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How to Prevent Furniture from Scratching Your New Floors

Monday, March 17, 2025

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Congratulations on your new floors! Whether you’ve opted for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile, keeping them scratch-free is essential to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Furniture can be a significant culprit when it comes to floor damage, but with a few preventative measures, you can keep your floors looking pristine for years to come. Here’s some good tips:

1. Use Furniture Pads

One of the easiest ways to protect your floors is by using furniture pads. These come in different materials such as felt, rubber, or silicone and can be attached to the bottom of furniture legs to create a buffer between your furniture and the floor.

Tips:

• Choose felt pads for hardwood floors to allow for smooth movement.
• Use rubber pads for heavier furniture to prevent sliding.
• Check and replace pads regularly to ensure they remain effective.
  

2. Invest in Area Rugs and Mats

Strategically placing area rugs and mats under furniture can help minimize contact between heavy items and the floor. This is especially useful in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and dining rooms.

Tips:

• Use non-slip rug pads underneath to keep rugs from shifting.
• Consider placing rugs under frequently moved furniture like dining room and kitchen chairs.
  

3. Lift, Don’t Drag

Dragging furniture across the floor is a surefire way to create scratches and dents. When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the surface.

Tips:

• Ask for help when lifting heavier pieces.
• Use furniture sliders to make lifting and repositioning easier.
  

4. Use Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders are a great tool for moving heavy furniture without causing damage. These are designed to be placed under furniture legs and allow items to glide smoothly across the floor without scratching.

Tips:

• Choose felt sliders for hard surfaces like wood or tile.
• Opt for plastic sliders when moving furniture over carpet.
  

5. Maintain Floor Cleanliness

Dirt, dust, and debris act like sandpaper under furniture legs and shoes. Keeping your floors clean reduces the chances of scratches occurring.

Tips:

• Sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove abrasive particles.
• Use a damp mop suitable for your flooring type to keep surfaces smooth.
  

6. Trim Pet Nails

If you have pets such as cats and dogs, their nails can scratch the floor, especially softer flooring materials like hardwood or vinyl. Keeping their nails trimmed can help prevent unintentional damage.

Tips:

• Use pet-friendly nail grinders or clippers.
• Place pet beds and rugs in areas where they frequently walk or play.
  

7. Apply a Protective Coating

For added protection, consider applying a floor-friendly sealant or wax, depending on your flooring material. These coatings provide an extra layer of defense against scratches.

Tips:

• Consult your flooring manufacturer for recommended protective products.
• Reapply coatings periodically as needed to maintain protection.
  

Preventing furniture from scratching your floors doesn’t require major effort, but it does take a bit of foresight and care. By using furniture pads, rugs, sliders, and proper handling techniques, you can keep your floors looking as good as new for years to come. Small, proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs in the future! For additional tips and specific recommendations for your type of flooring, contact Jason’s Carpet and Tile today at 954-231-4487.