Highly-engineered German flooring product with CE Mark
Can be used for walls, floors, and ceilings
These 1200mm x 800mm boards are a superior performance alternative to one of the layers standard acoustic plasterboard due to "fluid mass" contents.
Phonestar SBx 15mm Boards are high-performance, German-engineered soundproofing panels designed for superior noise reduction across walls, floors, and ceilings. With a CE mark for quality assurance, these eco-friendly boards offer exceptional insulation against both airborne and impact noise, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in homes, offices, and entertainment spaces. At just 15mm thick, SBx boards provide the strength and density of a much thicker floating floor system, making them a powerful, space-saving soundproofing solution for any project.
What is an SBx Soundproof Board?
SBx Soundproof Boards are innovative acoustic insulation panels made from a cross-fluted engineered card and hardboard filled with a “fluid mass” of finely compacted quartz sand. This unique design provides the boards with high density, mass, and self-decoupling properties, allowing them to effectively reduce noise transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings. The 15mm SBx board is specifically engineered for high-performance soundproofing, delivering top-tier noise reduction in a slim profile that’s suitable for new builds, refurbishments, and retrofits.
How Do SBx Acoustic Boards Work?
SBx Acoustic Boards work by utilising their dense sand-filled core and structured design to absorb and block sound energy. The “fluid mass” of quartz sand within the board creates a dense, heavy layer that dampens vibrations and prevents sound waves from passing through, making it twice as effective as traditional heavy rubber mats for airborne noise reduction. The engineered card structure provides natural self-decoupling, further enhancing soundproofing by breaking up sound pathways. When combined with additional soundproofing materials, like mineral wool, SBx boards create an exceptionally effective barrier against both airborne and impact noise.
What Type of Noise Do the 15mm SBx Acoustic Boards Stop?
Phonestar SBx 15mm Boards are highly effective at reducing both airborne noise—such as voices, music, and other sounds that travel through the air—and impact noise from sources like footsteps, furniture movement, and vibrations. Their dense construction blocks sound transmission, while the self-decoupling properties dampen vibrations that can resonate through floors, walls, and ceilings. This makes SBx boards ideal for use in spaces where multiple types of noise need to be controlled for a quieter, more comfortable environment.
Where Can the 15mm SBx Soundproof Boards Be Used?
The 15mm SBx Soundproof Boards are incredibly versatile and can be applied to walls, floors, and ceilings across various settings. They’re ideal for residential projects, office spaces, music rooms, and home cinemas where effective noise control is essential. SBx boards can be installed in new builds, conversions, renovations, and remedial projects, providing a reliable solution for managing sound in both traditional and modern spaces. Whether you’re looking to reduce noise from neighbours or improve acoustics in entertainment rooms, SBx boards offer a practical, high-performance option.
How to Install the 15mm SBx Acoustic Boards
Prepare the Surface: Ensure the installation surface is clean, level, and free of debris to support a secure fit.
Cut and Fit the Boards: Cut the boards to the desired size using a utility knife or saw. SBx boards are designed for simple butt joint installation, eliminating the need for flanking strips.
Secure in Place: Fit the boards tightly together, using acoustic tape to seal any joints if necessary. For enhanced soundproofing, consider combining with 60kg/m³ acoustic mineral wool. The installation is straightforward and DIY-friendly, making SBx boards a practical choice for professional and DIY soundproofing projects alike.
What Are the Benefits of the SBx Soundproof Boards?
Exceptional Noise Reduction: Blocks both airborne and impact noise effectively, creating a quieter, more private space.
Space-Efficient Design: At 15mm thick, these boards offer powerful soundproofing without taking up excessive space, making them ideal for retrofits and renovations.
Eco-Friendly and Breathable: Made from natural, pollutant-free materials like cardboard and sand, these boards are environmentally friendly and breathable.
Easy Installation: Designed with simple butt joints, the boards are easy to cut and install, making them suitable for both professional and DIY installations.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for walls, floors, and ceilings across residential, commercial, and entertainment settings.
Adds Thermal Mass: Improves thermal performance in lightweight structures, providing additional insulation along with soundproofing.
High Load Capacity: Supports up to 5kN, making it durable and suitable for spaces where a firm, solid underfoot feel is desired.
Technical Data
Phonestar SBx board has been rigorously assessed by various European laboratories and it has a European Technical Approval – ETA 13/0411 – ensuring compliance with Building Regulations Part E for The Resistance to the Passage of Sound. Please note that this is not the case with a number of similar products for which the manufacturer often has done no testing themselves.
Here are the main details for this product:
Dimensions: 800 x 1200mm
Thickness: 15mm
Pack Size: 1 Board
Weight: 18kg/m2
Density: TBC
Coverage: 0.96 sqm
Fire rating: Reaction to fire Class E under EN 13501-1
Visit our Fitting Instructions section for more detailed instructions relating to your specific application.
Please contact our team if you have any questions on this product.
Looking for a complete soundproofing solution?
If your looking for soundproofing for a particular situation or application, then the best place to start is with our soundproofing solutions that cover walls, floors, ceilings and reducing echo. Select the relevant application below to find out more.
