ᐅ Who has experience with roller bases and heavy loads on the KALLAX?

Hello everyone,

I am considering adding caster bases to my KALLAX shelving unit to make it easier to move heavy loads. I’m wondering if you have any practical experience with this and how well these bases hold the weight—especially when the shelf is fully loaded. I am particularly interested in whether the casters affect the stability or load capacity, and if moving the shelf on casters might cause any damage.

It would also be helpful to know if you can recommend specific brands or models of caster bases that are sturdy enough to handle heavier loads.

Thanks in advance for your insights and experiences!

I assembled the KALLAX with casters and can confirm that the load-bearing capacity is significantly reduced. Most casters are rated for a maximum of 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs). So, you should avoid placing heavy loads on it.

I would recommend using casters with a locking function to prevent the shelf from moving unintentionally.

neoren schrieb:
the load-bearing capacity is significantly reduced

I can understand that well. I also initially wanted to add casters but then became a bit concerned, especially since I often store heavy binders in the KALLAX. It somehow feels unsafe because you're afraid that the movements might distort everything or damage the frame.

Nderimpa7 schrieb:
whether the casters affect the stability or load-bearing capacity

I then decided to put casters only on the lower compartments and keep the rest stationary. This way, the weight is better distributed. Maybe that could be a compromise for you too? If anyone has other suggestions, I would be very interested 🙂

Regarding the load capacity of KALLAX shelves with rolling bases: The original IKEA casters are designed for lightweight furniture, with a load capacity of about 15 kg (33 lbs) per caster. For a fully loaded KALLAX, which can quickly reach 30-50 kg (66-110 lbs) or more, this becomes critical.

If you want to move heavy loads, you should consider using specific heavy-duty casters, which usually have metal-reinforced housings and higher load-rated bearings. These often increase the load capacity to over 50 kg (110 lbs) per caster, better matching a fully loaded KALLAX.

However, casters mechanically cause more movement in the cabinet, which can lead to fatigue of the fasteners over time if the casters are not locked or the shelving unit is moved frequently.

Therefore, I recommend:

- Using casters with a strong locking mechanism to prevent unwanted rolling
- Concentrating the maximum load preferably in the lower part of the shelving unit
- Considering additional reinforcements in the frame if available

This way, you are on the safe side regarding stability and mobility.