Furniture scars floors two ways: direct scrape and trapped grit grinding under the leg. The “right” protector depends on the flooring and how permanent you want the fix. Here’s the honest comparison.
| Protector | Best for | Downside | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid brass foot cup (closed-bottom, e.g. Square Foot Cups, 34–48 mm) | Hardwood, vintage pieces, permanent install | Higher upfront cost; needs measuring | Premium, period-correct |
| Felt pads (adhesive) | Hardwood, light pieces, renters | Compress & shed, need replacing | Nearly invisible |
| Rubber caps | Tile, laminate, outdoor | Can mark some finishes, looks utilitarian | Functional only |
| Teflon / plastic glides | Carpet-to-hardwood sliders | Cheap, wear out fast | Invisible |
By flooring type
- Hardwood: Brass foot cups won’t scratch (brass is softer than the finish) and won’t compress like felt. Use square foot cups on square legs or round caps on round legs. Felt is the budget alternative for very light chairs.
- Vinyl / laminate: Felt or rubber; avoid bare metal that can trap grit.
- Tile / stone: Rubber or brass — both stable, no marking if clean.
- Carpet: Usually none needed.
When brass wins
Permanence (no adhesive to fail), zero residue, develops a living patina, and — crucially for vintage furniture — it looks right. Our square foot cups are closed-bottom so they fully cup the leg end; see the install guide for measuring.
When felt / rubber win
Ultra-delicate or rented surfaces where you want reversible, near-invisible protection and lowest cost.