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Quick answer Which swivel casters you need depends on five factors: the weight the casters must carry, the floor type, the application, the mounting type and whether you need a brake. Use the formula total weight ÷ 3 for the load capacity per caster, and choose the wheel material based on your floor. This guide walks you through every choice step by step. |
In our webshop you will find all kinds of wheels and casters: swivel casters and rigid casters for platform trucks and carts, furniture casters and appliance casters, but also vintage retro design casters. But what exactly should you look for when buying them? There are so many sizes, materials and mounting types that the wrong choice quickly leads to damaged floors or a cart that rolls far too heavily. With this complete buying guide, you can be sure you always choose the right swivel caster for your situation.
Step 1: Calculate the required load capacity
Load capacity is the most important technical choice. A caster that is overloaded wears out quickly, rolls heavily and can even become dangerous.
Formula: (weight of the object + maximum load) ÷ 3 = minimum load capacity per caster
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Why divide by 3? On uneven floors or with unevenly distributed loads, one wheel regularly lifts off the floor. The weight then temporarily rests on the other three wheels. This is called peak load. By calculating with 3, you build in a safety margin. |
Calculation example Roll container weighing 50 kg with a maximum load of 250 kg = 300 kg total. |
Want to select your casters easily based on load capacity? Then view our swivel casters sorted by load capacity.
Step 2: Choose the wheel material based on your floor and application
The floor you roll on and the way you use the object determine which material works best. The wrong combination leads to marks, scratches or rapid wear.
| Material | Suitable for | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Concrete, tiles, hard work floors | Hard, wear-resistant, low rolling resistance, high load capacity |
| TPR | Laminate, parquet, wooden floors, furniture | Soft, scratch-free and non-marking. Protects sensitive floors |
| Rubber | Outdoor areas, industrial applications, carts | Shock-absorbing and wear-resistant — note: black rubber can leave marks on light floors |
| PU (polyurethane) | Resin floors, epoxy floors, appliances and carts | Combines high load capacity with cushioning — non-marking |
| Elastic rubber | Uneven floors, outdoor areas, paving stones | Absorbs shocks, high rolling comfort — suitable for intensive use |
| Hard wheels (nylon/PP) | Carpet, floor covering | Roll more easily through carpet fibres than soft wheels |
Looking for advice for specific applications such as furniture casters, stainless steel casters for catering or outdoor use, or vintage retro wheels for a characterful look? Then take a look at our application pages.
Step 3: Determine diameter and overall height
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Wheel diameter The larger the wheel, the smoother it rolls and the more easily it passes thresholds and uneven surfaces. Small wheels (40–65 mm) are compact for light furniture. Large wheels (100–200 mm) are suitable for transport carts and heavy loads. |
Overall height Overall height is the total height of the wheel plus the mounting. Check whether this fits within the available space under your object. You can find more explanation in our blog What is the overall height of a swivel caster? |
Step 4: Choose the right mounting type
The mounting method determines how securely the caster is attached. The material you mount to and the weight it must carry are the deciding factors here.
| Mounting | How it works | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Stem | The caster clicks or screws into the leg by means of a stem | Chairs, tables, furniture with an existing socket |
| Bolt hole | Mounted using one central bolt from below. Also suitable for steel tube or scaffold tube via expanders | Medium-duty applications, tube constructions, scaffolding |
| Top plate | Mounting plate with 4 holes, screwed to the underside. On wood with coach screws, on steel with hex bolts or socket head bolts | Heavy workbenches, transport carts, industrial applications |
Not sure which mounting type you need? Read our blog Which mounting type do I need? for a detailed explanation for each situation.
Step 5: Brake, stainless steel or other extra features?
- → Brake: prevents a cart, table or roll container from moving during use or loading. View our swivel casters with brake.
- → Stainless steel fork: corrosion-resistant, ideal for damp environments, outdoor use or the food industry. More explanation in our blog When should you choose a stainless steel swivel caster?
