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

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The discussion revolves around designing chair legs that are suitable for various floor types, including carpet and hardwood. Suggestions for materials to cover the legs include rubber, which offers good protection but may not glide well on carpet, and plastic, which can scratch wood floors. Felt is proposed as a non-damaging option for both surfaces, although it may not glide easily. A compromise solution involves using plastic legs with small felt pads, allowing for smooth movement on carpet while protecting hardwood floors. The idea of using tennis balls on the legs is also mentioned as a potential solution for floor protection and mobility. Overall, the focus is on finding a balance between protecting floors and ensuring ease of movement across different surfaces.
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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 woudl 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.
 
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