ᐅ Are there IKEA PLATSA furniture units available with casters for added flexibility?

Created on: 25 Jun 2017 09:23
M
mesile
M
mesile
25 Jun 2017 09:23
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning the furnishing of my apartment and have been looking at the IKEA PLATSA series. Since I highly value furniture that is flexible and mobile, I have the following question: Does IKEA offer PLATSA furniture with castors, meaning wheeled versions that are specifically designed for increased flexibility?

I have seen various dimensions and modular options both online and in the catalog, but I haven’t come across a version with castors. Especially for rooms where I like to rearrange often or create temporary setups, castors would be a great addition.

Does anyone here have experience with PLATSA and perhaps know of suitable solutions, such as castors that can be retrofitted, or specific model options?

I look forward to your opinions and advice!
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Franz
25 Jun 2017 11:08
mesile schrieb:
Are there IKEA PLATSA furniture pieces with casters, meaning mobile versions specifically designed for more flexibility?

That’s a great question!

I had a similar issue just last year because I often rearrange my apartment and like to move my furniture around easily. Unfortunately, there isn’t any PLATSA furniture series that comes with casters from the factory. The system is primarily designed for flexible wall and shelving configurations but without built-in mobility.

What helped me was purchasing casters separately and installing them myself. However, it’s important to pay close attention to the load capacity and whether the casters are compatible with the PLATSA components, especially regarding mounting points and stability.

I know it’s a bit inconvenient, but there are suitable casters available in various sizes and weight ratings that can be attached to the bottom. A tip from me: if possible, use wider shelves or bases so the casters have a good hold and the furniture won’t tip over.

Maybe you have some ideas on how to make the standard PLATSA pieces more flexible right from the factory without fully converting them to casters.
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dopite
25 Jun 2017 13:37
Franz schrieb:
Unfortunately, there is no PLATSA furniture series that comes factory-equipped with casters.

That is correct; PLATSA does not offer casters as a standard option.

Here is a brief how-to if you want to add casters to your PLATSA furniture:

- First, carefully consider the type of furniture: is it standing on a stable floor? How is the base panel constructed?
- You will need casters with a certain load capacity, at least 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) per caster, preferably more, since PLATSA units can become quite heavy depending on their size and load.
- Attachment: Most casters are mounted with screws. Therefore, check if the underside of the PLATSA unit has a solid wood or chipboard panel that can hold screws.
- Alternatively, there are casters with adhesive bases, but these are usually less sturdy and intended for lighter furniture.

A common mistake is attaching casters directly to the sides or choosing casters that are too small, which reduces stability and mobility.

It’s best to mount the casters on a structure beneath the furniture, such as a wooden base or an additional panel connected to the unit. This also helps reduce the risk of tipping.

In summary: Original casters for PLATSA are not available, but with some DIY skills, you can create suitable solutions.
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deoke
26 Jun 2017 07:45
mesile schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience with PLATSA and maybe even know suitable solutions, such as rollers that can be added afterward or special model variants?

This can definitely be answered quite precisely by taking a closer look at the construction of the PLATSA furniture.

PLATSA is based on a modular system consisting of individual carcasses that are usually equipped with base supports or feet. These parts are primarily designed for stationary placement.

There is no mass production of PLATSA models with integrated rollers – IKEA follows a clear design approach without built-in mobility. Mobility is rather offered in other series or only through accessories.

Retrofit with rollers is possible, but the following points should be considered:

- Mounting options: The metal brackets and base supports of the PLATSA carcasses do not always provide ideal attachment points for rollers. You may need to add wooden battens or additional plates to securely fix the screws for the rollers.
- Load capacity of rollers: Especially for larger cabinet-like modules, rollers with high load capacity are essential, otherwise stability will suffer.
- Stability: Rollers with locking brakes are strongly recommended to prevent unintended movement.
- Flooring: Hard floors (tiles, hardwood) allow smooth rolling, but carpeted floors can be problematic and require larger rollers.

Alternatively, I recommend building small wooden mobile bases on which the PLATSA carcass rests. This way the carcass structure remains unchanged.

What exactly is your intended use? Which piece of furniture do you want to make mobile? That could help to find a tailor-made solution.
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Franz
27 Jun 2017 10:01
deoke schrieb:
What is your specific application? Which piece of furniture do you want to make mobile?

That’s a good question.

I have a PLATSA TV unit with two-component elements and wanted to occasionally move it in the living room, for example to create more space for cleaning or events. For something like that, medium-sized casters that can be easily locked are sufficient.

Overall, I think the advice to build a mobile base that doesn’t damage the original furniture and can be removed if needed is a good one.

Maybe that could be a solution for mesile as well? Especially since IKEA often delivers furniture with a relatively smooth, durable surface, it’s important to carry out any drilling and screwing carefully afterward to avoid damaging the appearance.