Tips for choosing wheels for furniture and rules for calculating loads

There are many different types of interior items that are movable. Special wheels for furniture are mounted for them, ensuring ease of movement of structures. They differ in the method of fastening, the possibility of adjustment and other numerous parameters. Therefore, you should carefully select wheels for different furniture so that they are of high quality, attractive and made in a style suitable for a particular furniture and interior. In the process of choosing any piece of furniture that is movable, you should definitely evaluate furniture wheels and casters so as not to make a mistake with the right choice.

What types of products are there?

Manufacturers have filled the market with products that differ not only in characteristics and functionality, but also in the material of manufacture, as well as the type of guides. To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to understand the classification of the product being manufactured.

All manufactured supports are divided into three groups:

The products also differ in the method of fastening, and therefore they are divided into the following classes:

1. Platform. The most popular and widely demanded product.
2. Mortise. The best option for equipping furniture drawers.
3. Threaded pin. Designed for installation on office mobile chairs.
4. U-shaped profile. It is used when it is necessary to install a support on the end of a chipboard.

It is worth noting that the following materials are used in the manufacture of supports:

• reinforced plastic;
• metal (aluminum or steel);
• acrylic;
• heat-resistant rubber.

Most popular roller models are equipped with a special rim that prevents damage to the floor. The protective layer can be rubber, Teflon or made from other high-strength polymer materials.

Wheels are made on hinges or with bearings. What to look for when choosing products? To transport large objects of heavy furniture, it is best to turn to bearing structures for help. They operate silently and can withstand heavy weight. Hinged structures are suitable for transporting light objects in an apartment.

Technical parameters and dimensions of structures

To achieve the desired result, you need to choose the right devices for moving objects. Roll-out casters for office chairs, sofas, coffee tables, chests of drawers, wardrobes – compartments vary. It is necessary to take into account not only the type of fittings, but also design features, as well as dimensions. The main technical parameters of the product are considered to be:

1. Dimensions. Wheel supports vary in diameter and height. On sale you can find designs whose diameter varies from 15 to 195 mm. The average height is 35 mm. The most popular products are those with a diameter of 50 mm.
2. Material of manufacture. The most reliable are aluminum and steel structures. When creating exclusive upholstered furniture and other sets, solid wood is used.
3. Roller system. Consists of balls and wheels. The minimum width of a narrow wheel should not be less than 13 mm, a wide one - from 42 to 47 mm.
4. Color and design. These parameters do not have any effect on functionality. However, they are worth paying special attention to. Products must fit perfectly into the existing style in the room. Products in white or brown color suit any interior. If the room is designed in high-tech or minimalist style, then you should pay attention to chrome models. Office chairs are equipped with caster supports in various colors.
5. Maximum permissible load. The indicator is calculated according to the following scheme:

• the mass of the rolled object is established (the indicator is indicated in the accompanying documents;
• the estimated load is calculated taking into account the load of the headset (things, books, boxes, and so on);
• add 2 to 3 kg to the resulting figure (just in case);
• the total value is divided by the number of wheels.

System advantages

A review of reviews shows that most users pay attention to the presence of wheels on pieces of furniture. Which company is better to purchase products depends on personal preferences and financial status. It is worth noting that roller systems, regardless of whether they are made of silicone, solid wood, steel, rubber or plastic, have a lot of advantages:

1. Versatility. The structures are used in many industries.
2. Providing mobility for transported loads.
3. Helps quickly and easily change the location of objects.
4. Attractive appearance.
5. Ease of use.
6. The quality of the materials used.
7. Long service life.
8. Does not damage the floor covering.
9. Easy to use.
10. Quiet operation.

Material

Plastic wheels are the most common option. There are rollers in which only the body is made of this material, and the internal components are metal. If the main unit is a rolling bearing (ball bearing), the support can withstand a load of 25–30 kg and last quite a long time. Fully plastic wheels with bearings are less reliable.

Types of furniture fronts for cabinets, popular materials

Mechanisms for moving sliding wardrobe doors are equipped only with metal rollers, as they must withstand significant loads. There are two options:

• aluminum wheels - reduce noise levels;
• steel ones will last a very long time.

Cast iron furniture wheels look rather rough. They are unlikely to be suitable for modern urban classics or patriarchal rustic styles, but they will fit perfectly into a loft or interior with an emphasis on industrial design. This is an original and bold choice.

Wheels for furniture designed for heavy loads are equipped with an additional spring coating (lining). Rubberized rollers are more gentle on the floor covering. They are made from Teflon, rubber and other durable polymers.

