Furniture is bulky and shifting it can be a challenge; whether people are remodeling or just relocating they do not want to hit the floor in the process. From the hardwood floors to the laminate and all other types of flooring, they are easily scratched, dented or scruffed if they are crossed by heavy equipment. Read the following guide to learn how not to damage the floors during your moving process and check the answers to the most common questions people have about protecting the floor.
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What Do Movers Use to Protect Floors?
When you hire professional movers you always expect them to come with some vital materials for floor protection. Some of the most purchased items are the moving blankets. These are large falls or padded pieces that are placed over the furniture or items to avoid abrasion or marking the furniture and keeps your floors safe as well. They’ll often use them to cover the paths they’ll walk along as well.
Movers also install floor runners or plastic sheets on areas of your floor that they expect to receive most traffic along. This provides a little extra buffer and assists to prevent large items of furniture from coming into direct contact with the floor. Even when there is sensitive wooden floor, the movers could use a cloth to lay down
How Do You Move Furniture by Yourself Without Scratching the Floor?
Moving furniture on your own is always a challenge, but it’s possible to do so without damaging your floors. Here are a few tips that can help:
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Use Furniture Sliders: These little pads are a game changer. Stick them under the legs or corners of your furniture and they allow you to glide items across the floor, avoiding scratches. They make heavy furniture much easier to move too.
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Lift Carefully: If you’re lifting furniture instead of sliding it, be sure to lower it gently onto the floor. Avoid dragging it or letting it drop, as this can cause significant damage. Consider using a dolly or asking a friend for help if the piece is too heavy to carry on your own.
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Protective Mats or Blankets: Before you start moving anything, lay down a protective mat or blanket where the furniture will rest. It’ll absorb the weight and prevent direct contact with the floor, giving you an extra cushion of protection.
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Slide, Don’t Drag: If you must slide your furniture, use a towel or old rug underneath to help it glide more easily. This can keep your floors safe while also making the task less strenuous.
How Do I Protect My Floor from Heavy Furniture?
Heavy furniture can cause serious damage to your floors, especially if it’s not properly supported. Here are a few ways to protect your floor when moving larger items:
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Use Soft Pads: Felt pads or rubber protectors under your furniture legs work wonders. They distribute the weight of the piece and prevent pressure from being concentrated on one spot, reducing the chances of dents or scratches.
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Use a Ramp for Large Items: If you’re moving something especially heavy, consider using a ramp to avoid putting too much pressure on your floor. It can help you move large pieces smoothly and without strain.
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Secure the Furniture: When you’re moving heavy items, it’s key to make sure everything is secure. Whether you’re using straps, a dolly, or furniture pads, having a reliable way to move the pieces will reduce the risk of accidents that could damage your floor.
How to Protect Wood Floors During a Move?
Wood floors are beautiful but also prone to damage. Scratches and dents can be easy to come by, especially during a move. Here’s how to keep your wood floors looking their best:
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Cover the Floor: Lay down protective sheeting, moving blankets, or floor runners. These materials create a buffer between your furniture and the floor, absorbing any shock and preventing direct contact.
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Lift Instead of Drag: Dragging furniture across wood floors can cause deep scratches. Whenever possible, lift the furniture or use sliders to avoid scraping the floor’s surface.
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Use Furniture Sliders: These are one of the best tools for moving furniture without harming the floor. Make sure you use sliders designed specifically for wood floors to protect against damage.
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Install Temporary Floor Protection: If you want to be extra cautious, you can install temporary floor protection like adhesive films or disposable covers. These give your wood floors an added layer of defence during the move.
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Move Slowly and Carefully: Rushing through the move can cause furniture to slip or be set down too hard. Take your time and move furniture slowly, especially if it’s large or heavy.
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When moving furniture, you do not have to scratch your floors in the process or have them looking old before their time. So to sum it up, with a bit of prevention in place and the correct equipment your floors should not be at risk of scratch, dent or scuff. If you cannot avoid dragging furniture across the floor there are many ways to avoid causing harm to the floor: utilizing furniture sliders, moving blankets, or simply using one’s hands to lift items rather than dragging them. Here at the UK Flooring Depot, we understand how much work people put in ensuring that floors stay clean, therefore, do not rush when relocating furniture in the house and our floors will remain as good as you left them.
