When selecting casters for furniture, it is important to find the correct caster for the job. Improper casters can make it hard or even impossible to move furniture. If the casters are not sturdy enough, they will not be able to support the weight and break or will need to be replaced often.
Consider the Floor Type
The type of floor where the furniture will be used makes a difference in what type of caster will be better suited for the job. If the floor is wood, tile or granite then a urethane or cushion rubber caster is best. Casters made of harder wheel materials like polyolefin and nylon can scratch hardwood flooring and crack tiles. Softer wheel materials like urethane and cushion rubber offer better traction are much quieter and will not damage hardwoods or tiles.
If the floor is soft, a hard wheel is needed for proper traction against the soft floor. If the floor is carpet, larger wheels are needed for higher pile of carpet. The larger wheels allow the casters to maintain proper traction even after the wheel has dropped down into the pile of the carpet.
Consider the Weight of the Furniture
Another important factor to consider is how much weight the caster will be supporting. Caster wheels are available in light, medium and heavy duty styles. While the light duty caster may only hold up to 145 pounds of weight, the heavy duty casters can hold the weight of entire trucks or transport trailers.
When determining the weight capacity that is needed for each caster, remember that all casters share the weight. The total amount of weight to be supported is divided by the number of casters that will be supporting the weight. For example, a piece of furniture that sits on four casters and weighs 500 pounds will only need each of the four casters to support 125 pounds of weight.
With furniture, however, there is another factor to consider. In the example of a chair, someone might lean forward or back in the chair. At those times, the entire weight might be supported by only two casters even though it is normally supported by four. Consider whether this type of situation applies to the furniture for which the casters are being purchased.
Weight may also be unevenly distributed while the furniture is rolling. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the total weight that will need to be supported will never be more than 3/4 of the combined weight capacity of all the casters.
Select Carefully
It is important to consider all of the options when purchasing casters. The proper caster can make the difference in the comfort and productivity of a piece of furniture. Improper casters can make a piece of furniture unmanageable or even completely unusable.
If you are left wondering, “What are the best casters for furniture?” then turn to Douglas Equipment. So, contact Douglas Equipment today to find the casters that are best suited for your furniture.
