classified as listed buildings are subject to additional controls to preserve their historical and architectural significance. Any modifications, including soundproofing interventions, may require consent from local planning authorities. Building Regulations Part E: In the UK, Building Regulations Part E deals specifically with the requirement for resistance to the passage of sound. For new builds or conversions, compliance with these regulations is mandatory. While regulations for existing buildings may not be as stringent, they offer a benchmark for the level of sound insulation that could be achieved. Professional Assessment: Consider consulting with a soundproofing expert or an acoustic engineer who can assess your property's specific challenges. They can offer tailored advice, taking into account the type of construction, the materials involved, and the best strategies to address both airborne and impact noise. Additionally, they can help navigate the necessary approvals to ensure your project complies with all local regulations and standards. Understanding the nature of sound transmission and carefully assessing your property's specific needs and regulatory constraints are the first critical steps toward achieving a quieter, more peaceful living space. With this foundation, you can explore the most effective soundproofing strategies for your London flat, ensuring a solution that not only reduces noise but also enhances your quality of life. Soundproofing Solutions Adding Mass Dense Materials: Adding mass to your floor is a straightforward way to block noise. Materials like high-density acoustic boards can be installed beneath your current flooring to absorb and block sound. Decoupling Floating Floors: This method involves creating a "floating" layer above the structural floor, effectively decoupling the floor finish from the building structure to reduce sound transmission. Specialised cradles or resilient battens can achieve this separation. Absorption Acoustic Underlay: A practical option for flats is to install a high-quality acoustic underlay beneath the flooring. Acoustic underlay is an essential component in the soundproofing strategy of any flat, particularly in urban environments like London where noise reduction is a priority. This versatile solution serves as a foundational layer beneath flooring, whether hardwood or carpet, to dampen sound vibrations and reduce the transmission of impact noises—such as footsteps, moving furniture, or dropped items—that can easily travel between floors in multi-storey buildings. Mineral Wool Insulation: For more comprehensive solutions, installing mineral wool between floor joists can absorb sound vibrations, reducing both airborne and impact noise. Mineral wool insulation, also known as rock or slag wool insulation, is a highly effective material for soundproofing floors in multi-storey buildings, including flats in London. Its fibrous composition is adept at absorbing sound vibrations, making it an excellent choice for reducing both airborne noises, such as voices and music, and impact noises, like footsteps or dropped objects. Damping Damping plays a crucial role in soundproofing by reducing the vibrational energy of sound waves as they pass through materials, effectively converting this energy into a negligible amount of heat. This process is particularly important in dense urban environments like London, where reducing noise transmission within multi-storey residential buildings can significantly enhance living conditions. One of the most effective methods for achieving this is through the use of acoustic compounds. Acoustic Compounds: Applying damping compounds between layers of flooring can dissipate sound vibrations, further enhancing soundproofing efficiency. Replacing Carpets with Wood Flooring The decision to replace carpets with wood flooring in a London flat is not merely an aesthetic choice but also one that has implications for soundproofing and overall living comfort. While wood floors offer a timeless elegance and are easier to maintain than carpets, there are several considerations to bear in mind, especially regarding noise reduction and the acoustic environment of your home. Acoustic Considerations Impact Noise: One of the primary concerns when switching from carpet to wood flooring is the increase in impact noise. Carpets naturally absorb sound, especially the impact noise produced by footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture. Wood, being a harder material, does not offer the same level of sound absorption, potentially leading to louder noise levels within your own flat and in those below you. Airborne Noise: While wood flooring may not significantly affect the level of airborne noise (such as voices or music), the lack of carpet can contribute to a room feeling more echoey or reverberant. This change in the acoustic properties of the room can affect the overall ambiance, making spaces feel less cosy and more austere. Mitigating Noise with Wood Flooring Underlays: To mitigate the increase in impact noise associated with wood flooring, investing in a high-quality acoustic underlay is crucial. These underlays are designed to absorb sound and can significantly reduce the transmission of impact noise. Some are specifically engineered for use with wood flooring, providing not only soundproofing benefits but also adding underfoot comfort and thermal insulation. Floating Floors: Another effective method for reducing noise transmission with wood flooring is the installation of a floating floor system. This involves laying the wood flooring over an insulating underlay without directly fixing the floorboards to the subfloor. This creates a decoupling effect, which can dramatically reduce the transmission of both impact and airborne noise. Rugs and Soft Furnishings: Incorporating rugs and other soft furnishings can help compensate for the loss of sound absorption once carpets are removed. Rugs, particularly those with a thick pile, can significantly reduce noise levels and add warmth and comfort to the room. Additionally, soft furnishings like heavy curtains, upholstered furniture, and wall fabrics can help absorb sound, reducing echo and contributing to a more pleasant acoustic environment. Room Layout and Furniture Placement: Thoughtful room layout and furniture placement can also play a role in mitigating noise. Heavy furniture, bookcases, and wardrobes can act as sound absorbers and barriers, helping to dampen sound transmission within a room and to other parts of the flat. Professional Advice and Installation Given the complexities involved in soundproofing and the potential for increased noise levels with wood flooring, consulting with soundproofing experts or acoustic engineers before making the switch is advisable. Professionals can recommend the best type of wood flooring, underlays, and additional soundproofing measures tailored to your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your London flat. Moreover, professional installation ensures that your wood flooring and any associated soundproofing measures are correctly implemented, maximising their effectiveness and ensuring a long-lasting, beautiful finish. Professional Installation vs. DIY While some soundproofing measures can be DIY projects, professional installation ensures that solutions are tailored to your specific needs, comply with regulations, and are correctly installed for maximum effectiveness. Maintenance and Upkeep Regular checks and maintenance can ensure your soundproofing remains effective over time. This includes inspecting for gaps or damage and updating materials as necessary. Soundproofing your London flat can significantly improve your quality of life by creating a serene retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're considering the transition from carpet to wood flooring or exploring comprehensive soundproofing solutions, it's essential to weigh your options carefully. By understanding the principles of sound transmission and considering the unique characteristics of your property, you can make informed decisions that best meet your needs. For personalised advice and professional services tailored to London properties, ADOVA is here to help. Our expertise in bespoke refurbishments can transform your flat into a peaceful, soundproof sanctuary without compromising on style or functionality.