How To Attach Casters to a Wood Table

Attaching caster wheels to almost any piece of furniture is not only doable but also highly convenient. The simple addition of table casters can make a table instantly more functional.

Mobile furniture is one of the best ways to make multipurpose rooms in our homes — particularly if we live in small apartments or tiny houses. Adding a fresh set of casters to an old wooden table allows it to slide from one side of the room or home to another and allows owners to have greater utilization of the table.

As such, the addition of table casters may help draw in more clients and improve your bottom line. If you are interested in maximizing those potential benefits, read on to learn how to attach casters to a table.

Find the Right Type of Table Caster Wheels

Take note that not all furniture casters are the same. They come in different sizes, styles, and materials. More importantly, different types of casters can take on varying loads.

Here are three basic things to keep in mind when shopping for table wheels:

  • The number of casters needed
  • The size of the caster wheel
  • The maximum load or weight the casters need to support

Table casters with 3-inch diameter wheels can typically support around 125 lbs of weight each, for a total of 600 lbs for a four-legged table. Meanwhile, 4-inch caster wheels can usually support a total of 700 lbs for a regular table.

It is also important to look for casters that have a brake or wheel lock. In general, it is best to choose locking casters to help stabilize the table when it is being used. Make sure not to mistakenly purchase and install a lockless table wheel to avoid accidents when using the table.

Additionally, make sure to consider where the table would be used or the type of floor surface it would be placed in. This may also include whether the environment would be dry, wet, or oily.

An industrial table or workbench is more likely to be placed in rooms with rougher floors. Meanwhile, tables for inside homes need to have casters that will not scratch wood or linoleum floors.

The type of casters can also affect how easy the installation or attachment process would be. Plate mount casters are often easier than stem casters. When using plate casters, make sure the attachment plates are smaller than the area of the table legs.

Preparing for the Installation

Attaching casters to a table requires a certain amount of work. Make sure to prepare the following materials and tools to make the process easier and prevent accidents.

  • Blanket, large towel, or carpet
  • Pencil
  • Power drill
  • Dust mask
  • Safety gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Clamps, optional
  • Hammer, optional
  • Bolts, nuts, screws, and washers

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Attach Casters to a Wood Table

Here is our quick and simple step-by-step guide on how to attach casters to a wood table:

  1. Turn the table upside down or on its side to get full access to the caster wheels. Place the table on the blanket, towel, or carpet to avoid scratches on the surface.
  2. For plate mount casters, center one of the plates on the bottom of the legs. Mark the position of the holes for the screws or bolt.
  3. Make sure to have your dust mask, safety glasses, and safety gloves on before using a power drill.

For Plate Mounted Table Casters

  1. To avoid potentially cracking or chipping the leg, use a drill bit with a smaller diameter than the screws to make a hole. Make sure the depth of the hole matches the screws to be used.
  2. If the plate mount casters use bolt screws, use a drill bit the same size as the bolts to drill a hole. Again, make sure the depth of the hole matches that of the bolts.
  3. Once the holes are complete, position the caster wheels. Use a clamp if necessary to keep it in place.
  4. Make sure the screw is straight before using a power drill to screw it in place.
  5. For bolt screws, remember to insert the bolt into a washer first. Use a wrench, spanner, or similar tool to screw the bolt into place.
  6. Repeat this for the rest of the table legs.

For Stem Caster Wheels

  1. If the caster wheel has a stem rather than a plate mount, use a pencil to mark the center of the table leg.
  2. Drill a hole that has the same diameter and depth as the stem of the table wheels.
  3. If the caster wheelset comes with sockets or sleeves, the hole drilled should match the sleeve’s diameter but be 1/4 inch longer than the length.
  4. Place the socket or sleeve into the hole. Gently hammer it in if necessary.
  5. Firmly push the stem casters into the hole or sleeve.
  6. Repeat for the remaining table legs.

Regardless of which type of caster or method is used to attach the table wheels, always make sure to test it first and see if the table is level.

More Wheels, More Functionality

Improving table functionality, utilization, and convenience can help draw in more interested buyers. Anyone who finds their kitchen work table or study desk useful will find it even more so when it has locking table wheels.

For more assistance on how to attach casters to a table or questions about the best table casters for your project, send us a message or call LINCO at 866-306-9566.