Furniture on wheels in a plastic case with a rubberized top layer will not leave marks even on a light floor covering. Steel and cast iron rollers produce noticeable noise when moving and can damage the floor. Wood is very decorative and will not leave scratches on the floor, but it is not suitable for heavy loads.

The wheel will last a long time if the material used matches the intended load. Otherwise, the support will quickly fail.

Plastic

Aluminum

Steel

Tree

Cast iron

Rubber coated

With polyurethane coating

How to choose the right model

Everyone's selection criteria are different. Some are content with budget options, others are looking for reinforced devices, others are looking for products with additional functions (for example, with a brake system), and others are paying attention to the material of manufacture. Which product is best to purchase depends on many factors. Experts advise paying attention to the following nuances when choosing:

1. Reliability. Structures will never fail if the load on them is correctly calculated based on the main and additional indicators. Sometimes a soft corner can weigh much more than a wardrobe. This characteristic is very important when choosing office chairs, since they are used by both thin and obese employees. Correctly determined load will help extend the service life of products and increase their level of safety.
2. Design features. The fixation of the casters to the furniture must be reliable.
3. The quality of the materials and components used. What are the best caster systems to buy for heavy furniture? Only metal ones. Lightweight sliding drawers can be equipped with plastic models.
4. Dimensions of objects. For small objects, rotating supports are most suitable. They increase their mobility and help them easily and simply make rearrangements in the limited space of the room. Rotating designs are an indispensable accessory for items that are often rotated, such as cabinets with equipment or coffee tables.
5. It is worth taking into account the characteristics of the flooring in the room. This should form the basis for the correct choice of the working surface of the wheels. For hard floors (laminate, tiles, parquet), the best option is rubber rollers. They have a soft and silent ride. They leave no traces on the surface. The presence of floor decor in the form of carpet or carpets requires the use of rollers with a large diameter and made of metal.
6. To equip work or office chairs, it is advisable to purchase supports with a soft coating. This will help protect the floor from rapid abrasion, since the chair is constantly moving in a small space, creating additional load on the surface.
7. If you decide to buy supports for a cabinet, sofa or bookcase, which it is desirable to fix in one position, then you should give preference to systems with a stopper. It can be installed on all wheels or on two. Only installing stoppers on all four wheels can provide the object with reliable stability. To fix the roller, just press the button located on the bracket. To release the structure from the brake, press the button again.
8. When purchasing, it is necessary to visually inspect the models and ensure their serviceability and integrity. There should be no visible damage, dents, chips, or scratches. It’s worth asking the sales manager to give you the selected product so you can try it out. The main thing is smooth movements and the absence of squeaks. Otherwise, you should refuse the purchase.

Where to buy products? It is advisable to visit a specialized retail outlet. There you can look at the offered assortment, chat with a qualified seller, learn about new products, see what they cost, visually inspect the model you like and try it to see if it works. You can order goods online in the online store. Experts advise to first conduct a review of user reviews and check the supplier for integrity.

Tips for choosing

An error in choosing the diameter or degree of rotation of furniture wheels will lead to loss of functionality, so when purchasing movable supports you need to consider the following points:

1. Load capacity. Plastic wheels are unlikely to support the weight of a heavy cabinet or sofa. The load on upholstered or office furniture can far exceed its own weight.
2. Diameter. The more unevenness there is on the floor, the larger the size of the wheel support is needed. A small roller is suitable for a flat surface, but a threshold or the edge of a thick carpet can become an obstacle for it. However, the smaller the wheel diameter, the more mobile the furniture.
3. Quality of flooring. For abrasion-resistant surfaces, you can choose plastic or metal rollers. If we are talking about linoleum, parquet, laminate, you need supports made of hard rubber or with a protective spring coating.
4. Fasteners The reliability of the support's fixation depends on the design of the fasteners. It is not possible to attach wheels with a flat platform to the end of a fiberboard, and conversely, a U-shaped plate is not suitable for installation on a flat surface.
5. Stopper. To ensure reliable fixation, you will need at least two supports with a brake; one locking roller will not be enough for these purposes.

Rotary supports are relevant for small-sized furniture; linear wheels are placed on doors or drawers. Any roller should have a smooth running gear without defects, as well as smooth rotation without squeaking.

It is important to consider the load capacity of the rollers

The more uneven the floor, the larger the wheel diameter should be.

For linoleum, parquet and laminate, rollers with a protective coating are needed

Reliability of support fixation depends on the type of fastener

To ensure reliable fixation, you will need at least two supports with a stopper.

