Heavy furniture is essential in any home—providing comfort, structure, and style—but it can also be one of the biggest threats to your flooring. From luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to carpet and laminate, all types of floors are vulnerable to dents, scratches, and lasting damage if heavy items aren’t properly supported. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to prevent this wear and tear while keeping your interiors looking their best.
Protecting LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT is known for being durable and easy to maintain. However, it can still be marked or dented by furniture if the right steps aren’t taken.
- Apply Felt Pads
Add soft felt pads to all furniture legs—especially dining chairs, sofas, and coffee tables. These inexpensive additions create a cushioned barrier that absorbs impact and reduces friction.
- Avoid Dragging
Dragging furniture across vinyl flooring can result in surface scratches or even cause the vinyl planks to shift. Always lift furniture when possible, or use floor-safe sliders or moving discs.
- Use Rugs in Key Areas
Under furniture that is moved often—such as chairs or armchairs—area rugs help reduce direct contact and pressure. They also add a touch of colour and warmth to your space.
Carpet Care Under Heavy Furniture
Carpet adds softness and comfort to a room, but it compresses easily under weight. Indentations and pile damage can occur, especially under static or heavy furniture.
- Use Coasters and Gliders
Furniture coasters or flat plastic gliders help distribute the load and prevent deep dents in the carpet pile. They’re especially useful under beds, sofas, and large storage units.
- Shift Furniture Occasionally
Even a small change in position can reduce long-term compression. Repositioning furniture every few months helps prevent permanent marks.
- Always Lift Furniture
Dragging heavy items across carpet can snag fibres or pull on the underlay. This leads to uneven surfaces and long-term damage. Use a helping hand or moving aids when needed.
- Use Protective Mats
For workspaces or areas with rolling chairs, clear plastic mats or flat rugs help keep the carpet from wearing thin or matting down.
Laminate Flooring Protection
Laminate offers a sleek finish and is highly popular in modern homes. However, it’s prone to scratches and can warp if stressed too much in one area.
- Add Felt Pads or Rubber Feet
Attach soft pads under all furniture, especially in living and dining rooms. These prevent minor movements from leaving marks on the laminate surface.
- Use Load-Spreading Discs
Place protective discs under large items to distribute the weight evenly. This is crucial for bookcases, wardrobes, and media units.
- Don’t Drag, Slide Properly
Dragging furniture across laminate can peel or scratch the surface. Use sliders made for hard floors to avoid damage.
- Lay Down Rugs
Place rugs in high-traffic areas, such as under dining tables or near sofas. They protect and add warmth to the space.
Universal Floor-Saving Tips
- Use Leg Caps
Rubber, silicone, or felt leg caps prevent pressure marks across all flooring types.
- Keep Floors Clean
Dust and grit act like sandpaper under furniture. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of scratches.
- Plan Furniture Layouts
Balance the placement of heavy items to avoid excessive pressure in one spot.
Final Thoughts
Whether your home features LVT, carpet, or laminate, furniture protection should be part of your regular floor care routine. With small, affordable accessories and thoughtful planning, you can prevent damage and enjoy flawless floors for years. Taking action now will save you the cost and hassle of future repairs—without compromising your interior design.
Contact Turner & Higgins Flooring for your expert advice.