Choose your country

Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2
Pulldown 2

Forbo Websites

Select a division
Forbo Group
Forbo Flooring Systems
Forbo Movement Systems
CONTACT US ABOUT US BIM WHERE TO BUY Sample Order

Australian Standards for Acoustic Flooring

In this article, we’ll break down the acoustic requirements for floors, the relevant Australian standards, and how to meet them using the right flooring systems.

Australian standards and understand acoustic ratings for flooring

When designing or refurbishing multi-level buildings, understanding the acoustic requirements for flooring is essential. Properly specified flooring not only ensures compliance with building codes but also contributes to occupant comfort by reducing impact noise between levels.

Download your free guide
Contact us

What are the acoustic requirements for floors in Australia?

When designing or renovating multi-level residential buildings, managing sound between floors is essential for comfort, privacy, and compliance. In Australia, acoustic requirements for flooring focus on limiting impact noise - the sound caused by footsteps, dropped objects, or furniture movement.

The two main standards that guide acoustic performance for floors are:

1. The National Construction Code (NCC) – sets the minimum requirements for new builds.

2. The AAAC Star Rating System – offers a voluntary guideline for achieving higher levels of acoustic comfort, particularly in refurbishments or premium developments.

Acoustic flooring to reduce impact noise from through floor below

National Construction Code (NCC)

For new buildings, the NCC 2022 outlines the minimum acoustic performance requirements  For floors separating sole-occupancy units (e.g. apartments or aged care rooms), the required performance is: 

  • LnT,w ≤ 62 dB – This means the impact sound must not exceed 62 dB when tested in the field.

This is the statutory minimum requirement and must be met for compliance. However, it does not always guarantee high acoustic comfort.

Association of Australasian Acoustical Consultants (AAAC)

For renovations or projects seeking a higher standard of acoustic performance, the AAAC Star Rating system offers a voluntary guide used widely across the industry.

The AAAC rating system provides a 1 to 6-star scale, with 3 Stars considered basic compliance and 5 Stars or more recommended for good to excellent acoustic comfort in multi-residential dwellings.

The different types of sound

Sound can take one of two forms: airborne noise or impact noise.

Impact: The primary concern for flooring in multi-level buildings is impact sound transmission—the sound created when objects (like footsteps or dropped items) hit the floor and travel through the structure.

Airborne: This is where the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating applies: The NRC values range from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no sound absorption and 1 indicates complete sound absorption. Resilient flooring can contribute to sound absorption but tend to offer less.

Types of sound: Impact and airborne
Acoustic Flooring guide brochure for Australian standard

Download our acoustic flooring guide

In this guide, you'll learn:

✔️ The difference between NCC compliance and aiming for AAAC 5 Star performance
✔️ How floor construction and ceiling design affect sound insulation
✔️ Tips on selecting flooring systems that reduce impact noise
✔️ Real-world Forbo field test results showing how our acoustic flooring performs in different construction types

Download your free guide

Forbo acoustic flooring options

As a specialist in acoustic floors with more than 30 years’ experience, Forbo can offer a range of acoustic floor covering solutions, across both our sheet and tile products as well as acoustic underlays, with impact sound reductions ranging between 13 dB and 19 dB.

Flooring typeForbo collectionΔLw
Heterogeneous vinyl sheetSarlon 15 dB15 dB 🔗 View
Heterogeneous vinyl sheetSarlon 19 dB19 dB 🔗 View
Adhesive free vinyl sheetModul'up 19 dB19 dB 🔗 View
Linoleum sheetMarmoleum Decibel18 dB 🔗 View
Luxury vinyl tilesAllura Flex'' FL513 dB 🔗 View


ΔLw = Impact noise reduction value



Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only. Acoustic performance can vary depending on site conditions and construction methods. Always refer to the National Construction Code (NCC), AAAC guidelines, and consult with a qualified acoustic engineer or consultant to ensure compliance with project-specific requirements.

Need help choosing the right acoustic flooring?

Download our free acoustic flooring guide –
Your go-to resource for understanding standards, comparing products, and designing for peace and quiet.


Download your free guide
Contact us