Rating of high-quality inexpensive products

Fixed wheel art. 82629477

Standers brand products are manufactured in the Middle Kingdom. Designed for hard flooring. Withstands loads up to 30 kg. Available in grey. Belongs to the non-rotating type. Brakes are not provided. A wheel with a diameter of 40 mm weighs 0.05 kg. Screw fastening is provided for installation. Suitable for indoor and outdoor floors. Steel is used in production. The coating is galvanized. Will withstand heavy use. It goes on sale without packaging. The main purpose is to equip equipment or light furniture. Attached to a plate.

The average price is 55 rubles.

Fixed wheel art. 82629477

Advantages:

• practicality;
• reasonable cost;
• ease of use;
• suitable for technical equipment;
• wear resistance;
• two-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Flaws:

• no stopper.

Fixed sliding roller art. 82629501

Despite the budget price, there are no complaints about the product. Produced by a Chinese company. The dimensions are compact, the diameter reaches 25 mm. The rubberized coating will help keep the floor safe and sound. It makes no sounds when moving. Helps move objects in a straight line. The maximum permissible load is 20 kg. Weight – 0.024 kg, color – gray, fastening – screw. There is no stopper. Durable steel is used in the manufacture of main components. Spray galvanized. Sold without packaging. Not intended for regular use. Attached to a plate.

They offer the product at a price of 38 rubles per unit.

Fixed sliding roller art. 82629501

Advantages:

• manufacturer's warranty – 3 years;
• compactness;
• ease of use;
• attractive appearance;
• you can install it yourself.

Flaws:

• lack of a turning mechanism.

Rotary wheel art. 82629489

The product is produced under the Standers brand. Designed for driving on soft surfaces. The manufacturer equipped his creation with a brake. Available in black. Disc diameter – 50 mm. Can withstand loads up to 40 kg. Can be used to rearrange PVC furniture located indoors. There is one unit in the set. The mounting method is a screw fastening. Made of nylon, galvanized coating. Suitable for active use. Attached to a plate.

The purchase price is 84 rubles.

Rotary wheel art. 82629489

Advantages:

• anti-corrosion coating;
• mechanism strength;
• functionality;
• rotating system;
• long service life;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• none.

Furniture wheel art. 82629514

Rollers from a Chinese manufacturer are in high demand among domestic consumers. Product weight – 95 grams, diameter – 5 cm. Withstands furniture weighing up to 40 kg. Produced in black. Screw fastening. There is no stopper, but there is a wheel turn signal. Allows you to rearrange rooms with limited free space, or efficiently wipe away dust under furniture. Will only roll on a flat floor inside the room. Fastenings and main structural elements are made of nylon. It goes on sale without packaging. A smooth rod is provided as a fastening.

Purchase price – 65 rubles.

Furniture wheel art. 82629514

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• functionality;
• long service life;
• active use is expected;
• wear resistance;
• two-year warranty from the manufacturer;
• attractive appearance.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Rotary wheel art. 82594538

The product is produced in the Middle Kingdom. Has a rotating platform. There is no brake. Color – grey. Ideally fits into any interior. Suitable for equipping bedside tables, coffee tables, armchairs, and other furniture of small size and weight (up to 10 kg). The presence of a rotating mechanism allows you to move the load in any direction and to any distance within one room. Actions take place silently. The diameter of the device is 3 cm. It rotates around its axis 360 degrees. Installation is easy and simple. This is facilitated by the finished metal platform.

The average cost is 50 rubles.

Rotary wheel art. 82594538

Advantages:

• does not spoil the floor;
• does not make noise;
• you can twist objects in different directions;
• compactness;
• attractive appearance;
• positive reviews;
• fits any design solution.

Flaws:

• no brake.

Rating of mid-price segment products

Wheel for equipment art. 82629475

Furniture roller with a diameter of 10 cm. Designed for transporting furniture on hard floor coverings. A distinctive feature is the presence of a brake, which helps to fix the object in the right place. The color is non-marking, gray. Own weight – 453 grams. Produced at Chinese production facilities. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. There is a screw fastening. Durable steel is used in manufacturing. The surface is galvanized. It goes on sale without packaging. Can be used with enviable regularity. Will help rearrange light technical equipment and equipment. The plate acts as a fastening.

The average cost is 357 rubles.

Wheel for equipment art. 82629475

Advantages:

• reliability;
• wear resistance;
• Nice colour;
• practicality;
• suitable for any interior;
• two-year warranty from the manufacturer;
• functionality;
• long service life;
• safety.

