What’s the Difference Between Stick-On Felt Pads and Co-Moulded Felt Glides?

When it comes to protecting hard flooring from scratches, scuffs and everyday wear, felt pads are one of the most commonly used solutions. However, not all felt-based floor protectors are created equal. Two of the most popular options are traditional stick-on felt pads and co-moulded felt glides. While both are designed to help furniture glide smoothly and reduce damage to flooring, there are significant differences in terms of durability, performance, maintenance and long-term value.

In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between the two and help you choose the best option for your furniture application.

What Are Stick-On Felt Pads?

Stick-on felt pads are adhesive-backed protectors that attach to the underside of furniture legs.

They are commonly used on:

• chairs
• tables
• stools
• sofas
• cabinets
• decorative furniture

These pads are widely available and are often seen as a quick, low-cost solution for preventing scratches on:

• wood flooring
• laminate
• tile
• vinyl

They are usually applied directly to flat furniture feet or leg ends using a peel-and-stick adhesive backing.

What Are Co-Moulded Felt Glides?

Co-moulded felt inserts are designed specifically for tubular furniture legs and metal frame furniture. Rather than sticking to the outside of the leg, the insert itself is push-fitted into the open end of the tube, with the felt pad permanently integrated into the base of the insert. This creates a single, durable component that provides both a neat finish to the tube end and reliable floor protection.

They are commonly used on:

• metal chairs
• tubular tables
• café furniture
• office seating
• school furniture
• hospitality frames

The Main Difference: Adhesive vs Integrated Design

The biggest difference is how the felt is attached.

Stick-On Felt Pads

The felt is attached using adhesive.

Over time, this adhesive can:

• weaken
• peel away
• collect dust
• lose grip
• detach completely

This is especially common in environments where furniture is moved frequently.

Co-Moulded Felt Inserts

The felt is permanently built into the insert during manufacture. Because it is co-moulded into the component itself, it cannot peel off in the same way. This makes it a far more reliable and maintenance-free solution.

Which Option Lasts Longer?

In most applications, co-moulded felt glides last significantly longer. Stick-on felt pads are often suitable for occasional domestic use, but repeated movement quickly causes wear.

For example, dining chairs that are moved several times a day can wear through adhesive pads relatively quickly. By contrast, co-moulded inserts are designed for repeated movement and high-use environments.

This makes them ideal for:

• offices
• restaurants
• schools
• hotels
• commercial furniture

Which Offers Better Floor Protection?

Both options help reduce scratches, but co-moulded inserts typically provide more consistent protection over time. The problem with stick-on pads is that once the adhesive starts lifting, dirt and grit can become trapped underneath, which can actually increase the risk of floor marking. Because co-moulded inserts stay securely in place, they continue to provide reliable protection even with regular use.

This is especially important on:

• hardwood floors
• laminate
• luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
• polished tile

Noise Reduction and Smooth Movement

One of the biggest benefits of felt-based furniture glides is noise reduction. Stick-on pads can help reduce scraping noise initially, but as they wear down, performance decreases. Co-moulded felt inserts maintain a more consistent contact surface, allowing furniture to glide smoothly and quietly across hard floors. This makes them a popular choice for environments where noise control matters, such as offices, meeting rooms and hospitality spaces.

Appearance and Finish

A key advantage of co-moulded inserts is the professional finish they provide. Because the insert closes the open end of the tube, it creates a clean, finished appearance while also protecting the floor. Stick-on pads, while practical, do not offer this same aesthetic benefit. For furniture manufacturers and commercial fit-out projects, this cleaner finish can make a noticeable difference.

Which Is Better for Commercial Use?

For commercial furniture, co-moulded felt glides are almost always the better choice.

They offer:

• greater durability
• reduced maintenance
• better longevity
• improved appearance
• consistent floor protection

This reduces replacement frequency and long-term costs.

Conclusion

If you need a quick, short-term solution for occasional use, stick-on felt pads may be suitable. However, for long-lasting performance, better floor protection and a more professional finish, co-moulded felt glides are the superior option. They are particularly well suited to chairs, tables and tubular metal furniture that is moved regularly. For businesses, manufacturers and high-traffic environments, they offer a smarter long-term investment.

If you have any questions about our products, our friendly advisors will be here to help you. You can chat with a BPF Online product advisor through our website, or call us on 01295 678614.