What Is Acoustic Rubber Sheeting?
Acoustic rubber sheeting is a dense, heavy rubber material specifically engineered to absorb and block sound transmission. Unlike standard foam or mineral wool insulation, acoustic rubber sheet works through mass — the denser the material, the more effectively it stops sound vibrations passing through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Our acoustic rubber sheet (80dB) and 96dB acoustic rubber sheet are used by UK builders, recording studios, plant rooms, and homeowners to achieve professional-grade sound reduction.
How Does Acoustic Rubber Reduce Noise?
Sound travels as vibration through solid materials. When acoustic rubber is installed between two surfaces, the rubber's high mass and density interrupts the transmission path. This is called mass law — adding mass reduces the amount of sound that passes through. The 96dB rating means the material absorbs up to 96 decibels of sound — equivalent to blocking out heavy machinery or a rock concert.
Acoustic rubber also provides impact sound insulation (reducing footstep noise and vibration from machinery), making it superior to acoustic foam for floor and wall applications.
Best Uses for Acoustic Rubber Sheeting in the UK
- Party walls and dividing walls — line stud walls or solid walls before boarding to reduce neighbour noise
- Recording studios and music rooms — combine with mass-loaded vinyl for maximum isolation
- Generator and plant rooms — wrap pipework and wrap around noisy machinery
- Residential flooring — lay beneath hardwood or LVT flooring to reduce impact noise
- Automotive — line vehicle floors, wheel arches and firewalls to reduce road noise
- Commercial kitchens — reduce equipment noise transmission to adjoining rooms
How to Install Acoustic Rubber Sheeting on Walls
Installing acoustic rubber on an internal wall is straightforward. You will need: acoustic rubber sheet, adhesive (specialist acoustic adhesive or heavy duty contact adhesive), utility knife, and a straight edge.
- Measure and cut the rubber sheeting to size using a sharp utility knife and steel straight edge
- Clean the wall surface — remove dust, old paint flakes, and grease
- Apply acoustic adhesive to both the rubber and the wall surface
- Allow the adhesive to become tacky (2–5 minutes), then press the sheets firmly into place
- Overlap sheets by 50mm at joins to eliminate sound gaps
- Board over with 12.5mm plasterboard or 18mm OSB for a finished wall
For maximum performance on party walls, apply a double layer of acoustic rubber — this adds mass and further reduces sound transmission.
What Thickness of Acoustic Rubber Do I Need?
Thickness selection depends on the noise level you need to reduce:
- 1.5mm–3mm — light noise reduction, vehicle and machinery vibration damping
- 6mm — medium residential noise reduction, between floors
- 10mm–12mm — heavy duty wall and floor soundproofing, plant rooms
- 20mm–25mm — industrial acoustic barriers, maximum isolation
Our acoustic rubber sheet range is available from 1.5mm to 25mm thick. The 80dB grade is ideal for most residential applications, while the 96dB grade suits commercial and industrial environments.
Acoustic Rubber vs Acoustic Foam: What's the Difference?
Acoustic foam absorbs sound reflections within a room (it reduces echo and reverberation) but does very little to stop sound passing through walls. Acoustic rubber blocks sound transmission between rooms by adding mass to the structure. For true soundproofing — rather than acoustic treatment — rubber is the correct material.
Buy Acoustic Rubber Sheet UK – 80dB and 96dB Grades
Industrial Supplies Co stocks acoustic rubber sheeting in standard rolls and custom cut lengths. Browse our full acoustic rubber range with free UK delivery on qualifying orders. Available in 80dB and 96dB grades, multiple thicknesses, cut to your required length.