It sounds like the obvious thing to do: you’ve just installed a stunning vinyl floor, arranged your furniture, and added felt pads underneath to prevent scratches. But surprisingly, that’s not such a good idea for vinyl floors. In fact, felt pads can actually damage your flooring over time. Read more to find out how that happens, and what you can do instead.
What truly happens when you put felt pads under your chairs
Felt pads might feel soft, but they are not as gentle on vinyl as they appear. Over time, they wear down unevenly. The top side can look completely fine, while the underside becomes thin and frayed. Once the felt wears through, the hard glue layer comes into direct contact with your floor, causing shine streaks or small scratches.
On top of that, felt acts like a magnet for dust and sand. Tiny grains get caught in the fibers and scratch your floor every time you move a chair. The result? Micro-scratches that damage your vinyl’s protective layer and eventually create dull spots. And don’t forget about the glue itself: for floors with underfloor heating, the adhesive layer can soften, leaving small rings, sticky patches, or glue residues. All common felt-related issues you’ll want to avoid.
Why furniture sliders actually work
Vinyl floors are flexible and comfortable. but with that, comes an increased vulnerability to pressure points and friction. Furniture sliders solve this by evenly distributing weight. They are also designed to glide smoothly on floors, without causing damage. Their benefits are clear:
- They glide effortlessly on floors due to having a smooth Teflon or plastic surface.
- They leave no residue and are attached by screwing or clicking, no glueing.
- They last longer than felt pads, because they don’t wear down or deform.
This keeps your floor looking better and makes your everyday life easier. The best part? You hardly ever need to replace them.
The right furniture sliders for vinyl
Not all sliders are suitable for glue-down or click vinyl floors, so it’s best to check before you purchase any. The best sliders have a hard, smooth base, which prevents friction, even on softer floors.
Steer clear of rubber or metal sliders, as they can leave marks or discolor the floor. Don’t forget to also give your sliders a clean every now and then. Even a little dust can eventually cause scratches. With this simple step, your vinyl floor stays neat and scratch-free.
Keeping your floor looking brand new
Vinyl floors are built to last: strong, comfortable, and easy to maintain. But even the best floors benefit from a little care. That is why swapping felt pads for furniture sliders is a smart move. It prevents tiny scratches and shine marks from appearing in the long run. Whether it’s chairs being moved around daily, a solid dining table, or your go-to desk, the right sliders keep your floor looking smooth and stylish.
A small change can make a big difference. And your floor? Years from now, it’ll still look as fresh as the day it was installed.
Floer tip
Choosing the right furniture sliders is just the start! There’s plenty more you can do to keep your vinyl floor looking great for years to come. At Floer, we love sharing top tips and maintenance advice to help your floor stay looking neat and fresh. Want to know more? Be sure to check our other Floer tips!
