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A practical guide to selecting and calculating tile for acoustic performance. Learn how STC and IIC ratings work, which tile materials block the most noise, and how to build a floor or wall assembly that meets sound insulation requirements.
Tile alone provides an STC rating of 30-35 (airborne sound) and an IIC rating of 25-30 (impact sound). To meet the typical building code minimum of STC 50 / IIC 50, you need acoustic underlayment beneath your tile.
Sound insulation for tile installations is measured by two key ratings. Understanding both is essential before you choose materials.
Most residential building codes (including IBC and many local codes) require a minimum of STC 50 and IIC 50 for floor-ceiling assemblies between dwelling units. Condos and apartments often require STC 55 / IIC 55 or higher. Always check your local code before starting.
| Rating | What You Hear |
|---|---|
| STC/IIC 25-30 | Normal speech easily understood; footsteps clearly heard |
| STC/IIC 35-40 | Loud speech audible but not understood; footsteps noticeable |
| STC/IIC 45-50 | Loud speech faintly heard; footsteps barely noticeable |
| STC/IIC 55+ | Most sounds inaudible; superior insulation |
Denser, thicker tiles block more airborne sound. Tile thickness is the single biggest factor you can control when selecting tile for acoustic performance.
| Tile Material | Typical Thickness | STC (tile only) | Acoustic Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Stone (granite, marble) | 1/2″-3/4″ (12-19 mm) | 35-40 | Best |
| Porcelain | 3/8″-1/2″ (10-12 mm) | 32-37 | Excellent |
| Ceramic (standard) | 1/4″-3/8″ (6-10 mm) | 28-33 | Good |
| Glass Tile | 1/4″-5/16″ (6-8 mm) | 25-30 | Fair |
Every additional 1/8″ (3 mm) of tile thickness adds roughly 1-2 STC pointsto the tile layer. For the best acoustic performance, choose porcelain or stone tiles at least 3/8″ (10 mm) thick.
Acoustic underlayment is the most effective way to boost your floor assembly's sound rating. It decouples the tile surface from the subfloor, dramatically reducing both airborne and impact sound transmission.
1/4″ (6 mm) thick, natural material
1/8″-1/4″ (3-6 mm), synthetic
1/4″-1/2″ (6-12 mm) combined
Adding acoustic underlayment increases your total floor height by 1/8″ to 1/2″ (3-12 mm). Account for this when planning transitions to adjacent rooms, door clearances, and toilet flange heights. A typical acoustic tile floor assembly measures 5/8″ to 1″ (16-25 mm) total.
Your total acoustic rating comes from every layer in the floor assembly, not just the tile. Walk through this calculation to estimate your assembly's STC and IIC performance.
Note: Ratings do not add linearly. Use manufacturer test data when available. This method provides a reasonable estimate.
6″ (150 mm) concrete slab
1/4″ (6 mm) cork sheet
3/8″ (10 mm) porcelain on 1/8″ (3 mm) thinset
This assembly meets STC 50 but falls short of IIC 50. Upgrading to a thicker rubber membrane or adding a resilient channel below the slab would close the gap.
For a 10 x 12 ft (120 sq ft) bathroom with 10% waste:
| Material | Coverage Needed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cork underlayment | 132 sq ft | $198-$396 |
| 3/8″ (10 mm) porcelain tile | 132 sq ft | $396-$1,056 |
| Thinset mortar | 132 sq ft (~2 bags) | $30-$50 |
Wall tile adds mass to a wall assembly, which improves airborne sound insulation. The acoustic benefit depends on the wall construction behind the tile.
For a shared wall between a bathroom and bedroom measuring 10 ft wide x 8 ft tall:
For maximum wall sound insulation, combine tile with batt insulation inside the stud cavity and consider using resilient channels or sound isolation clips to decouple the drywall from the framing. This combination can achieve STC 55+ on a single wall.
Use our tile calculator to get exact quantities for your floor or wall project, including waste factors and cost estimates for your acoustic tile assembly.
Written by the TilePro Calculator Team
Professional tile layout tools and guides since 2026