Stop the Scrape: The Affordable Hack to Protect Your Beautiful Floors

We all love the look of a stunning timber floor or those stylish, large-format tiles. But here’s the harsh reality check: every time someone pulls out a dining chair or shifts the couch, those hard furniture feet are potentially carving micro-scratches into your expensive flooring. Ugh!

It's the stuff nightmares are made of, but the solution is surprisingly simple, affordable, and requires zero tradie skills: furniture glides and floor protectors. Think of them as tiny, functional shoes for your furniture, tailored for every surface in your home.

Felt vs. PTFE: Know Your Glide

Choosing the right protector isn't just a guessing game; it depends entirely on your flooring.

1. Felt Glides (The Timber Tamer): If you have polished timber, floorboards, or laminate, felt is your best mate. It offers a soft barrier that allows furniture to glide smoothly without friction. They stick on or nail in easily, and they are cheap as chips. Just remember to replace them when they get dusty or thin!
2. PTFE Glides (The Carpet King): PTFE, often called Teflon glides, are perfect for carpeted areas or rugs. These hard, smooth plastic pads reduce friction so much that you can push a heavy cabinet or sofa with minimal effort. They are brilliant for the home handy-person who rearranges furniture often.
3. Rubber or Silicon (The Tile Gripper): For glossy tiles or wet areas, a small rubber foot is better. It provides grip and prevents sliding, reducing the chance of something slipping and cracking a tile.

At Urban Hardware, there is a protector for every piece, from dining chairs to heavy storage cabinets. Investing a few dollars in the right glides now means saving hundreds down the track on floor refinishing.

So, are your furniture feet wearing the right shoes for your floors?