ᐅ How can you add casters to an Ikea Platsa unit after assembly?

Created on: 2 Oct 2023 08:23
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Reluren
Hello everyone, some time ago I bought an IKEA Platsa cabinet and now I would like to add casters to it to make it easier to move around the room. However, I haven’t found any direct instructions or parts for this, as the system is not originally designed for it.

My specific question is: What options are there for retrofitting casters to the IKEA Platsa cabinet while maintaining stability and functionality? Are there suitable casters, adapters, or construction tips I should consider to avoid damaging the cabinet body?

I would appreciate any practical advice or experiences from the forum.
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INGRID34
3 Oct 2023 10:05
Screw rollers under the beams using screws with washers. For stability, attach crossbars. This prevents wobbling and protects the structure.
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kieran
4 Oct 2023 08:42
Additional to the topic: If the cabinet is meant to be mobile on casters, it is advisable to use swivel casters with a locking brake. Without a brake, the cabinet can roll away on its own even with slight inclines. The swivel casters should also have plastic or rubber tires to avoid damaging the floor. I have had good experiences with casters from the professional furniture hardware segment, as these are more durable and load-bearing than typical hardware store products.
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LEEJU
4 Oct 2023 09:20
It is only truly stable with casters that have brakes, especially when the Platsa is placed on smooth floors. I have always used rubber casters, as they operate more quietly and protect the floor.
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Reluren
4 Oct 2023 10:02
Thank you very much for the numerous and detailed responses. I will try the approach with the rollers on the frame beams and the reinforcements using wooden strips or cross battens, and I plan to use rollers with rubber and an integrated brake. The information about placing washers under the screws to allow for seamless adjustment was also very helpful. If anyone has an opinion on the maximum frame thickness or roller width for IKEA Platsa, I would greatly appreciate it.
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Blavin
4 Oct 2023 11:33
The maximum wheel width should be chosen so that the cabinet does not scrape against adjacent furniture or walls when moved. For Platsa with frame profiles approximately 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) thick, wheels with a mounting plate around 50x50 mm (2x2 inches) are ideal. Screws should be at least 4 mm (0.16 inches) thick and anchored in solid wood or glued battens. Before installation, check the mounting plate of the wheels, as some may not fit if the distance to the floor contact is too large. It is also best to use wheels with a height of 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 inches) to provide enough ground clearance and to overcome possible obstacles.
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barle
4 Oct 2023 12:14
Quick tip: If you overestimate the roll width, you can use narrower rolls with the appropriate pre-cut holes and additionally install wooden spacers.