SCRATCHES, dents and annoying furniture marks not only look unsightly on our floors but they can be impossible to remove.
And over time, heavy sofas, dining chairs and TV units can all wreak havoc on one of the biggest investments in our home.
But there are a few simple and budget-friendly tips that will keep your flooring looking good for years to come.
Many even use everyday household items and some don’t cost anything at all.
Here, flooring expert Richard McKay – Managing DirectoratSprung, specialists in flooring designed to elevate and protect spaces – reveals his five top tips for protecting the floors around your home.
Wine corks and tennis balls
If you enjoyed some wine over the weekend, you may want to hunt out the cork.
Richard says that slicing corks into small discs and gluing them to the bottom of furniture legs is ideal for a “protective layer”.
He adds: “Alternatively, you can cross cut tennis balls and slip them onto table and chair legs to prevent damage on the floor.”
DIY furniture pads
Forget spending money on expensive furniture pads as you can create your own from old gym floor mats.
“Just cut them into small squares and place them under chair and table legs”, Richard says.
This provides a cushion barrier and stops furniture from denting and scratching your floor.
Hot glue
By applying hot glue to the bottom of chair and table legs, you can create a barrier that reduces friction and therefore protects the floors underneath.
Richard suggests: “Just be sure to leave a smooth and even layer of the glue for best results.”
Pool noodles
If you’re moving heavy furniture, the flooring expert advises grabbing a pool noodle.
He adds: “Simply cut it lengthwise and then wedge between your item and the wall or floor.
“This will stop any accidental damage as it prevents unnecessary movement and pressure.”
Floor wax
For extra protection, you could also invest in specialist floor wax that is designed to create a barrier against wear and tear, and scratches.
“Not only does it protect the floor but it also enhances the appearance of many woods”, Richard says.
Additional tips
To further prevent damage, it’s best practice to rearrange rugs and furniture every few months.
This ensures that pressure isn’t continuously applied to the same spots.
It’s also important to know which floors are at risk so you can combat potential issues before they happen.
For example, hardwood and laminate are prone to scratches, dents and wear.
Vinyl and lino are at risk of impressions from heavy furniture.
Grout lines in tiles can crack under weight and carpet can flatten under heavy furniture, leaving ugly marks.
By using these tips, you can keep your floors looking great without spending a fortune and save your rooms from unnecessary damage.
