How do I protect the hardwood floors in my dining room?

How do I protect the hardwood floors in my dining room?
I just had them refinished. I put sticky felt-pads on the bottom of the chairs but they keep coming off, and I've already got scratches. I have seven children, all under 13, and the room gets a lot of use. I sweep it 2-3 times a day. Any ideas either for something else to put on the chair legs, or a hard-surface, durable, wash/sweepable decorative "rug" that I could put under the table area that would not have to be permanently attached to the floor? Thanks


Answers:

wood butcher:  Carpet works well. Wall to wall.
2006-07-15 11:53:42
Chosen Answer
notyou311:  Have the floor sealed with polyurethane. It is a finish that will resist scratching.
2006-07-15 11:56:12
SusieQ:  I got the kind of felt pads that nail on. They stay on great. And slide great on my vinyl floor. I love them. Different as day and night.
I just put them on the two chairs I use all the time so far. They came packaged for two chairs.
Know what size you will need before you go to the store.
2006-07-15 12:06:11