ᐅ Any experiences with roll-out constructions under KALLAX units in the office?

Hello everyone,

I’d like to start a discussion on the topic “Experiences with rolling constructions under KALLAX in the office?”

Specifically, I’m interested in hearing about your practical experiences using mobile pedestals or rolling modules combined with the IKEA KALLAX shelving units for office spaces.

I’m especially curious about:
- How stable are the rolling constructions over time with regular use?
- Which standard or custom solutions have proven effective for making KALLAX shelves mobile while still load-bearing?
- Do you have any tips on materials or fastenings that hold the casters firmly without damaging the shelves?

I’m planning to equip our office with KALLAX systems but don’t want to just use the standard castors from the furniture store. Instead, I’m looking for durable and well-thought-out solutions that allow easy movement while keeping the whole shelf stable.

Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

lotiki schrieb:
How durable are the caster constructions over time with regular use?

Regarding durability: The KALLAX shelves are modular by design but are not intended as heavy-duty furniture. Therefore, when fitting casters, I always recommend using high load capacity casters and attaching them as close as possible to a supporting panel edge with screws.

lotiki schrieb:
What standard or custom solutions have worked well for you to make the KALLAX shelves mobile and yet sturdy?

We often used fixed steel casters combined with internal panel reinforcements inside the cabinet to absorb shear forces. Additional metal brackets in the base construction prevent deformation under load.

lotiki schrieb:
Do you have advice on materials or fastenings that hold the casters well and at the same time do not damage the shelf?

Casters with steel mounting plates that are screwed on over a large surface area have proven very reliable. Since the wood-based panel in KALLAX is quite thin, always place a plastic or metal backing plate between the panel and the screw to protect the material.

Conclusion: Casters are suitable if they are properly installed and the shelf is reinforced. Otherwise, use caution, as the structure is not designed for continuous rolling use.

I find this question really relevant because many of us probably face similar challenges.

I added casters to my KALLAX shelf in my home office, but not the strongest ones, as I wasn’t sure if the shelf could handle the load.

The casters definitely make it easier to move the shelf, especially if you like to rearrange the room frequently. However, I noticed that the material around the mounting points shows signs of fatigue quite quickly when the shelf is moved often.

That’s why I came up with a small solution: I reinforced the casters with metal plates that I glued inside the compartments and fixed with small brackets on the sides. This helps distribute the pressure better and keeps the shelf structurally stable.

By the way, I’m wondering if anyone has experience with custom-made wood or metal frames built under KALLAX units?

RENMA schrieb:
Conclusion: Casters are suitable if they are properly installed and the shelf is reinforced.

I can only agree with that. Reinforcement is definitely necessary if you want to move the shelf on casters regularly.

I would like to add that when installing casters under KALLAX shelves, it is extremely important to ensure as even a weight distribution as possible.

A key point is the type of casters: lockable twin-wheel casters with soft rubber tires offer a good compromise between mobility and stability on smooth flooring.

I also recommend mounting the casters slightly inset from the outer corners rather than directly at the edges, to reduce leverage forces on the side panels.

lotiki schrieb:
I’m planning to equip our office with KALLAX units, but I don’t want to just use the casters from the furniture store; I’m looking for the most durable and well-thought-out solutions

My recommendation: purchase casters from professional manufacturers specializing in furniture or shopfitting, such as TENTE or Blickle. These are often more robust and durable than typical hardware store models.

Additionally, simple glide pads can be attached under the shelf as extra protection if heavier loads occur.

In summary: reinforcement, high-quality casters, and balanced installation will ensure long-term performance.

For me, the most important question is:

What weight do you want to carry?
This is the key factor in deciding on the wheels and reinforcements.

Otherwise:
- Large wheels (at least 50mm (2 inches) diameter)
- Metal plates as a base
- Screw the wheels on firmly, do not glue

My KALLAX wheel combination has been running smoothly for 1 year now.

Hello everyone,

I would like to offer a different perspective on using casters under KALLAX shelves.

From your posts, it’s clear that stability and the right casters are crucial. Additionally, the usage scenarios vary significantly.

I have implemented a fairly simple but practical solution in our office: we use professional-grade casters that rotate 360 degrees and have brakes. This allows the shelf to be moved easily but also securely locked in place.

For reinforcement, I inserted thin MDF panels in the lower part of the shelf and screwed the casters onto them. This increased the load capacity and reduced the risk of cracks forming in the cabinet. The screws are stabilized beforehand with metal washers.

If someone is dealing with raw edges, I recommend sealing them with silicone or another sealant before screwing in the casters. This prevents moisture from entering and the wood from swelling.

Finally, I want to point out that it makes sense not to maneuver the shelf while it is permanently overloaded. The casters are meant for repositioning, not for continuous load-bearing while rolling in use.

barle schrieb:
Which weight do you want to transport?

Exactly, good question, that should be clarified before investing too much.