ᐅ KALLAX and Laminate Flooring – Are Felt Pads Enough Protection?

Created on: 12 Sep 2020 14:23
E
erenlis
E
erenlis
12 Sep 2020 14:23
Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA that I want to place on a laminate floor. My main question is: Do felt pads under the KALLAX really provide enough protection against scratches and pressure marks on laminate flooring?

I understand that laminate is sensitive to mechanical stress, especially with furniture that has relatively small contact surfaces. Felt pads seem like a simple solution, but how well do they actually cushion the pressure?

I’m also interested in whether there are differences between various types of felt pads (thin, thick, self-adhesive, nail-on) regarding protection and durability under a heavy piece of furniture like the KALLAX.

Has anyone had experience whether standard felt pads from a hardware store work well, or if there are better alternatives? I want to avoid damaging the laminate floor with the shelving unit.

Looking forward to your insights and recommendations!
G
gipifa
12 Sep 2020 15:38
Hello erenlis!

This is exactly the kind of situation I find really interesting! 😃 I have a KALLAX unit on laminate flooring, and felt pads have worked great for me so far! It’s fantastic because you can easily move the furniture without damaging the floor.

I use self-adhesive felt pads, and they hold well even though the KALLAX is quite heavy. If you check the pads regularly and replace them if needed, you’ll be on the safe side. I would recommend using slightly thicker felt pads since they distribute the pressure better!

So my tip: you can definitely manage this, just keep at it and test things out 🙂 Maybe also place a mat underneath if you want to be extra sure!
K
kauti
12 Sep 2020 16:47
gipifa schrieb:
I use the self-adhesive felt pads, and for me they hold well, even though the KALLAX is quite heavy.

Although self-adhesive felt pads are easy to apply, they tend to loosen or shift over time under heavier furniture like the KALLAX.

From a technical perspective, the pressure distribution of the pads strongly depends on the contact area. Felt pads with a larger diameter or a combination of felt and rubber can better distribute the load on laminate flooring and reduce the risk of abrasion.

For optimal protection, the pads should be regularly checked for wear and replaced as needed, since the felt compresses over time, reducing its cushioning effect.

In summary: felt pads can provide protection but need to be carefully selected and maintained to minimize damage to laminate flooring.
G
GUSTAVO56
13 Sep 2020 09:12
Hello erenlis,

Your question about protection provided by felt pads for a KALLAX on laminate flooring is valid and has multiple aspects. I will explain in more detail:

Laminate floors respond to point loads, and a KALLAX with its relatively small contact area is at risk of leaving pressure marks. Felt pads act as pressure distribution elements and reduce friction when moving the furniture.

However, the effectiveness of felt pads varies significantly:

- Thicker felt pads can provide better cushioning but are usually less durable because the felt compresses over time.

- Self-adhesive types stick well to wood but tend to come off under load or movement over time.

- Nail-on pads are more secure but often leave small holes in the furniture base, which is generally not advisable for IKEA furniture.

As an alternative, I recommend placing flat protective plates made of plastic or cork under the felt pads to increase the contact area and thus significantly reduce pressure. This allows the weight to be distributed more evenly on the laminate floor.

Are there other factors for you, such as how often the shelf is moved or how heavy it is loaded? These details are important for a precise recommendation.

In summary: Felt pads help but are not always sufficient on their own. Combinations with protective plates are often sensible.
K
Katau
13 Sep 2020 11:37
GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Felt glides act as pressure distribution elements here and reduce friction during movement.

That sums it up well. Additionally, I would like to point out that cleaning the floor before applying the glides is important. Dust or grease greatly reduce adhesion.

Also, the felt should be checked regularly, as over time and under load the fibers compress and the protective effect diminishes.

If possible, you can also combine rubber furniture pads with felt, so that the pressure is better distributed and the sliding function is maintained.

How often do you plan to move the KALLAX? This affects how quickly the glides wear out.