The SBX board is used in place of a 12.5mm acoustic plasterboard. The product can be screwed in the same way as plasterboard. Cutting and sealing is done in the same way on both 10mm and 15mm SBx boards.
The boards are labelled with a particular side to be facing outwards. This ensures the product lies consistently from board to board.
Where the developer has opted for a traditional 18mm or 22mm tongue & groove overlay then all flooring finishes are treated conventionally and the following instructions are redundant.
Cutting SBx Boards to size
Ensure careful handling to minimise filler spillage – otherwise the final performance may be compromised
Only cut the SBx boards while it is laid flat
Use a straight edge for guidance
Cut with a jigsaw, hand saw, Stanley knife or circular saw (ceramic tile tungsten carbide grit jigsaw blade, or general purpose tungsten carbide fine tooth circular saw blade, for longevity)
Immediately seal all cut edges with PhoneStar SBx Tape while holding the board upright - See below for more details on using SBx Tape
Watch the SBx boards being installed by professionals:
Fitting Floor finishes over SBx Boards
Here is guidance on installing different floor finishes on top of the SBx boards:
a. Wood flooring must be acclimatised in the fitting location prior to fitting for the length of time specified by the flooring manufacturer. This prevents shrinkage, cupping and warping at a later date.
b. Prior to installation, the installer has the final responsibility to inspect the finished flooring as to grade, manufacture and factory finish. The installer must use reasonable selectivity and discard or cut off pieces with deficiencies.
c. It is imperative that the expansion gap is carefully adhered to as this is also necessary to prevent the transmission of sound from the wood flooring to the adjoining walls which in turn would transmit flanking noise. This gap is usually 6mm (12mm when floating) around all vertical objects and the whole perimeter of the room.
Mechanical fixing (usually 6mm expansion gap):
a. Solid wooden flooring must not be nailed directly to SBx boards or through to the sub-deck, which would cause a sound bridge. For ‘Hidden Nail Technique’ glue 9mm (minimum) plywood, OSB or chipboard on top of SBx boards with wood flooring glue. Leave a 6mm gap between the wooden layer and the walls (and any other vertical structures) to reduce vibration and flanking noise.
b. Then nail the timber flooring directly into 9mm top layer only, leaving expansion gaps as per manufacturer’s instructions. Leave a 6mm gap between the flooring and the walls and any other vertical structures. The gap at the perimeter can be sealed with flexible acoustic sealant.
Bonding (usually 6mm expansion gap):
a. If the installer requires the option of being able to remove the wood flooring at a later date without damaging the SBx boards acoustic layer, then a wooden overlay must be laid and bonded to SBx boards - 3mm to 6mm thick plywood is common. It is important to leave a 6mm expansion gap around vertical objects and the whole perimeter of the room.
b. For bonding wooden flooring, use the wooden flooring adhesive as recommended by the flooring manufacturer (usually rubberised wood flooring glue) which should be spread evenly on the floor with a medium notched trowel, as per the flooring manufacturer’s instructions.
c. Always check for an adequate adhesive bond before proceeding.
Floating (usually 12mm expansion gap, 6mm for Laminate):
a. Flooring suitable for fitting as a floating layer, as per manufacturer’s guidance, (usually over 7mm thick), should be laid directly over SBx boards without underlay for the best acoustic performance.
b. It is important to leave a 12mm expansion gap, as recommended by flooring manufacturer, around vertical objects and the whole perimeter of the room. For laminate use the manufacturers recommended 6mm gap.
c. Joint Sealant for laminate flooring can be used to permanently protect laminate from moisture effects, if necessary.
Fitting Ceramic Tiles Directly over SBx boards
a. It is recommended to use marine plywood as your sub floor, if possible.
b. If floor height is not an issue it is recommended to lay a Tile Backing Board or a 6mm Marine (WBP) plywood board over SBx boards which is bonded to SBx boards using a grab adhesive. This will protect the SBx boards acoustic floor should you wish to change the tiles in the future. It is imperative to leave a 6mm expansion gap between the tile backing board / plywood and any vertical objects, as well as the whole perimeter of the room, and fill the gap with a permanently flexible and waterproof sealant, to reduce flanking noise.
c. If floor height is an issue, place a 100mm wide fibre glass mesh ‘scrim tape’ over all SBx boards joints. Then lay the tiles in a thin bed of rapid setting flexible cement based tile adhesive, suitable for wooden floors. The scrim tape ensures no movement will take place due to vapour in bathrooms and kitchens. If tiling a wet room, please see the next section.
Fitting Ceramic Tiles Directly over SBx boards in Wet Rooms
a. It is recommended to use marine ply as your sub floor, if possible.
b. SBx boards is moisture resistant and its performance will not deteriorate in these applications. Do not knock boards tightly together - simply lay lightly butted allowing for minimal expansion.
c. In high moisture areas it is important to lay a vapour barrier, or else it is recommended that a Tile Backing Board or a 6mm Marine (WBP) Plywood board should first be laid and bonded over SBx boards using a grab adhesive. It is imperative to leave a 6mm expansion gap between the tile backing board and any vertical objects, as well as the whole perimeter of the room, and fill the gap with a permanently flexible and waterproof sealant, to reduce flanking noise.
