For most urban outdoor furniture—think commercial patio chairs, aluminum benches, steel tables, and heavy-duty loungers—the foot caps or glides are usually chosen for durability, weather resistance, and deck protection rather than looks alone. The most common type is a hard nylon glide. These often come as a nylon cap, disc, or threaded leveling foot, sometimes with a stainless-steel washer or insert. Nylon is popular because it slides smoothly, does not rust, does not absorb water, and is less likely to leave marks than bare metal. On wood and composite decks, a nylon base is generally a safe, practical choice, especially when it is kept clean so grit does not get trapped underneath.
You will also see plastic or polypropylene caps on budget-friendly outdoor furniture. They can work fine, but cheaper plastic may become brittle in sun and cold, crack, or wear through over time. Rubber foot caps are another common option. Good-quality rubber or EPDM caps add grip and cushioning, which is useful on smooth composite decks or sloped surfaces, but cheap rubber can leave dark marks, trap moisture, or deteriorate outdoors. If the furniture is commercial-grade, stainless-steel glides with nylon inserts are very common because they resist rust and handle heavy use. Many urban outdoor tables and chairs also use adjustable threaded leveling glides—often stainless steel with a nylon or rubber foot—so you can level the furniture on uneven decks without putting stress on one leg.
What you usually will not find on quality outdoor furniture is felt. Felt pads are for indoor furniture; outdoors they hold moisture and grit and break down quickly. For deck protection, look for non-marking nylon, high-quality rubber, or stainless steel with a nylon contact base. Avoid bare metal feet, worn caps, and any glide that traps water against the deck. If you are replacing caps, choose ones rated for outdoor use and check that they fit the leg diameter and weight load. Clean the glides occasionally, replace cracked or missing caps promptly, and use wider glides on softer wood decks. That way, urban outdoor furniture can stay stable without gouging, staining, or scratching your deck.