Felt Pads That Flawlessly Fortify Floors Under Bar Stools
Bar stools are a popular seating option for home bars and kitchen islands. Their tall stature and slender legs allow them to tuck neatly under counters. However, the repetitive motion of pulling bar stools in and out can take a toll on floors over time. The legs can leave behind scratches, scuffs, dents, and other unsightly marks on flooring surfaces.
This is where felt pads come in handy! Felt pads are thin, circular pads that adhere to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent them from damaging floors. They provide a buffer between the hard surface of the stool legs and the floor. Felt pads are an easy and affordable way to protect your floors while still enjoying the stylish look of bar stool seating.
Materials Used for Felt Pads
Felt is the most common material used to make protective pads for furniture. It is an affordable, cushiony material that absorbs shock well. However, there are other options to consider as well:
- Recycled rubber - Extremely durable and withstands heavy use
- Plastic - Budget-friendly but provides less cushioning
- Vinyl - Waterproof and stain-resistant
- Microfiber - Dense, shock-absorbing pile
Key Considerations When Choosing Felt Pads
Not all felt pads are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best felt pads for your bar stools:
Durability
If your bar stools see frequent, heavy use, opt for felt pads made from recycled rubber or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These ultra-durable materials hold up well under constant motion. Standard wool felt is prone to wearing out faster.
Size and Shape
Take measurements of your bar stool legs to find pads that fit properly. Ill-fitting pads can slide around and fail to protect floors. Round, square, and oval pads are available to accommodate different leg shapes.
Adhesive Strength
Low-quality glue may cause pads to detach. Seek out furniture grade felt with industrial strength adhesive, like double-sided tape, for the most secure hold on smooth surfaces like metal and glass.
How to Apply Felt Pads to Bar Stool Legs
Installing felt pads on your bar stools is a quick and simple process:
- Clean bar stool legs so pads adhere well
- Peel off adhesive backing from felt pads
- Center pads on bottom of legs and press down firmly
- Add felt pads evenly to all legs for stability
Avoid touching the sticky adhesive surface when applying. Check that all pads are secure by gently pressing on edges.
Ongoing Use and Maintenance
While felt pads are long-lasting, they do require occasional maintenance:
- Visually inspect pads every few months for wear
- Replace pads as needed, usually every 1-2 years
- Clean floor underneath pads to prevent dirt buildup
- Adjust pads if stools start to slip or rock
Catching pad issues early allows for quick replacement and continuous protection.
Types of Floors Felt Pads Protect
Felt pads are suitable for use on a wide variety of flooring types, including:
- Hardwood
- Laminate
- Tile
- Stone
- Linoleum
- Concrete
The soft felt cushions floors from damage while still allowing smooth gliding motions of the bar stools. Felt works well on textured floors too.
The Damage Felt Pads Prevent
Without protection, bar stool legs can inflict a surprising amount of destruction on floors. Felt pads prevent:
- Scratches
- Scuffs
- Chips
- Dents
- Cracks
- Discoloration
These unsightly marks negatively impact the look of floors and can lower the value of your home. Stop damage in its tracks with affordable, easy-to-use felt pads.
While felt pads are a must for bar stools, they also come in handy for:
- Chair and table legs
- Under appliances that are moved for cleaning
- Furniture that is prone to shifting or scratching
Any furniture legs that come into frequent contact with floors are candidates for protective felt pads. They provide inexpensive insurance against hundreds of dollars in floor refinishing or replacement costs.
Give your floors the care they deserve while still enjoying seamless bar stool seating. Felt pads are a simple solution that flawlessly fortifies floors against damage from bar stools and other furniture. Protect your investment with this quick and easy safeguard.