Fitting Carpet Directly over SBx boards
Carpets requiring an independent underlay:
a. SBx boards are not an ‘underlay’; a good quality carpet underlay is still required to protect the carpet and SBx boards.
b. Carpet grippers can be bonded to SBx boards in the same manner as for solid concrete floors; using a rapid set grab adhesive recommended for carpet grippers. Carpet tacks or nails ( if used ) are hammered through the carpet and into the carpet gripper - however it is imperative that these nails do not pass through into the sub-deck below. Common carpet gripper nails are insufficient length to pass through the SBx boards, but it is the installer’s responsibility to confirm this on site. Ideally there should not be penetrations through the carpet gripper but further screws can be added to support grippers as long as they don't exceed 500mm centres. What should be avoided is multiple penetrations though the board over a small area.
Carpets with a pre-bonded foam or felt underlay:
a. These carpets usually incorporate a thin foam or felt backing, insufficient to spread point pressure load, and therefore require a 3mm to 6mm plywood bonded to SBx boards prior to fitting the carpet.
b. The plywood is bonded to the SBx boards leaving a 6mm expansion gap around all vertical objects and the whole perimeter of the room, which can be filled with permanently flexible acoustic sealant.
c. Foam backed carpets should always have a brown building paper laid prior to fitting which prevents the foam from sticking to the floor when its glue seeps out.
Fitting Linoleum & Vinyl Directly over SBx boards
a. Linoleum or Vinyl cannot be fitted directly on the surface of SBx boards. For commercial applications use a hard Linoleum and Vinyl subfloor system floating over SBx boards or 6mm plywood bonded to SBx boards. For domestic applications, bond 3mm to 6mm plywood or similar to SBx boards.
b. The plywood is bonded to the SBx boards leaving a 6mm expansion gap around all vertical objects and the whole perimeter of the room, which can be filled with permanently flexible acoustic sealant.
Sealing a Cut SBx Board
Whenever the cut edge of the board is exposed the SBX sealing tape should be used to prevent silica leakage, here are basic instructions for sealing the cut boards:
Visit our Fitting Instructions section for more detailed instructions relating to your specific application.
Check out our Soundproofing Guides for more information, advice and tips on all aspects of soundproofing.
Don’t forget your SBx Board Sealing Tape!
Whenever the cut edge of the board is exposed the SBX sealing tape should be used to prevent silica leakage.
I called Soundstop with lots of questions and the person I spoke with was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I ended up purchasing soundproofed plasterboards and genie clip system from them
Two alcoves with independent stud walls built and insulation/clips installed.
The result? It works, was sceptical it would,so it was a gamble, sound reduced from neighbours is 70% less and now feel like our semi detached house is more like a fully detached! I’m glad I did it, took me 2 days in total.
All products for a LB2 soundproof ceiling are as expected and delivered on time. The advice given before ordering and before installation was second to none. The guys at soundstop really care that your project goes well. Can't recommend them enough!
From query to delivery always a pleasure to do business with. Can recommend enough. We have used both the standard and advanced (sbx) sm20 systems and they have both made a huge difference in a mid terraced house.
Soundstop are truly amazing at what they do. As a DIYer I need help and advice lots and the team are always there to help out.
The products themselves are top quality and worth of any recording studio never mind my party wall!
Keep up the good work!
The service from the team at Soundstop has been amazing. Jim advised me in the early stages and took my thinking to an end design which is now installed and working beyond my expectations Thankyou
Soundproofing a wall in a factory by a sandblasting booth
The items I have purchased from soundstop have been very useful in the application used to carry out the job requirements on the job that had to be done, the service from Lucy and Jim have been outstanding would use soundstop and would certainly recommend there services to another company or individual
All-round excellent service. Had a phonecall to confirm order minutes after making it online & had further calls keeping me updated on delivery. Very friendly & were more than happy to give some advice when needed.
Genie clips & bars were simple to install & there's good articles on the website for reference. Haven't heard anything from my neighbours yet!
I'd like to thank the team at Soundstop, they completely exceeded my expectations. The customer service is second to none and the delivery was on time as agreed. Very highly recommended.
I don’t think in nearly 23 years I’ve ever dealt with a company so efficient, knowledgeable and helpful! Delivery was very quick. When I needed some technical assistance, Jim was more than helpful. So much so that I felt I should’ve paid him a consultancy fee! Such a pleasure to do business with Soundshield. Amazing!
Very helpful, in helping us to what we needed to order, to soundproof our wall, it all arrived on time, first class service, will be using them again, Thankyou soundproof, for all your help.
My experience of phoning Soundstop for general help with soundproofing and specific help with their products has been a unique experience. A genuine desire to help backed up with the actual knowledge to be so.
I just wish all support calls could be so fruitful.
We had great telephone support whilst choosing the product. We bought Tecsound 70 which was easy to fit ( following the good instructions ) It is a great product and seems to work well. The carpet fitter was amazed by it and the shop are now interested in knowing more! Would recommend both Stopsound and the product
