Living in an apartment building with downstairs neighbors requires consideration, especially when it comes to outdoor furniture. The good news is that several types of urban outdoor furniture are designed to minimize noise when moved.
The primary culprits of noise are lightweight furniture and metal legs scraping on hard surfaces. To combat this, look for these key features:
Weighted Design: Heavier furniture made from materials like concrete, thick ceramic, or solid wood is less likely to be easily shifted by wind or casual contact, reducing movement frequency.
Rubberized Feet and Glides: This is the most critical feature. Many chairs, tables, and planters now come with integrated, non-marking rubber feet. You can also easily add self-adhesive felt pads or rubber caps to existing furniture legs. These create a cushion that prevents direct metal or wood contact with the floor, eliminating scraping sounds.
Textured Powder-Coating: For metal furniture, a textured powder-coated finish creates more friction against the ground than a smooth, slick surface, resulting in less screeching when the item is moved.
Material Choices: Opt for furniture made from woven polypropylene, rattan, or thick, durable plastics. These materials are inherently quieter than all-metal designs when they come into contact with the ground or each other.
Strategic Placement: Use outdoor rugs or mats under your seating area. This provides a soft base that absorbs sound and further prevents furniture from directly scraping the balcony surface.
By choosing weighted pieces with soft-touch feet and placing them on a rug, you can create a peaceful outdoor oasis without creating a disturbance for the neighbor below. A little consideration in your furniture selection goes a long way in maintaining harmonious apartment living.