ᐅ Kallax unit on casters – can it support the weight?

Hello everyone,

I am considering putting an IKEA Kallax shelving unit on casters to make it easier to move around the room. However, I wonder if the Kallax shelf can reliably support the weight when fitted with casters.

I plan to load the shelves with books and decorative items, which could weigh several kilograms per compartment. According to the manufacturer, the shelf can carry a substantial load, but I’m not sure how this changes when adding casters—especially concerning the load on individual casters and the overall stability.

Does anyone have experience with how much weight a Kallax on casters can actually handle? Are there any important points to consider, such as specific types of casters or better anchoring methods to prevent the unit from wobbling or warping?

I would appreciate any tips or experiences you can share!

neofi38 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with how much load the Kallax on casters can actually handle?

The Kallax unit itself is sturdy, but the load capacity depends heavily on the casters. It’s best to use casters with a locking brake and a load capacity of at least 20 kg (44 lbs) per caster. This way, the weight is better distributed and the stability is maintained.

neofi38 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with how load-bearing the Kallax on casters really is?

I have equipped the Kallax with casters multiple times and tested it extensively. It is important to understand that the Kallax itself can support loads of up to about 30 kg (66 lbs) per compartment on a flat floor. When casters are installed, the load distribution under the shelf changes. The entire weight acts on a few, usually smaller, contact points.

With basic casters, loads can become concentrated, which may cause slight deformation on the floor or damage to the casters. It is advisable to use high-quality casters with metal cores and good ball bearings. Also, I recommend distributing the casters evenly, for example, installing one with a brake at each corner.

If the shelf is heavily loaded with books, additional reinforcement might be useful, such as a thin wooden board placed under the shelf that rests on the casters to distribute the weight more evenly.

One more tip: check the type of flooring where the Kallax will stand. Carpets, smooth tiles, or wooden floors greatly affect how well it rolls and its overall stability.

What exact loads are you planning to put on the shelf? Knowing this would help provide more targeted advice.

neofi38 schrieb:
Are there any important considerations, such as specific types of casters or better anchoring, to prevent the shelf from wobbling or warping?

From my experience, the most important factor is selecting casters that are appropriate for the load. Kallax is modularly constructed and can slightly flex under weight if a caster springs or does not reliably lock.

I recommend casters with a high load capacity and a locking brake, preferably metal rather than plastic, to ensure durability. After installation, it’s important to check whether the shelf moves stiffly or wobbles. If possible, adding a diagonal wooden brace can help reinforce the structure.

Regularly checking for loose screws or casters can also prevent problems later on.

KLO-KA schrieb:
It’s best to use casters with a locking brake and a load capacity of at least 20 kg (44 lbs) per caster.

I can only agree with that! 🙂

I also have mine on casters, but I bought transparent polyurethane wheels that are quite quiet and roll smoothly. The brake is really important, otherwise the shelf can quickly become a sliding hazard when it’s full.

You should still be a bit careful when moving the shelf regularly – especially with heavy books on the high shelves, it can tip slightly if you pull too hard by accident. But overall, the Kallax on casters looks great and is very flexible.

Have fun with the modification and don't forget: the casters need to be firmly screwed on, otherwise you’ll get annoying play. 😉