Which material in a raised accessible subfloor assists in noise reduction?

Carpet is an effective material for noise reduction in a raised accessible subfloor because of its soft texture and ability to absorb sound. Unlike harder surfaces such as tile or concrete, carpet’s fibers help to dampen sound waves, reducing both impact noise (like footsteps) and airborne noise (like conversations). This characteristic makes it a popular choice in spaces where noise control is important, such as offices, schools, and residential settings.

Wood, while it can have some degree of noise absorption, generally does not perform as well as carpet in this regard due to its denser and harder surface. Tile and concrete are even less effective for noise reduction since they are hard surfaces that reflect sound rather than absorb it, often contributing to a higher level of noise in a space. Therefore, in terms of creating a quieter environment in a raised accessible subfloor, carpet stands out as the best option.