In the world of catering, sound environment plays a crucial role in the customer experience. Today, we present the case of the restaurant “La Table d’Antoine”, a gourmet establishment located in the city center that managed to eliminate the noise of its chairs thanks to rubber wrap-around ferrules.

Solve chair noise to maintain a pleasant experience

Opened in 2021, “La Table d’Antoine” quickly became a popular establishment, serving over 80 covers daily in a 120m² space. The restaurant, housed in a renovated former commercial space, is characterized by contemporary decor with solid parquet floors and large bay windows.

Despite its success, the restaurant was facing a major problem: the excessive noise level generated by metal chairs. Customers regularly complained about the difficulty of maintaining a comfortable conversation during their meal. Measurements revealed sound spikes reaching 85 decibels during peak hours, well above the 70 decibels recommended for a pleasant dining environment.

Identification of noise sources

An in-depth analysis with the manager revealed several sources of noise nuisance:

  • The scraping of metal chairs on parquet and tiled surfaces: main source of noise
  • Reverberation due to hard surfaces (floors, walls, windows)
  • The sound of cutlery and dishes
  • Conversations amplified by the cocktail effect

It became clear that the noise of chairs and stools on the hard floor of the restaurant was the main problem to be solved. And that it could be solved quickly and economically by installing high-quality rubber wrap-around ferrules.

The solution: rubber wrap-around ferrules

1. Choosing the right chair leg glides

After consulting us, we advised the restaurateur on a simple and effective solution: installing rubber ferrules under the 120 chairs and stools in the restaurant.

The plastic ferrules chosen are round with a diameter of 20mm for chairs with an outer leg diameter of 20mm. And for the stools with an outer leg diameter of 25mm, we recommended installing 25mm round rubber ferrules.

The plastic ferrules are all black to match the existing furniture and the restaurant’s aesthetic. This also prevents dust and potential marks from being visible.

These wrap-around ferrules do not mark the floor, make the noisier chairs silent, and have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years depending on daily use.

Our wrap-around ferrules for chairs, stools, and tables in restaurants, brasseries, and bars

[wpc_product_table id=”548137″ name=”Embouts enveloppant anti-bruit”]

This wrap-around ferrule is available from 8mm to 40mm in diameter in black or white

See this end cap in detail

2. Installation of noise-reducing wrap-around end caps

The installation was carried out in several stages:

  1. Removal of old inserts by hand, or with pliers for the most stubborn ones
  2. Thorough cleaning of chair and stool legs with alcohol
  3. Fitting the glides onto the chair and stool legs

Results obtained after installing the wrap-around end caps

From the first week following the installation, the restaurant observed a 15-decibel reduction in noise generated by chairs and stools in the dining room. The restaurant was thus able to significantly improve its general acoustic level and the sense of comfort for customers. It is also a plus for the staff, who can work in more pleasant conditions, which reduces general fatigue at the end of the shift.

Customer testimonials

Sophie M., regular customer:
“The difference is striking. Before, I almost had to shout to be heard. Now, conversations are fluid and pleasant, even during peak hours.”

Marc D., floor manager:
“The change has been radical for our team. Service is calmer, and we can focus more on the quality of our service rather than dealing with noise-related complaints.”

Long-term benefits of installing rubber end caps in a restaurant

After one year of use, the teams also noted a reduction in floor degradation, especially in the area equipped with parquet flooring. Furthermore, there was a clear improvement in customer satisfaction (average Google rating increased from 4.2 to 4.7/5) with fewer customers complaining about the noise on social networks, and finally, a reduction in fatigue and stress for the front-of-house staff.

This case study demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to solving acoustic problems in restaurants. Choosing suitable glides, combined with professional installation and rigorous follow-up, can significantly transform the customer experience and the work environment.

The success of “La Table d’Antoine” perfectly illustrates how a well-considered investment in quality rubber end caps can have a major impact on customer satisfaction and an establishment’s profitability.

This example shows that with the right technical choices, noise problems can be effectively solved, thereby contributing to creating a positive experience for customers.