Flaws:

• not found.

Roller for equipment art. 82629527

Furniture mobile device with a diameter of 75 mm, gray, with screw fastening. There is no brake, which is obviously a minus. Able to glide on hard floors. Withstands a load of 60 kg. Produced in the Middle Kingdom. Own weight – 305 grams. Suitable for rearranging items both indoors and outdoors. The coating is galvanized. The main material of manufacture is steel. Not subject to corrosion. Not afraid of intensive use. The plate acts as a fastening. The manufacturer guarantees uninterrupted use for two years.

The average price is 222 rubles.

Roller for equipment art. 82629527

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• withstands significant loads;
• strength of the materials used;
• attractive appearance;
• positive reviews.

Flaws:

• no stopper.

Rotary wheel art. 82629502

Despite its Chinese origin and affordable price, the device is deservedly popular. Helps transport furniture on hard floors. Brakes are not provided. Color – grey. Installed on objects whose weight does not exceed 40 kg. The diameter of the wheels is 50 mm. Weight – 171 grams. Suitable for external and internal use. Steel is used in the manufacture of the main elements. The galvanized coating protects from the negative effects of moisture. A threaded rod serves as fastening. Sold without packaging. Warranty – 2 years.

The purchase price is 130 rubles.

Rotary wheel art. 82629502

Advantages:

• positive reviews;
• value for money;
• anti-corrosion coating;
• suitable for any interior;
• possibility of self-installation;
• long service life;
• intensity of use;
• practicality;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• not found.

Furniture roller art. 82629506

A fairly large device, the diameter of which is 75 mm. Available with thread. There is no brake. Belongs to the category of rotary. Allows light technical equipment, equipment and non-staining protectors to be rotated in different directions. Color – grey. Handles weight up to 50 kg. Screw fastening. A galvanized layer is applied on top of the steel. Can be used indoors and outdoors, but only on hard surfaces.

The average cost is 208 rubles.

Furniture roller art. 82629506

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• robust design;
• durability;
• ease of installation;
• high intensity of operation;
• defective items are not available for sale;
• positive reviews;
• can be purchased at a specialized retail outlet or use the services of an online store;
• will withstand a lot of weight.

Flaws:

• none.

Furniture wheel art. 82629496

Products from a Chinese manufacturer are designed for rearranging pieces of furniture whose weight is within 40 kg. The design is compact, rotating, with a diameter of 30 mm. There is a hole for the pin. Available in grey. Suitable for outdoor and indoor use. The manufacturer has equipped the model with a functional stopper. Type of fastening: with earring. Product quality control is carried out at all stages of production, so there are practically no defects on sale.

The average price is 175 rubles.

Furniture wheel art. 82629496

Advantages:

• two-year warranty from the manufacturer;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• versatility;
• high intensity of operation;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• positive reviews.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Load calculation

When choosing this fitting, a preliminary calculation must be made to determine what the permissible load on it is. If it is higher than the calculated value, then there is a high probability of a breakdown, which will be quite difficult to eliminate. To do this, it is important to decide how much weight the furniture mounted on wheels will have, as well as what other objects will be placed on it.

The entire calculation takes into account some important factors:

• the mass of all furniture is calculated, and obtaining this information is quite simple, since it is located in the accompanying documentation for the piece of furniture;
• the planned load is added to the obtained value, for example, if you purchase a shelf on wheels on which you plan to install a vase, then you should take into account the weight of not only the vase, but also water, as well as flowers;
• you should add a few more kilograms to the result obtained, since there is a high probability that in the future, instead of a vase with flowers, a small TV or other products will be installed on this structure, which will ensure high loads on the support.

With proper calculation, the optimal result is achieved. In accordance with this, it is decided whether the furniture wheel will cope with the planned loads. If it is too unstable, then it is advisable to choose more reliable and high-quality products.

Rating of expensive structures

Rotary wheel, art. 82594523

The product is produced in the Celestial Empire. Practical black color. Ideally matches any interior. Belongs to the category of rotary. A distinctive feature is the presence of a brake. Platform size – 125 mm. Designed for installation on large furniture, carts, and other items to make them maneuverable, mobile, and easily transported within one room. A movable connection to the platform allows you to rotate the furniture 360 ​​degrees around its axis. Withstands a load of 100 kg. Own weight – 992 grams, diameter – 12.5 cm.

They offer the product at a price of 930 rubles.

