Complete Guide: How to choose the right chair inserts – Fermob

Fermob furniture is found in homes and businesses throughout France, and their chairs are particularly appreciated for their quality and durability. Over time, the plastic glides naturally wear down, and it becomes necessary to replace them. This is especially important to maintain good floor protection (parquet, wood, PVC, linoleum…) and to limit unpleasant noises. This detailed guide will help you choose the plastic glides suitable for every Fermob chair model.

Fermob chair models and their suitable caps

La marque Fermob est réputée pour ses meubles d’extérieur élégants et colorés, avec une gamme variée de chaises qui allient style et fonctionnalité. Ces modèles sont conçus pour résister aux intempéries tout en apportant une touche de charme à vos espaces extérieurs.

Luxembourg

La collection Luxembourg, inspirée des chaises emblématiques du Jardin du Luxembourg à Paris, offre un mélange parfait de tradition et de modernité. Ces chaises en aluminium sont légères, empilables et résistantes à la corrosion.

Caractéristiques techniques

Les chaises Luxembourg sont fabriquées en aluminium extrudé et moulé, avec une finition en peinture poudre cuite au four. Elles mesurent 73 cm de hauteur, 41 cm de largeur et 57 cm de profondeur, avec une assise à 40 cm du sol. Le poids de chaque chaise est d’environ 4,7 kg. Les embouts en plastique adaptés pour ces chaises sont de forme cylindrique, avec un diamètre de 25 mm, une épaisseur de tube de 2 mm et une profondeur d’insertion de 20 mm. Ces embouts assurent une stabilité optimale et protègent les surfaces sur lesquelles les chaises sont posées.

Bistro

La gamme Bistro, un classique intemporel, s’inspire des chaises de café parisiennes du 19ème siècle. Ces chaises pliantes en acier sont à la fois pratiques et élégantes.

Caractéristiques techniques

Les chaises Bistro sont fabriquées en acier avec une finition en peinture poudre anti-UV. Elles mesurent 82 cm de hauteur, 42 cm de largeur et 39 cm de profondeur, avec une assise à 46 cm du sol. Chaque chaise pèse environ 5 kg. Les embouts en plastique pour ces chaises sont de forme rectangulaire, avec des dimensions de 20 mm x 10 mm, une épaisseur de tube de 1,5 mm et une profondeur d’insertion de 15 mm. Ces embouts assurent une bonne stabilité et protègent les sols des rayures.

En conclusion, Fermob propose une gamme diversifiée de chaises d’extérieur, chacune avec ses propres caractéristiques techniques et esthétiques. Que vous optiez pour le style moderne de la collection Luxembourg ou le charme classique de la gamme Bistro, vous trouverez des chaises de qualité adaptées à votre espace extérieur.

Plastic plugs suitable for Fermob chairs

Depending on the model of your Fermob chairs, you will need to choose insert glides for hollow legs, or external caps for solid or hollow chair legs.

Insert plugs: A solution for hollow legs

The insert plugs, also known as tube inserts or internal end caps, are inserted inside the leg of the chair, table, or armchair. Here, the plug is held in place by the pressure exerted by the ribs against the inner walls of the leg tube. Particularly suitable for furniture with metal tubular legs, these plastic plugs offer a clean aesthetic because only their contact surface with the floor is visible. Installing the plastic caps requires a precise measurement of the tube’s outer diameter or cross-section, the internal hole dimensions, and the insertion depth. See our Practical guide: How to measure a chair or table plug?

Insert plugs have the advantage of better resistance to being pulled out during lateral movement and are often preferred in professional environments for their durability. However, they can present challenges during replacement, particularly in the event of oxidation or tube deformation, and sometimes require the use of specific tools for their removal (pliers, utility knife, oil…)

External caps: A solution for solid and hollow legs

The external plastic caps wrap around the outside of the chair leg, offering more comprehensive protection. Installing these caps 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 legs and offer better load distribution. However, their more visible appearance can impact the aesthetics of the furniture, and their cost is often higher than that of insert plastic plugs. They are especially recommended for the home or areas requiring increased protection against moisture, such as covered terraces or dining rooms.

Our Round external plastic glides

The benefits of regularly changing the glides on your Fermob chairs

Regularly replacing the glides on your Fermob chairs is an effective way to save money, enjoy optimal comfort, and keep your chairs, tables, and armchairs for longer.

1. Effective protection for floors and sensitive surfaces

Regularly replacing plastic chair glides is a quick and simple way to prevent premature wear on floors. Whether it is parquet, tile, or laminate, plastic end caps in good condition effectively prevent scratches, damage, and marks. It is noted that, on average, regular maintenance of end caps can extend the life of a floor by 5 to 7 years. This saves on the renovation costs for your floors and coverings. Also, the optimal weight distribution provided by new plastic glides prevents the formation of pressure points which, over time, can create irreversible damage to your parquet, linoleum, or laminate floors.

2. Less noise on a daily basis

The noise impact of chairs on the floor represents a significant source of disturbance in living and working spaces. Regularly changed end caps allow for a notable reduction in noise levels, potentially reaching 12 to 15 decibels. This acoustic improvement results in a more serene environment, conducive to concentration and well-being. Measurements show a reduction in vibrations and squeaking, which is particularly appreciated in shared spaces or apartments. The absorption of shocks 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 end caps plays a crucial role in the longevity of furniture. Studies show a 30 to 40% increase in the lifespan of chairs when their end caps are kept in good condition. This protection extends to the entire structure: the legs are preserved from wear and humidity, the assemblies undergo less mechanical stress, and general stability is maintained. Regular replacement helps avoid the progressive deformations that can affect leg alignment and compromise the structural integrity of the piece.

4. Better comfort of use

The impact of regular end cap replacement on daily comfort is often underestimated. End caps 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 more fluid, cleaning is made 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.