Moving heavy furniture can be a hassle, right? Whether you’re rearranging your living room or moving furniture into a new home, the last thing you want is to damage your floors or hurt your back. That’s where furniture sliders come in. They’re a simple tool that can make moving furniture much easier, quicker, and safer.
But how exactly do you use furniture sliders for the best results? In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to properly use furniture sliders to protect your floors, avoid unnecessary strain, and get the most out of this handy tool. If you missed my previous post on how to choose the right furniture sliders, don’t worry. We’ll touch on how different sliders are suited for different flooring types, so you can make the right choice before using them.
Moving furniture doesn’t have to be a stressful or damaging task. With the right technique and tools, you can make it a breeze.
What Are Furniture Sliders and Why Should You Use Them?
Before we dive into how to use furniture sliders, let’s first understand what they are and why they’re so useful. Furniture sliders are small, flat pads that are placed under the legs or corners of furniture. They’re designed to make it easier to slide heavy items across the floor without causing scratches, dents, or other damage.
They come in various materials—felt, plastic, PTFE, and self-adhesive—and are suitable for different types of floors, such as hardwood, carpet, tile, and even vinyl. If you’ve ever struggled to move a heavy couch or cabinet, you know how much of a difference furniture sliders can make.
How to Use Furniture Sliders Step by Step
Now that we know why furniture sliders are so helpful, let’s look at the step-by-step process for using them effectively, based on the type of slider and furniture you’re dealing with.
Step 1: Select the Right Type of Slider
If you haven’t already chosen your furniture sliders, start by selecting the right type based on your floor and the weight of your furniture. For example:
- For hardwood floors, PTFE (Teflon) sliders are ideal because they provide a smooth, friction-free glide and protect your hardwood from scratches.
- For carpets, plastic sliders are your best option. They’re designed to reduce friction on carpeted surfaces and help furniture glide effortlessly.
- For small furniture, self-adhesive sliders are perfect. They are designed to be stuck under chair legs or small tables and provide an easy solution for light furniture.
- For heavy-duty furniture, use put-under sliders that can handle the extra weight and make it easier to move large items like cabinets or sofas.
Step 2: Clean the Area
Before using furniture sliders, clear the path where you’ll be moving the furniture. Remove any obstacles like rugs, smaller items, or debris that could interfere with the movement. It’s also a good idea to clean the floor to prevent dust and dirt from scratching the surface while the furniture is being moved.
Step 3: Place the Sliders Under the Furniture
Once you’ve selected the right type of slider, it’s time to place them under the furniture. You should place one slider under each leg or corner of the item you’re moving. If the furniture has a base or is too low to the ground, you may need to lift it slightly to position the sliders properly. Make sure the sliders are centered under each leg to distribute the weight evenly.
- For self-adhesive sliders, simply peel off the backing and stick them under the legs of the furniture.
- For heavy-duty furniture (like sofas or cabinets), position put-under sliders on the bottom of each leg or corner. These tend to be thicker and more durable, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Start Sliding
Once your sliders are securely in place, you’re ready to start moving the furniture. Gently push the item in the direction you want to move it. Avoid jerking or applying too much force, as this could cause damage to the furniture or sliders. Take your time and move slowly to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- For small furniture, a light push is all you need as the self-adhesive sliders are designed to handle the minimal weight of tables and chairs.
- For heavy-duty furniture, apply controlled force, taking care not to jerk the furniture as that could stress both the sliders and the floor.
Step 5: Reposition Sliders if Needed
If the furniture is too heavy or large, it might not slide as easily as you expect. In that case, you may need to reposition the sliders occasionally to help distribute the weight more evenly. Moving furniture in small increments can also help prevent unnecessary strain.
Step 6: Remove the Sliders
Once you’ve moved the furniture to its new location, carefully remove the sliders from under the furniture legs. Be sure to store them in a safe place for future use, so they’re ready the next time you need to move something heavy.
Tips for Using Furniture Sliders Effectively
While the steps above will help you get the job done, here are a few extra tips to make using furniture sliders even more effective:
- Use a soft, controlled push: When moving furniture with sliders, it’s best to apply gentle pressure. Trying to force heavy items can cause damage to your floors or furniture.
- Check the weight capacity: Some furniture sliders are designed for light items, while others are made for heavy-duty use. Make sure the sliders you choose are appropriate for the weight of the furniture you’re moving.
- Test the surface first: Before sliding furniture across your floors, test the sliders in a small, inconspicuous area to make sure they won’t leave marks or scratches.
What to Avoid When Using Furniture Sliders
While using furniture sliders is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Not choosing the right type of slider for your floor: Using the wrong type of slider can cause more harm than good. Always choose sliders that match your flooring type.
- Not placing the sliders correctly: If the sliders aren’t placed properly under the furniture, they may not distribute the weight evenly, leading to unnecessary friction or damage.
- Using sliders with worn-out or damaged pads: Over time, sliders can wear out. Check them regularly to make sure they’re still in good condition. Worn-out sliders can damage your furniture and floor.
How Furniture Sliders Help Protect Your Floors
One of the main reasons people love furniture sliders is because they help protect floors from scratches, scuffs, and dents. Without sliders, dragging furniture directly across the floor can result in deep marks that are hard to repair. Sliders act as a buffer between the furniture and the floor, helping to prevent these issues.
If you have hardwood floors, for example, you know how easily they can get scratched by heavy furniture. Using sliders can save you from costly repairs and keep your floors looking pristine for years to come.
When Should You Use Furniture Sliders?
Furniture sliders are useful in many situations. Here are some examples of when you should use them:
- During a move: If you’re moving to a new home or rearranging your space, sliders will make it much easier to get your furniture into place without damaging the floors.
- When cleaning or redecorating: If you’re deep cleaning your home or redecorating, sliders can help you move furniture without having to call for extra help.
- When moving furniture alone: Sometimes you need to move a heavy piece of furniture by yourself. Furniture sliders make this process much more manageable.
Conclusion
Using furniture sliders is a simple and effective way to make moving heavy items easier while protecting your floors. By following these easy steps and tips, you can ensure that your furniture is moved smoothly and without damage.
If you’re in need of furniture sliders or want to explore a wide selection for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to check out our product selection at Hyderon. With top-quality sliders for all types of flooring and furniture, we’ve got the perfect solution for you.
Don’t let heavy furniture stop you from enjoying your space. With the right furniture sliders, you’ll be moving furniture like a pro in no time!