Rotary wheel, art. 82594523

Advantages:

• withstands significant loads;
• functionality;
• attractive appearance;
• reliability;
• safety;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• equipped with a ready-made mounting platform with holes for installation;
• the brake allows you to fix an object on an uneven or inclined surface;
• leaves the floor covering undamaged.

Flaws:

• the price is high.

Swivel wheel with inflatable tire, art. 82594370

A small roller with a diameter of 2.6 cm, non-rotating type. There is no brake provided. The main purpose is to move garden wheelbarrows and heavy carts. Has increased cross-country ability on any surface, including uneven ones. Can handle sand, bumps, and difficult soil. Weighs 960 grams. Color – black, practical. Produced by a Chinese company. The maximum permissible load is 100 kg. Mounted on an axle. The reviews are only positive. The model is very popular among domestic buyers.

The purchase price is 702 rubles.

Swivel wheel with inflatable tire, art. 82594370

Advantages:

• ease of installation;
• ease of use;
• will overcome any obstacles;
• designed for heavy weight;
• can be installed on trolleys of various modifications;
• does not make noise when moving;
• vibration damping occurs;
• rim strength;
• pneumatic type model;
• significant maneuverability;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• non-rotating mechanism.

Rotary wheel art. 13783024

The Chinese company produces the product under the Suki brand. The mechanism is rotary. The brake is present. Roller diameter – 10 cm. Ideal for installation on equipment and carts. The fastening takes place on a reliable and convenient plate, which has holes. Withstands a weight of 70 kg. It is practical and versatile. It will glide silently on any floor covering. Own weight – 898 grams. Black color. Silicone wheels.

You can purchase the product at a price of 700 rubles.

Rotary wheel art. 13783024

Advantages:

• strength;
• quality of materials used;
• wear resistance;
• practicality;
• will handle any surface, including soft ones and those with significant unevenness;
• reliable fixation of equipment and furniture;
• intended for regular use;
• does not make noise during operation;
• you can install it yourself.

Flaws:

• not found.

Rotary wheel art. 82582400

A device with a rotating mechanism 3004/A is produced in the Middle Kingdom. The manufacturer does not provide brakes. Belongs to the category of universal. The color is nice, brown. It will help you quickly and easily move furniture within the same room. Suitable for large items whose weight is within 150 kg. The product does not require additional modification and is ready for use immediately after purchase. The presence of a convenient plate allows you to attach the structure in a place intended for this purpose in a matter of minutes. Weight – 359 g, diameter – 6 cm. Produced under the Jet brand. There is no stopper.

Purchase price – 583 rubles.

Rotary wheel art. 82582400

Advantages:

• the color goes well with any finishing materials in the room;
• practical parameters;
• will bear significant weight;
• will help make large items mobile;
• can be used both for stationary furniture and shelving, coffee tables, sliding doors - compartments;
• long service life;
• manufacturer's warranty – 1 year;
• functionality;
• silent running.

Flaws:

• none.

MBR2000 - B 104. 19276655

This kit is designed for installing interior sliding doors and drawers. It is based on a frameless suspended design. Sealed ball bearings are responsible for the practicality and durability of the product. There are two rollers per door, with a maximum load of 100 kg. Rubberized rollers that move gently along the guides ensure smooth movement. The steel frame used is designed to withstand significant loads. Plastic and metal are used for manufacturing. A screw type thread is used to connect the clamp to the rollers. Self-adjustment in height is allowed. The kit consists of 2 shock absorber clamps, 2 rubberized stops, a lower guide roller, 2 end plates, 2 carrier carriages and fasteners.

How much does the kit cost? The purchase will cost 2000 rubles.

MBR2000 - B 104. 19276655

Advantages:

• equipment;
• quality of consumables;
• practicality;
• smooth ride;
• increased service life.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Fixed roller art. 82594525

Product from a Chinese manufacturer. Available in black or silver. You can match the existing interior in the room. There is no turning mechanism, as well as a stopper. Despite this, the products are in high demand among domestic consumers due to the fact that they can withstand a large weight of 100 kg. Equipped with a platform measuring 125 mm. A paired parallel installation is assumed. Helps move pieces of furniture short distances on a perfectly flat surface. Product weight – 788 grams, diameter – 125 mm.

They offer the product at a price of 607 rubles.

Fixed roller art. 82594525

Advantages:

• availability of a ready-made metal platform;
• keeps the floor intact;
• clarity of direction of movement;
• wear resistance;
• strength of the materials used;
• positive reviews;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not installed.