ᐅ Are there alternative sets of rollers for the Kallax that are more durable?

Hello everyone,

I have a question that might also be interesting for some of you: Are there alternative caster wheels for the IKEA Kallax shelf unit that are more durable than the original ones?

I use the Kallax in my workshop and find the supplied wheels somewhat wobbly and prone to issues—especially when it’s loaded with heavier items or when I need to move the shelf on uneven floors.

Therefore, I’m interested in high-quality replacement casters that are not only more stable but also longer lasting. Does anyone have experience with specific brands or modifications that you would recommend?

I would also appreciate advice on the best way to replace the wheels, in case the process is a bit complicated.

Thanks in advance for your tips and opinions!

This topic is very relevant if you frequently move the Kallax shelf or transport heavy loads. The original IKEA casters are designed for light to medium use.

For better durability, I recommend casters with ball-bearing mechanisms and a diameter of at least 50 mm (2 inches). These casters distribute the weight more effectively and roll more smoothly, especially on uneven surfaces.

Brands like TENTE or Blickle offer high-quality furniture casters made of polyurethane, which are also quite wear-resistant. Make sure that the mounting plate or threaded fitting is compatible with the Kallax’s drill holes.

Here’s a tip: Some users drill additional holes in the shelf to mount larger or differently positioned casters more securely. However, be careful not to compromise the stability.

Great question! I had the exact same problem and managed to solve it! 🙂

I bought replacement casters from TENTE, and they are simply brilliant! The wheels roll very smoothly, and you can immediately feel how much more stable everything is!

The best part: they are pretty easy to install, you only need a screwdriver and a bit of patience. After that, the entire Kallax shelf holds together like a rock!

I really recommend going for high-quality casters – it saves you a lot of trouble in the long run and also looks better! 🙂

Hello FISO65,

I completely understand your concerns. The stability of casters on Kallax units is often an issue, especially with heavy use.

I’m happy to provide you with a detailed overview of possible alternatives:

1. Swivel casters with a fixed diameter (starting from 50 mm (2 inches)) are recommended, as they cause less damage to the floor.

2. Polyurethane wheels are more wear-resistant and protect the floor surface.

3. Ball-bearing casters offer better mobility, even under higher loads.

4. Mounting: Some casters use a mounting plate that is fixed with screws, while others have a threaded stem that screws directly into the shelving unit. For Kallax, the original hole is designed for threaded stems; mounting plates may require some adjustment.

If you need help choosing or installing them, feel free to ask! I’m happy to assist with the step-by-step process.

I used simple metal rollers with ball bearings, which hold up much better than the original ones. It is important that they are the right size and that the screws are tightened securely.

I would like to go into more detail about the construction and load data so you can find the best solution for your Kallax.

The original IKEA casters are usually plastic wheels with a load capacity of about 10 kg per wheel, which is quite close to the lower limit for heavily loaded Kallax units. Their grip on different floor types is also limited.

1. Material: The material of the wheel significantly affects its durability. Polyurethane (PU) has proven to be very robust, and wheels with polypropylene treads are also a good choice for harder floors.

2. Bearings: Caster wheels with ball bearings offer a much longer service life and smoother rolling compared to plain bearings.

3. Diameter: A diameter of at least 50 to 60 mm (2 to 2.4 inches) is ideal to better distribute the weight and compensate for uneven surfaces.

4. Mounting: Threaded stems with an M8 thread are very common for Kallax since they fit well into the original bases. If you switch to mounting plates, you will need to drill appropriate mounting holes and possibly use anchors.

toril schrieb:
Brands like TENTE or Blickle offer high-quality furniture casters made of polyurethane

I can only confirm that. I have been using Blickle M08 casters with ball bearings and polyurethane treads for years, usually rated for 50 kg (110 lbs) per wheel. They are easy to install—just unscrew the original threaded stems from the Kallax bases and replace them with the new ones.

I would also like to know: What are the expected loads, how often do you move the shelf, and what type of flooring do you have? This will help provide a more precise recommendation.