What Material Is Best for Chair Legs on Different Types of Floors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the best materials for chair legs to protect various floor types, including carpet and hardwood. Participants suggest using rubber, plastic, and felt as potential coverings. Rubber is noted for its protective qualities but can leave streaks on wood and struggles on carpet. A combination of plastic with small felt pads is recommended as an effective solution, allowing for easy movement on carpet while preventing damage to wood floors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of material properties (rubber, plastic, felt)
  • Knowledge of flooring types (carpet, hardwood, floorboards)
  • Basic design principles for furniture
  • Familiarity with protective measures for flooring
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the durability and friction properties of rubber and plastic materials
  • Explore the effectiveness of felt pads on different flooring types
  • Investigate alternative protective materials for chair legs
  • Learn about furniture design considerations for multi-surface compatibility
USEFUL FOR

Furniture designers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone involved in home improvement projects looking to protect floors while maintaining chair functionality.

brandon26
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I am going to design a chair for my school project. The legs of the chair have to be friendly to all types of floors e.g. carpet, floor board etc.
The legs are made of wood, but I am looking for a material that I can cover the bottom of the legs with to protect the floor.
Any suggestions?
 
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Plastic would probably work out best.
 
I would probably say rubber because plastic can actually scratch wood floors.
 
But rubber doesn't move well on carpet. It can also leave streaks on wood.
 
How about felt? Not great on carpet, but won't damage it either. Do you want it to glide easily over the flooring, or just prevent damage?
 
How about plastic but with small felt pads. On wood it would be completely on the felt, but when you move to carpet it have the slick plastic to glide on. Ofcourse their is going to be some friction from the felt but if you make the felt pads small it should be a nice compromise.

Thanks for the idea Moonbear.
 
Just put a tennis ball on each leg.
 
Moonbear said:
How about felt? Not great on carpet, but won't damage it either. Do you want it to glide easily over the flooring, or just prevent damage?

I would love it if it did both. But just avoiding damage would do.
 
Learning Curve said:
Just put a tennis ball on each leg.

What do you mean?
 
  • #10
dduardo said:
How about plastic but with small felt pads. On wood it would be completely on the felt, but when you move to carpet it have the slick plastic to glide on. Ofcourse their is going to be some friction from the felt but if you make the felt pads small it should be a nice compromise.

Thanks for the idea Moonbear.


I love that idea.
 
Last edited:

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