How to Keep Furniture From Scratching Hardwood Floors

Purchase furniture with wheels. Larger pieces, such as entertainment centers, often have the option of adding small wheels so they can be rolled around without damaging the floor beneath them. Use rubber or ball wheels, because plastic and metal wheels can still mar some hardwoods.

Use area rugs wherever possible. Any furniture placed on a rug cannot scratch the floor beneath it. This principle also works when moving furniture: first put it on a towel or furniture pad, and slide it across the floor.

Attach Teflon-covered furniture slides to furniture with flat-bottomed legs. Some of these slides are self-adhesive and simply stick to the bottom of the leg, while others have a built-in nail and must be hammered in place. Use a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the slide or leg.

Attach self-adhesive felt pads to furniture legs that are curved or unusually shaped. These pads can be trimmed to any size and shape.

Apply a heavy coat of wax to bottoms of furniture that are unsuitable for Teflon or felt. Allow the wax to dry before setting the piece of furniture in place, and wax again every three months.