Once your new wood or laminate floor is down, it instantly changes the feel of a room. It’s warm, solid, and gives the space a bit of polish. But then the furniture goes back in, and suddenly, you're holding your breath—hoping you don’t hear that sharp scrape of a chair leg or see a dent where the sofa’s been sitting too long.
This sort of thing comes up all the time with our customers at UK Flooring Depot. They've picked out beautiful flooring, and the last thing they want is to damage it by sliding a dining table across it or dragging in a heavy bookcase. The good news is, a few small tweaks can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your floors looking great.
What Can I Put Under My Furniture to Not Scratch the Floor?
Let's begin with one of the easiest solutions: placing pads beneath the furniture legs. It may not seem revolutionary, yet it is effective. Felt pads, soft rubber feet, or sliders serve as tiny cushions between your furniture and the flooring. Attach them to chairs, couches, tables, or even to heavy plant pots. For chairs that are frequently relocated (such as those at the dining table), choose felt pads. They allow the chairs to glide effortlessly without leaving any traces. For heavier items—such as a bed or a wardrobe—utilize broader pads or furniture coasters that distribute the weight more uniformly. It’s straightforward, merely a simple action that spares you trouble down the line.
Will Heavy Furniture Damage Wood Floors?
It can, yes. Not always straight away, but over time, weight in the same spot can cause dents or pressure marks. Think of a big wardrobe or sideboard sitting still for years without any padding—it will leave its mark.
To avoid this, always place something soft but sturdy underneath. Felt pads are good for light to medium items, but for bulkier pieces, rubber pads or purpose-made sliders are the better option. They help spread the load and reduce pressure on the boards.
It also helps to move heavy furniture every now and again—even just a few centimetres. It keeps the floor from wearing unevenly and lets air circulate underneath, especially if the floor’s solid wood flooring.
How to Make Furniture Stick to the Floor?
Some furniture doesn’t stay put, especially on smooth finishes like laminate or certain types of engineered wood. Sofas that shift every time someone sits down, or tables that slide slightly whenever someone leans on them—it’s annoying.
Gripper pads are a handy fix. They’re usually made of rubber or a textured material that grips both the floor and the bottom of the furniture. Pop them under the legs, and your furniture will stay put without leaving any marks behind.
If you’ve got rugs under your furniture, make sure they’ve got a non-slip layer underneath too. Otherwise, the whole thing can move around as a unit.
How Do You Keep Furniture from Scratching Laminate Floors?
Laminate floors are tough, but they’re not scratch-proof. Constant movement, especially from chairs and stools, can leave behind surface marks or fine lines.
The trick is to stop furniture from sliding in the first place. Go for felt pads on chairs, rubber caps for things like bar stools, and gliders for heavier items. And always lift, don’t drag. If lifting’s not practical, put down a towel or old blanket to act as a barrier when moving furniture.
High-traffic areas benefit from a bit of extra coverage, too. A rug or runner can help protect the floor without hiding its natural look. If you're after something hard-wearing and resilient, LVT flooring is also a great option for busy spaces.
Keep Your Floor Looking Its Best
At UK Flooring Depot, we’ve seen how well wood and laminate floors can hold up with just a bit of care. A few small additions—pads, grippers, and an occasional lift instead of a drag—go a long way. It’s not about being overprotective, just smart with what you've got.
If you’re thinking ahead and want something more durable or better suited to your household, check out our guide to eco-friendly flooring. There’s something out there that’ll suit your space without sacrificing style—or sustainability.
Floors should be lived on, not fussed over. But with the right setup, you can enjoy every bit of your flooring without the worry of deep scratches or dents following you around for years.
