ᐅ How can I make IKEA BESTA units mobile by adding casters or wheels?

Hello everyone,

I plan to make my IKEA BESTÅ shelving unit mobile so that I can easily move it when needed without having to lift the heavy piece of furniture. Now I’m wondering what the best way to do this would be.

What type of casters are most suitable for the BESTÅ? Do I need to consider specific dimensions or weight capacities to ensure the casters are not only functional but also safely attached? Are there any installation tips or practical advice on how to fix casters to the BESTÅ frame without compromising its stability?

I’m also curious if there are any IKEA-approved casters or if it’s fine to use common furniture casters from a hardware store.

I look forward to your input and experiences, as I want to make the shelving unit as easy to move as possible while keeping it sturdy.

Thanks in advance!

Hi MIBEN32,

I totally understand your wish – a BESTÅ unit is really heavy, and casters would be the perfect solution! 😊

I used simple furniture casters with a diameter of 50 mm (2 inches) on my own BESTÅ, which you can usually find at hardware stores. Important: You should choose casters with a good weight capacity – ideally at least 15 kg (33 lbs) per caster, depending on how heavily loaded your BESTÅ is.

Assembly tip: Most BESTÅ cabinets have a sturdy base frame made of wood or metal at the bottom, where you can attach the casters with screws. I pre-drilled holes on the underside and then screwed on casters with plate mounts. This worked really well and made the unit easy to move.

By the way: Some people also glue felt pads under the casters to better protect the floor.

Good luck with your project! And if you have any more questions – just ask 😉

rekijan schrieb:
I used simple furniture casters with a diameter of 50 mm (2 inches) for my own BESTÅ, which you can usually find at hardware stores.

That’s a good starting point, but it’s important to critically assess the stability as well. Casters with a 50 mm (2 inch) diameter are generally easy to roll, but when the BESTÅ is fully loaded, the weight could put prolonged strain on the casters and their mounting, potentially causing issues.

I recommend first determining the total weight of your loaded BESTÅ and then selecting casters with an appropriate load capacity—better to be on the safe side. It is also important to check whether the casters have a locking mechanism so that the furniture can remain stable when needed.

Additionally, the mounting screws should be properly sized during installation. The original BESTÅ structure may not be designed to handle heavy loads in certain areas, so reinforcements or additional boards to serve as feet might be necessary.

I won’t specifically address IKEA casters here, as they are often not intended for this particular modification purpose. Hardware store casters or those from the furniture sector tend to be more versatile if selected correctly.

To supplement the previous information, here are some points to consider when adding casters to the IKEA BESTÅ unit:

- Load capacity: Calculate the total weight of the loaded shelving unit. The combined load rating of the casters should exceed this weight with a safety margin.
- Type of casters: Swivel casters with locking brakes are recommended for the BESTÅ to prevent the furniture from rolling away unintentionally.
- Installation: It is advisable to use casters with mounting plates secured by at least four screws. Pre-drilling the base panel improves stability.
- Floor protection: Soft casters are better suited for delicate flooring (e.g., parquet), whereas harder casters are often more appropriate for carpeted areas.
- Alternative: IKEA does not offer official casters as accessories for the BESTÅ. Custom installation is therefore necessary, with third-party casters being a practical option.

I would also suggest performing a load test after installation and regularly checking the screw connections.

edisondan schrieb:
I would also suggest performing a load test after installation and regularly checking the fastenings.

I can only agree with that advice! Especially if you plan to move the BESTÅ frequently, you should make sure everything is firmly secured and that no screws come loose.

From my experience, it also helps to stick some rubber or felt between the caster and the furniture. This not only prevents scratches on the bottom but also provides better grip when rolling.

Oh, and another thing: When you put the shelving unit on casters, it naturally loses some stability—so always make sure it stands securely, especially if children or pets are nearby!

Enjoy the renovation; it will definitely be very practical!