Protecting your floors and moving furniture easily are top priorities for homeowners and commercial space managers alike. While Felt Pads have long been the traditional choice, PTFE (Teflon) Glides are rapidly becoming the preferred professional solution. In this guide, we compare these two popular floor protectors to help you decide which is best for your project.
What are Felt Pads?
Felt pads are made from compressed wool or synthetic fibers. They provide a soft cushion between furniture legs and hard surfaces, primarily designed to prevent scratches on delicate wood floors.
- Pros: Cost-effective, soft on hardwood, and easy to apply.
- Cons: They wear out quickly, attract dust and hair, and lose their effectiveness if they get wet.
What are PTFE (Teflon) Glides?
PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known by the brand name Teflon. These glides feature a super-slick surface that offers the lowest friction of any solid material.
- Pros: Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and allows heavy furniture to slide with minimal effort.
- Cons: Higher initial cost than basic felt, but offers much longer service life.
| Feature | Felt Pads | PTFE (Teflon) Glides |
| Primary Goal | Floor protection & cushioning | Maximum ease of movement & floor protection |
| Friction Level | Moderate | Extremely Low (Super slick) |
| Durability | Low (needs frequent replacement) | High (long-lasting performance) |
| Environment | Dry, indoor hardwood only | Indoor/Outdoor, handles carpet & hard floors |
| Maintenance | Collects dust, hair, and grit | Self-cleaning (does not attract debris) |
Which Should You Choose?
1. Choose Felt Pads if…
You have lightweight furniture on very soft, sensitive hardwood floors and don’t mind replacing the pads every few months.
2. Choose PTFE Glides if…
- You have heavy furniture: Such as sofas, dining tables, or cabinets that need to be moved for cleaning or rearranging.
- You want durability: PTFE sliders are built to last and don’t peel off or flatten like felt.
- You have mixed flooring: PTFE works seamlessly on both carpet and hard floors.
- You need professional installation: Available in self-adhesive, nail-in, and screw-on styles for a permanent fix.
Final Verdict
While felt is a “quick fix,” PTFE glides are the superior industrial-grade solution for modern furniture. They offer a quieter, smoother, and much more durable experience.
