Floors take a beating from everyday use, but some things are extra-hard on various flooring materials. Furniture casters are a source of floor damage we often don’t recognize until the damage is done. Casters form pits or grooves in wood, scratch tile or wood, and scar and buckle vinyl flooring. They also wear spots in rugs and carpeting. A little extra care to protect floors from casters will keep them looking good for years to come.
Choose an appropriate protective material for your floors. Some vinyl flooring warranties require that owners never place rubber pads or rubber-backed rugs on them. The two materials create a chemical reaction that can damage or discolor the flooring.
Position rugs or chair pads under furniture that must move frequently, such as office chairs. Chair pads are usually made of vinyl or fiberboard. The ones with teeth are OK for carpets, but can damage wood floors. Don't use vinyl pads on vinyl floors, because they may chemically react; use carpets or rugs instead. Choose a pad or rug large enough for the furniture to move about freely; otherwise it will run off the edge and defeat your protective efforts.