Caster wheels are the perfect solution to making any type of furniture or piece of equipment easier to move. Whether you need them for your business or your home, caster wheels are a cost-effective, durable solution for your needs.

Even though they are incredibly useful, most people do not know very much about casters. That’s why we put together this helpful guide that is sure to help you choose the perfect casters.

Before you buy a caster, it is a good idea to get to know more about them. Many people think a caster is a wheel. But actually, a wheel is only part of a caster. A caster is a wheeled device that can be affixed to another object (usually furniture) to make it easier to move. Beyond this, there are many different types of casters, divided up by type of mounting, material, size, and more.

Essentially, you can use casters on almost anything you want to make more mobile. This could include:

· Chairs

· Tables

· Desks

· Work benches

· Bureaus

· Pianos

· Couches

· Beds

· Shelves

· And much more!

Why are casters so helpful? They have a wide range of benefits that will all make your life easier!

The benefits of caster wheels are:

· Mobility: Most people add caster wheels to furniture and other objects to make them easier to move. Depending on the type, caster wheels can bear a heavy weight and their swiveling ability makes moving furniture simple.

· Ease: Thanks to caster wheels, you do not have to lift or push very hard in order to move furniture. Caster wheels do not place as much pressure and stress on your muscles and joints.

· Speed: Pushing a heavy object on wheels is much quicker than lifting. Caster wheels will save you time, especially if they are on an object that is moved often.

There are so many different types of caster wheels to choose from that it can be overwhelming. We break down everything you need to consider when choosing a caster wheel so that the purchasing process is simple and easy.

Size of Load

The weight and size of the load a caster wheel carries matters very much when choosing what caster is best. We always tell our customers that the density of the caster should correspond to the weight and size of the load. The heavier it is, the denser the wheel should be.

Bear in mind, however, that it is not always a good idea to simply buy the caster wheel with the highest load capacity. There are many other things to keep in mind when choosing the right caster wheel.

Flooring

It is important to consider the type and condition of flooring (or floorings) that the caster wheel will be used on. If your floors are flat, level, and clean, you should be able to use almost any caster wheel. However, if you have a delicate flooring surface, like hardwood, you may want to choose a less abrasive material. If your floors may be wet, damp, or dirty—like in a garage—you should choose a wheel with solid tread like cast iron or phenolic.

For home use, most people choose rubber or plastic wheels. These materials should not damage the floors in your home.

Frequency of Use

Before you buy a caster wheel, think about how often you will need to move the furniture it is attached to, and how easy you need it to roll. If they are for an object that is moved often, choose a caster that is easier to roll, in order to prevent fatigue and muscle stress. For a wheel that is easier to roll, chose a material that is softer, like rubber. If you don’t move the object much, this will not factor as much in your decision.

Environment

If you plan to use your casters in a unique environment, you may need to specifically choose caster wheel that can withstand particular challenges. For example, some casters are made to be used in very cold or very hot environments.

Mounting

Mounting is very important to consider if you are replacing caster wheels on furniture. If you are doing this, you need to make sure that you choose casters with the same type of mounting as the previous set. There are two main types of caster mounting—plate mount and stem mount. If you are replacing a plate mount caster, remember to purchase a caster that has the same plate size and bolt pattern as the original ones. If you are replacing a stem mount, you must find a caster with the same stem style.

If you are adding brand new castor wheels to furniture without them, you can choose whatever mounting you like!