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There is a lot to love about laminate flooring. It brings the warm look of hardwood, the clean lines of tile, and a surface that holds up to busy households, pets, and everyday West Texas dust. Then you take a walk across the room and hear it: that hollow "click-clack" following every step. If that sound has started to wear on you, you are not alone, and the good news is that it is almost always fixable.
At The Design Gallery by Paul Evans, we have helped families across the Permian Basin choose floors that look beautiful and feel solid underfoot. In this guide, we will walk through why laminate floors make that tapping noise, how to pick a quieter floor from the start, and what you can do to calm down the floors you already have.
What causes that click-clack sound?
That noise is not a sign that something is broken. Laminate is a floating floor, which means the planks lock together and rest over the subfloor instead of being nailed or glued down. Because there is a small amount of space between the floor and the surface beneath it, sound has room to bounce. A few things make that echo louder.
An uneven or bare subfloor
When the surface underneath has dips, high spots, or leftover debris, the planks flex slightly as you step. That tiny bit of movement is what you hear. A smooth, level, clean base is the single biggest factor in a quiet floor.
Missing or thin underlayment
Underlayment is the cushioned layer that sits between the subfloor and the planks. It absorbs sound, softens each step, and smooths out minor imperfections. Skip it, or use one that is too thin, and the floor has nothing to muffle the noise.
Thinner planks
Thin, lightweight planks tend to sound hollow. Thicker planks feel more substantial and quiet the click-clack simply by adding mass and stability where you walk.
How to choose quieter laminate before you buy
The easiest way to avoid noise is to start with the right floor. When you are comparing choices, keep these features in mind:
Plank thickness: Look for thicker planks, generally 10mm or more. They feel sturdier and sound quieter underfoot.
Attached underlayment: Some laminate comes with a pad already bonded to the back, which cuts noise and simplifies installation.
A strong wear layer: A tough top layer stands up to scratches and daily traffic, so the floor stays solid and quiet for years.
Tight-locking texture: Well-built planks lock together snugly, and tight seams mean less movement and less sound.
You do not have to sort through all of this on your own. You can browse laminate flooring options in the online catalog, then come see and feel them in person. Being able to walk on a floor before you buy it tells you far more than a small sample ever could. If you want ideas for the whole room, the flooring galleries are a great place to start.
How to quiet laminate floors you already have
Already living with a noisy floor? You have options before you think about replacing anything.
Add area rugs and runners in high-traffic spots to absorb sound and soften footsteps.
Check for gaps or loose planks along the edges, which can amplify noise as they shift.
Look for spots where the floor feels springy, a common sign the subfloor or underlayment needs attention.
Keep the floor clean, since grit and debris along seams and under furniture add to the sound.
If the click-clack is widespread or the floor feels bouncy in several areas, the issue usually lives underneath the surface. That is where a professional assessment pays off.
Why professional installation makes the quiet last
A quiet laminate floor is really the result of good preparation. Our flooring experts start beneath the surface, handling the details most people never see:
Subfloor repair to remove dips and high spots that cause flex and noise
Proper underlayment matched to your space for sound absorption and cushioning
Correct expansion gaps so planks can move naturally without buckling or rattling
Careful, tight plank installation that keeps seams solid for the long haul
Explore the flooring services we offer to see how the right prep work turns a good-looking floor into one that feels solid and stays quiet. And if you are weighing laminate against other styles, the team can walk you through hardwood, luxury vinyl, and tile so you land on the surface that fits your home and your lifestyle.
Visit our flooring stores and find your quiet floor
You deserve floors that look stunning and feel right with every step. Whether you are starting fresh or fixing a noisy floor, we are here to help you get it right the first time. Visit our flooring stores in Midland and Odessa to see one of the largest in-stock selections in the Permian Basin, or request a free in-home estimate to get started. From selection to a finished, professionally installed floor, we help you move forward in days, not weeks.
About us
Since 1988, The Design Gallery by Paul Evans has grown from a local retail store into the premier flooring company in West Texas, proudly serving Odessa, Midland, Andrews, Fort Stockton, and Big Spring. We maintain one of the largest in-stock inventories of carpet and flooring in the area, and because we buy by the truckload, we are able to offer unbeatable value. Our in-store flooring experts are ready to help you choose the perfect floor for your project, and our skilled installers make sure you love the results. Backed by our "love it or replace it" promise, we stand behind every floor long after installation. Learn more about us.
What homeowners ask us most about laminate floors
Is the click-clack sound a sign my laminate floor is damaged?
Usually not. Because laminate is a floating floor, a little sound is normal. Loud or widespread noise often points to the subfloor or underlayment rather than the planks themselves.
Does thicker laminate really make a quieter floor?
Yes. Thicker planks add mass and stability, so they feel sturdier and sound less hollow than thin, lightweight ones.
Can underlayment be added to a floor that is already installed?
Underlayment sits beneath the planks, so adding it means lifting the floor. For an existing floor, area rugs and fixing loose planks help, while a complete solution may involve reinstalling with proper underlayment. A flooring expert can tell you exactly what your floor needs.
Is laminate a good choice for busy West Texas homes?
Absolutely. Laminate handles daily traffic, pets, and dust well, and when it is installed over a properly prepped subfloor, it stays quiet and beautiful for years.
How long does laminate installation take?
Because we keep a large in-stock selection, many projects move quickly, often in days rather than weeks. The exact timeline depends on the size of the space and any subfloor prep it needs.
Let's find your perfect floor
Stop by to see, touch, and walk on your options, and let our flooring experts help you choose a laminate floor that stays as quiet as it is beautiful. Schedule your free estimate today and take the first step toward floors you will love for years.
