ᐅ Is it possible to equip IKEA Besta units with casters, and if so, how?

Hello everyone,

I recently assembled several IKEA Besta units at home and am now considering adding casters to make them easier to move when needed. My question is: Is it possible to equip IKEA Besta units with casters, and if so, what is the best way to do this?

I would like to know which types of casters are suitable, whether the original Besta units need to be modified for this, which screws or mounting hardware are required, and if there are any established solutions or product combinations that ensure stability and good functionality.

Perhaps someone has experience with the load capacity on casters or tips on which casters work particularly well because they, for example, do not leave marks on the floor or lock securely.

I appreciate any information that can help me make a decision and carry out the modification!

Best regards,
juanjon

juanjon schrieb:
Can I equip IKEA Besta units with casters, and if so, what is the best way to do this?

In principle, it is possible to equip Besta units with casters, but this is only partially intended and requires modifications to the furniture.

Please consider the following points:
- Besta carcasses are designed for stable standing on feet or wall mounting, not for frequent rolling while fully loaded.
- Casters should have sufficient load capacity (at least 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs) per caster) and preferably include a locking brake to prevent unwanted movement.
- Installation usually involves mounting plates or rails, as the original feet need to be removed. Casters can be screwed on, which requires drilling into the underside of the Besta carcass.
- Plastic casters are recommended for delicate flooring.

For a stable solution:
- Mount the casters directly under the corner posts
- Alternatively, build a substructure that better distributes the load

Conclusion: With some DIY skills and suitable casters, Besta units can be retrofitted, but the structural limits and weight capacity should be taken into account. Securing the unit to the wall simultaneously provides additional stability.

If desired, I can provide specific product recommendations and installation tips.

I would like to add a brief guide on how to equip IKEA Besta units with casters easily, as this question comes up quite often.

1. Preparation:
- Empty the Besta cabinet and lay the furniture on its side
- Unscrew or remove the original feet (usually screwed on)

2. Choice of casters:
- Casters with a load capacity of at least 25 kg (55 lbs) per caster are best
- Swivel casters with a locking brake are very useful for mobility and stability
- Soft rubber casters are suitable for hardwood or laminate floors because they do not cause scratches

3. Installation:
- Casters usually have a mounting plate with screw holes. You can screw this directly onto the underside of the Besta cabinet
- Ideally, position the casters at the four corners to maximize stability
- Pre-drilling holes prevents the chipboard from splitting

4. Reinforcement:
- Since the Besta cabinet uses relatively thin chipboard, it is advisable to use small wooden backing plates to reinforce the screw connections
- Alternatively, corner brackets can be installed inside to provide additional structural support

5. Use:
- Check that the cabinet is stable and does not wobble when on the casters
- Be careful with fully loaded cabinets containing heavy items; the caster system should be suitably sturdy

Summary:
- It is definitely possible to mount casters without major modifications
- Using casters with locks and being cautious with the load results in a practical and mobile solution

If you have little experience, you can also have the appropriate screws checked at a specialist store for safety.

feklo schrieb:
The best are furniture casters with a load capacity of at least 25 kg (55 lbs) per caster

That’s correct, otherwise the casters can easily bend or break.

feklo schrieb:
Swivel casters with locking brakes are very useful

Exactly, this keeps the furniture stable when it shouldn’t be moved.

julian36 schrieb:
You can screw casters on, for that you need to drill the underside of the Besta cabinet.

Just unscrew the old feet and attach the casters with the existing screw plate, making sure to pre-drill holes. Done.