The simplest way to stop urban outdoor furniture from scratching your balcony floor is to put a soft, durable barrier between every hard leg and the floor, then keep grit from building up underneath. I’d start by checking what your furniture feet are made of. Metal legs can be sharp or worn at the base, wooden legs can pick up grit, and plastic feet can crack over time. For most city balconies, outdoor-grade rubber or silicone caps work well on metal chairs and tables, while heavy furniture benefits from proper furniture glides. If you use felt pads, choose outdoor-rated ones with a rubber or plastic base; plain indoor felt can soak up rain and trap grit, which defeats the purpose.
A weather-resistant outdoor rug is one of the easiest safeguards, especially under a dining set or a couple of chairs. It creates a buffer and catches small stones, dust, and pollution particles that would otherwise act like sandpaper. Just make sure water can drain and the rug does not stay soggy. If a full rug is not practical, use small protective mats or coasters under individual legs. This is also a renter-friendly fix and helps protect tile, composite, wood, and concrete surfaces.
Cleaning matters more than many people expect. Sweep or vacuum the balcony regularly, and wipe under furniture feet every week or two. In urban areas, grit and dust collect quickly, and even a tiny piece of sand under a chair leg can leave a scratch when someone sits down. When you need to move furniture, lift it rather than drag it. Furniture sliders can help with heavier pieces, and asking someone to help is better than twisting a table across the floor. Check pads and glides monthly, replace worn ones, and tighten any wobbly joints. A stable chair or table is less likely to grind against the floor. With a little barrier, regular cleaning, and careful moving, your balcony floor should stay looking much better without much fuss.