Which Furniture Caster Is the Right One?

Are you sitting in an office chair right now? What allows it to move? Your first thought is probably “wheels,” and that’s partly true. Those wheels are in fact part of larger components called “furniture casters” that fix them onto chairs and allow them to function. Invented in 1876 by David A. Fisher, furniture casters play quite a major role in most of our lives. They make our furniture mobile which is especially important not only for office chairs, but for filing cabinets and medical furniture.

Even if you have heard of furniture casters, what you probably don’t realize is that not all types work for all applications. You wouldn’t put a tractor tire on your car, and you shouldn’t put the wrong caster on your furniture. How do you know which caster is right for the job? Read on! We have some handy tips for answering that question.

How Does It Attach?

There are two primary types of furniture casters. Choosing the right type is the first hurdle on your quest to choosing the best caster.

Stem Casters– With a stem caster, a socket or cylinder is inserted into the furniture. A stem is then inserted into the socket.

Plate Casters– With a plate caster, a flat metal piece is screwed onto the bottom of a piece of furniture where it holds a caster in place.

How Much Does the Furniture Weigh?

To determine whether certain furniture casters will be able to manage the load you’re planning, multiply the capacity of the caster by the number of casters you’ll be attaching. The number you identify is the maximum total weight those casters will be able to support. If you’re attaching, for example, four casters with 100 pound capacities to a bookshelf, you need to make sure that the bookshelf won’t exceed 400 pounds even with books on it.

How Should It Move?

If you want the furniture to be able to move in a certain way, be certain to choose accommodating casters. A desk chair should probably have 360 degree rotation, while a coffee table might only need to travel in a straight line. If you need the furniture to have adjustable height, look into leveling casters.

What Kind of Floor Do You Have?

This is an essential consideration if you want to protect your floor from poorly chosen furniture casters. If you have wood, laminate, ceramic, or other hard floors that need protection from damage, it’s wise to choose soft casters, usually made from polyurethane or rubber. If you have carpet, choose casters that won’t snag. Choose hard casters, and remember that thicker carpets require larger caster wheels.

Do You Need Additional Features?

Furniture casters can have locks, be shock absorbent, or even have antibacterial properties. Choose the caster that best suits your environment. For example, locks might be essential for those with pets or children.

Do Looks Matter?

If the casters are going to be visible, it’s important to choose casters that also look nice. There are plenty of options here, so consider them carefully from color to style.

The right casters for your furniture should be carefully chosen. Give it some time, consider thoroughly, and do a little research if you really want to achieve the best result. For more information, read this website: www.reidsupply.com