I've had mixed experiences with adjustable feet myself. While they can be a lifesaver initially, especially when you're dealing with uneven floors, I've noticed they do tend to loosen over time—especially if the furniture gets moved around even slightly. Felt pads might've been a bit better in terms of stability, but honestly, they're not perfect either. They compress and wear down eventually, especially under heavier furniture.
One alternative I've found pretty effective is using rubber furniture pads or grippers. They're not glamorous either (let's face it, nothing really is when you're dealing with uneven floors), but they provide a bit more friction and stability than felt pads. Plus, they're less likely to shift around or compress as quickly. I used them on a client's dining table recently, and they've held up surprisingly well.
But hey, if the wood scraps are working for you right now, there's no shame in sticking with what's practical. Sometimes the simplest solutions end up being the best ones in the long run...
I've actually had decent luck with rubber pads too, especially under heavier stuff like bookcases or dressers. Felt pads are okay for lighter furniture, but like you said, they just flatten out eventually. One thing I've found useful is combining rubber pads with thin shims—just cut them down to size and tuck them discreetly underneath. Not the prettiest solution, but it blends in pretty well and stays stable longer than adjustable feet alone.
I've definitely used the shim trick before, it's a good workaround, especially when floors aren't perfectly level (which is...almost always, lol). Another thing I've found helpful is using rubber-backed carpet scraps or small mats underneath heavier furniture. They grip nicely, don't compress as much as felt pads, and you can usually trim them down to size pretty easily. Might not win style points, but they're hidden anyway, and hey, it works.
Have you noticed any sliding issues with the rubber-backed mats over time? I've tried something similar before, and it worked great at first, but after a while, heavier furniture seemed to shift slightly—especially couches or larger cabinets. Maybe it depends on the type of flooring or the furniture's weight distribution... Curious if you've experienced that or found a way around it. The shim trick is still my go-to, though—it just feels more permanent somehow.
"Maybe it depends on the type of flooring or the furniture's weight distribution..."
Yeah, flooring definitely plays a big role. I've noticed rubber-backed mats grip really well on textured surfaces like tile or hardwood, but on smoother laminates or polished concrete, heavier furniture tends to creep over time. One trick that's worked for me is adding small squares of double-sided carpet tape under the corners—just enough to reinforce the grip without damaging the floor. Still, your shim method sounds solid and probably more permanent overall...