- → Twin wheel: distributes the weight over two wheels in one fork — higher load capacity and more stable rolling.
- → Vintage retro: want to give your furniture an antique look? Then view our vintage retro furniture casters.
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✓ Complete selection checklist 1. Load capacity: total weight ÷ 3 = minimum per caster 2. Material: soft wheel on hard floor, hard wheel on soft floor 3. Diameter: larger = smoother rolling and better over thresholds 4. Mounting: stem (furniture), bolt hole (medium-duty), top plate (heavy-duty) 5. Extra features: brake, stainless steel fork or twin wheel where needed |
Tip: Swivel caster, rigid caster or a combination?
Once you know which casters you need, it is also wise to decide how you want to configure them. A rigid caster is fixed and only rolls straight ahead. A swivel caster rotates 360 degrees and is therefore much more manoeuvrable. In most situations, you combine both types.
| Configuration | Benefit | Please note |
|---|---|---|
| 4 swivel casters | Maximum manoeuvrability, short turning circle. Ideal for small spaces | Can “float” at higher speed, sometimes two people are needed to keep it straight |
| 2 rigid casters + 2 swivel casters | Stable straight-line rolling and good manoeuvrability. The most commonly used combination | Larger turning circle than 4 swivel casters, comparable to a car |
| 4 rigid casters | Maximum stability in straight-line movement | Cannot turn, only suitable if you never change direction |
Frequently asked questions about choosing swivel casters
Which swivel casters should I use?
That depends on four factors: the weight the casters must carry, the floor type, the application and the mounting type. Use the formula total weight ÷ 3 for the load capacity per caster, and choose TPR or rubber for delicate floors and nylon or PU for hard or industrial floors.
How do you determine the right size swivel casters?
The size consists of two things: wheel diameter and overall height. A larger diameter rolls more smoothly and handles thresholds more easily. The overall height, wheel plus mounting, determines whether the caster fits under your object. Always measure the available space before ordering.
How much weight can a swivel caster carry?
That varies by type: light furniture casters carry 20–50 kg each, medium-duty swivel casters 100–300 kg and heavy-duty casters up to 1,500 kg or more. The stated load capacity is always the dynamic load capacity, meaning the weight during movement.
How many swivel casters do I need?
For most applications, 4 casters are sufficient. The most common configuration is 2 rigid casters at the back and 2 swivel casters at the front. For load capacity calculations, always calculate with 3 instead of 4 casters, because on uneven surfaces one caster can temporarily lose contact with the floor.
How do you calculate the load capacity per swivel caster?
Add the weight of the object and the maximum load together and divide this by 3. A roll container of 50 kg with a 250 kg load = 300 kg total, so at least 100 kg load capacity per caster. Choose slightly more capacity for a longer service life.
Which wheels are suitable for heavy loads?
For heavy transport, choose nylon or PU wheels. Both offer a high load capacity and low rolling resistance. For very heavy loads (500 kg per wheel or more), choose heavy-duty casters with a twin fork or reinforced swivel head. View our range of swivel casters by load capacity.
Which swivel casters do I need for my furniture?
For furniture on laminate or parquet, choose casters with a soft TPR tread: scratch-free, non-marking and quiet. Are your furniture pieces standing on carpet? Then a harder wheel is better, because it rolls more easily through the fibres.
Which swivel caster is suitable for outdoor use?
Choose elastic rubber for maximum shock absorption on paving, gravel or uneven ground. In damp environments or in the food industry, a stainless steel fork is recommended. More explanation can be found in our blog When should you choose a stainless steel swivel caster?
Can I get advice from Logihub about the right casters?
Absolutely. Use our online selection tool to filter directly by load capacity, diameter, material and mounting. Still unsure? Our specialists are happy to help by phone, email or chat.
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Ready to choose the right caster? View our full range of swivel casters and rigid casters, or use the selection tool to filter directly for your situation. Swivel casters Fixed casters Product finder |