What Can I Put on the Legs of Kitchen Chairs So That They Slide Better?

Furniture glides allow chair legs to move across floor surfaces quietly, without leaving a mark.


Kitchen chairs may be moved more often than any other furniture in your home, which means the floor under them can take a beating. Glides attached to the bottom of the chair legs provide a smooth surface that slips across flooring without leaving a mark or scratch. Felt glides are inexpensive, but they are not particularly durable. Other types of glides may be made from metal, nylon or a variety of slick plastic materials that provide cushioning and are noiseless when you scoot the chair. You can purchase glides at your local home or hardware store and install them yourself. Look for a glide made for the type of floor surface you have and sized slightly smaller than bottom of your chair legs. Glides work equally well on stools, free-standing cabinets or even table legs, so moving the furniture to clean the floor is an easy chore.

Attach Furniture Gliders

Tubular metal chair legs typically have insert glides or cap glides as part of their design. If they need replacing, remove one and take it with you to find the correct replacement; you can’t resize the metal leg. The most durable gliders for wooden chairs attach by tapping into the bottom of each chair leg. Secure the chair in a vise or have someone hold it firmly when you attach the glides. The nail must be centered to avoid splitting the wood; pre-drill a pilot hole if necessary. If you don’t want to hammer it into the wood, use a glider with a strong adhesive backing.

About the Author

Fern Fischer


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