barrier between pole base and floor?

Dancing Paws started this discussion · 9/19/2011

Has anyone put a barrier underneath their x pole base to prevent damage to the floor? I have vinyl tile in my apartment. I just took my pole down and noticed an indented ring where the base was. I'm sure it is my fault. I probably over-tightened my pole. To prevent this in the future, so I don't get more rings, or make the current one worse, I was thinking of putting down the padded puzzle piece mat underneath. Has anyone done anything like that? Do you think it is safe? Xpole thinks so, but I wanted so "field" knowledge. I am afraid of "slippage."

9 replies

sexygyrl · 9/20/2011
Looks like Tiggertail has(had?) exactly what you're talking about in a video from late May. Sorry I couldn't be of more help as mine is on carpet.
chemgoddess1 · 9/20/2011
I used to have my Lil Mynx on a piece of panelling on top of concrete out in my garage. They even sell a foam pad that they suggest using if you are putting your pole on tile. I will warn about the foam mats though, if you are thinking about doing a larger section I have caught my toes coming down and they have stuck resulting in jammed toes. I have even done the same in heels and nearly twisted my ankle (the heel dug in and would not budge when the rest of me was still moving).
Dancing Paws · 9/20/2011
Chem - I have a LM, so I know the non-skid pad they come with/sell. Hmmm, I do like that suggestion. I will try that, although knowing my luch, instead of one indenting ring I will have one huge O instead! sexy - I will go look fot tiggers vid! Thanks!
Mary Ellyn · 9/20/2011
Vinyl flooring has a lot of give...I can't imagine NOT leaving an indent unless you spread the weight bearing load by putting something larger underneath it. I don't think it's a matter of overtightening...it's just the nature of the flooring. If you put something soft and/or the same size as the base you will still have the same amount of pressure per square inch pushing into the flooring. Not necessarily a preferred surface but just for the sake of an example: If you put something firm and large underneath it like a large wood plank of 6' x 6', you would be spreading the weight bearing load across 6' instead of compressing it all into a 4" x 4" area and that will leave less of an imprint. Even carpet will wind up with an imprint - just as furniture will leave on your carpet. the only flooring that won't have an imprint would be concrete, wood, laminate or ceramic - though we always advise against ceramic since it's simply fragile and may crack from the pressure.
Mary Ellyn · 9/20/2011
Wanted to add that at even a small piece of barrier will probably lessen the imprint but I just an't see not leaving any imprint at all.
Dancing Paws · 9/20/2011
Uh, so I am at a loss of what I should use. Maybe get a rug to put over there?
Dancing Paws · 9/20/2011
I bought those puzzle tile things but they are semi spongy, so I do not know if they will prevent further indenting, and if they pose a pole slip risk.
Dancing Paws · 9/20/2011
I think my floor might be laminate. It is the printed tile that is thin and you peel the back off to stick it to the floor.
Mary Ellyn · 9/20/2011
That sounds like vinyl flooring. Laminate is a wood composite product that comes in planks or tiles but it's not peel and stick - it's tongue and groove like wood floors. It's very hard and not pliable like vinyl is. If you tighten the pole appropriately it will created the same pressure whether you have a barrier under the pole or not and should not slip - I think anything soft will still possibly leave an indent due to the necessary pressure of the pole. However I've never put a pole on a vinyl floor (for this reason) so I am just going on my own experience with heavy appliances and furniture on vinyl floors combined with what I know about the poles. Poles put a LOT of pressure on the floor and ceiling. They lift ceilings so they will also push flooring down. Chemmie...what do you think? Won't the downward pressure still be pretty strong even with a barrier under it if that barrier is soft?