Complete Guide: How to choose the right chair glides – Gifi

Furniture from Gifi is found in homes and professional settings across France, and its chairs are particularly appreciated for their design and construction. Over time, caps wear out naturally, and it becomes important to replace them. Especially to maintain good floor protection (parquet, wood, PVC, linoleum…) and reduce unpleasant noise. This detailed guide will help you choose the plastic end caps suitable for each Gifi chair model.

Gifi chair models and their suitable plastic caps

Gifi propose une variété de chaises pour tous les goûts et besoins. De la salle à manger au jardin, en passant par le bureau, la marque offre des solutions adaptées à chaque espace de vie. Découvrons les différentes gammes de chaises Gifi et leurs caractéristiques techniques.

Chaises d’intérieur

Chaises de salle à manger

Les chaises de salle à manger Gifi se déclinent en plusieurs styles, du classique au contemporain. Elles sont généralement fabriquées en bois, métal ou plastique, avec des assises rembourrées pour plus de confort. Les pieds sont souvent équipés d’embouts en plastique ronds d’un diamètre de 15 à 20 mm, avec une épaisseur de tube variant de 1 à 2 mm et une profondeur d’insertion de 10 à 15 mm. Ces embouts protègent le sol des rayures et réduisent le bruit lors des déplacements.

Chaises de bureau

Les chaises de bureau Gifi offrent ergonomie et praticité. Elles sont dotées de roulettes pour faciliter les déplacements, d’un système de réglage de la hauteur et parfois d’accoudoirs ajustables. Les embouts pour les pieds fixes sont généralement carrés, avec un côté de 20 à 25 mm, une épaisseur de tube de 1,5 à 2,5 mm et une profondeur d’insertion de 15 à 20 mm. Ces embouts assurent la stabilité de la chaise et protègent les surfaces.

Chaises d’extérieur

Chaises de jardin

Les chaises de jardin Gifi sont conçues pour résister aux intempéries. Elles sont fabriquées en matériaux résistants comme le plastique renforcé, l’aluminium ou le rotin synthétique. Les pieds sont équipés d’embouts en plastique coniques pour une meilleure stabilité sur les surfaces irrégulières. Ces embouts ont généralement un diamètre de base de 25 à 30 mm, une épaisseur de tube de 2 à 3 mm et une profondeur d’insertion de 20 à 25 mm. Ils permettent également de prévenir la rouille et l’usure prématurée des pieds.

Chaque gamme de chaises Gifi est pensée pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques de son utilisation, alliant fonctionnalité et esthétique. Les embouts en plastique, bien que souvent négligés, jouent un rôle crucial dans la durabilité et la praticité des chaises, protégeant à la fois le mobilier et les surfaces sur lesquelles il repose.

Caps suitable for Gifi chairs

Depending on the model of your Gifi chairs, you will need to choose internal caps for hollow feet, or external plastic end caps for solid or hollow chair feet.

Internal plastic end caps: A solution for hollow feet

Internal plastic caps, also known as insert end caps or inner end caps, fit inside the leg of the chair, table, or armchair. Here, the plastic glide is held in place by the pressure exerted by the fins on the inner walls of the tube foot. Particularly suitable for furniture with tubular metal legs, these plastic end caps offer a clean look because only their surface in contact with the floor is visible. Installing the glides requires a precise measurement of the outer diameter or section of the tube, the internal dimensions of the hole, and also the insertion depth. See our Practical Guide: How to measure a chair or table cap?

Internal glides offer the advantage of better resistance to being pulled out during sideways movement and are often preferred in professional environments for their durability. However, they can be difficult to replace, especially in cases of oxidation or deformation of the tube, and sometimes require the use of specific tools for removal (pliers, cutter, oil, etc.).

External plastic caps: Protection for solid and hollow feet

The external caps wrap around the outside of the chair leg, offering more complete protection. Installing these plastic glides is generally simpler and does not require special tools. Particularly suitable for wooden legs or vintage furniture, they can compensate for slight irregularities in the feet and provide better load distribution. However, their more visible appearance can affect the aesthetics of the furniture, and their cost is often higher than that of internal plastic glides. They are particularly recommended for the home or spaces requiring increased protection against moisture, such as covered terraces or dining areas.

Our Round external plastic end caps

The benefits of regularly replacing the plastic caps on your Gifi chairs

Regularly replacing the leg tips of your Gifi chairs is an effective way to save money, enjoy optimal comfort, and keep your chairs, tables, and armchairs for longer.

1. Effective protection of floors and sensitive surfaces

Regularly replacing chair plugs is a quick and simple way to avoid premature floor wear. Whether you have parquet, tile, or laminate, chair glides in good condition effectively prevent scratches, damage, and marks. On average, regular maintenance of leg tips can extend the lifespan of a floor by 5 to 7 years. This ensures savings on renovation costs for your floors and coatings. Furthermore, the optimal weight distribution provided by new plugs avoids the formation of pressure points which, over time, can create irreversible damage to your parquet, linoleum, or laminate floors.

2. Less noise in everyday life

The noise impact of chairs on the floor represents a significant source of nuisance in living and working spaces. Regularly changed leg tips allow for a notable reduction in noise levels, which can reach 12 to 15 decibels. This acoustic improvement results in a more serene environment, conducive to concentration and well-being. Measurements show a decrease in vibrations and squeaking, which is particularly appreciated in shared spaces or apartments. The shock absorption during movement helps create a quieter atmosphere, promoting interaction and significantly reducing stress related to noise pollution.

3. A longer lifespan for your chairs

Planned replacement of leg tips plays a crucial role in furniture longevity. Studies show a 30 to 40% increase in the lifespan of chairs when their leg tips are kept in good condition. This protection extends to the entire structure: the legs are preserved from wear and moisture, the joints undergo less mechanical stress, and general stability is maintained. Regular replacement prevents the progressive deformation that can affect leg alignment and compromise the structural integrity of the piece.

4. Improved comfort of use

The impact of regular leg tip replacement on daily comfort is often underestimated. Leg tips in good condition facilitate movement, reduce the physical effort required, and improve chair stability. This ergonomic optimization results in reduced user fatigue and a more natural posture. Movements become smoother, cleaning is easier, and overall accessibility is improved. User satisfaction increases significantly, contributing to a more pleasant and functional environment, whether in a professional or domestic context.