Will a thicker underlay improve sound absorption under carpet in a music room?

Underlay can influence how a carpet feels and how much sound it absorbs, but thicker is not automatically better. The result depends on the carpet construction, underlay density and the room’s floor and structure. Carpet and underlay can help reduce reflected sound and soften footfall noise, but they will not soundproof a room or reliably contain loud music on their own. For a music room, consider the whole arrangement: the carpet and underlay, the floor beneath, walls, ceiling, doors and windows all affect the result. A very soft or thick underlay may also change how stable the carpet feels under furniture or equipment, so suitability matters as much as thickness. Ask for the carpet and underlay to be considered together, and explain whether your main concern is echo, footsteps, or sound reaching other rooms. If the room needs significant sound isolation, seek advice from an acoustic specialist before choosing finishes. Take the room’s construction and intended use into a carpet consultation and compare sample combinations rather than selecting underlay by thickness alone.