How to Choose Furniture Castors: Wheel Size, Mounting and Brakes

Furniture castors can make a cabinet, storage unit or small trolley easier to reposition, but matching the wheel diameter alone is not enough. The mounting, finished height, brake arrangement and intended load all need to suit the furniture. Use these checks before ordering replacements or planning a new project.

1. Measure wheel diameter and overall height separately

Wheel diameter is the size of the wheel itself. Overall height is the distance from the mounting surface to the floor. Two castors with the same wheel diameter can raise a cabinet by different amounts because their brackets and fittings differ.

For example, the GTV STRADA 60mm models listed in our shop have a 60mm wheel diameter and a 92.5mm overall height. A 60mm wheel therefore does not mean the furniture will stand only 60mm higher. Check clearance under worktops, doors and shelves, and allow space for the castor to swivel.

If replacing an existing set, measure an undamaged castor rather than estimating from a photograph. Keep the furniture level by checking the installed height of every replacement.

2. Match the mounting plate and fixing holes

Look underneath the furniture before choosing a castor. Identify whether it uses a flat plate, a threaded stem or another fitting. These mountings are not interchangeable simply because the wheels look similar.

For a plate-mounted replacement, record the outside plate dimensions, the distance between fixing-hole centres and the hole diameter. Also check the available flat mounting area and the condition of the furniture base.

GTV’s STRADA brochure specifies a 42 × 42mm mounting plate for the 60mm models. That is the outside plate size, not a confirmed fixing-hole spacing. Do not order on that measurement alone if you need to reuse existing holes. Confirm the hole pattern and suitable fixings before installation.

3. Choose a practical brake arrangement

Swivel castors let the wheels turn to change direction. A brake adds a way to restrain movement, but brake designs vary: a wheel brake and a total lock do not necessarily restrain the same parts. Check the specific mechanism rather than assuming that every brake also locks the swivel.

Our 60mm swivel castor listing offers models with or without a brake. Think about where the brake pedal will sit once fitted: you need to reach it without putting a hand beneath loaded furniture.

The set of four 60mm swivel castors offers four braked castors, four unbraked castors, or a mixed set containing two of each. Choose the arrangement to suit the furniture and its operating instructions; a mixed set is an option, not an automatic recommendation for every project.

4. Check the load and floor requirements

Include the furniture’s own weight and its contents when assessing the load. Use the manufacturer’s rating for the exact castor and application. Do not assume that multiplying one wheel’s rating by four proves that an assembled trolley is suitable for that load: uneven floors and uneven weight distribution also matter.

Consider the route as well as the room. Joints, thresholds and tight turns affect the choice, while wheel material must suit the floor. A claim that a castor suits an indoor floor does not guarantee that it cannot mark a delicate finish. Check compatibility and keep wheels and floors free of trapped grit.

TENTE’s general selection guidance highlights mounting dimensions, wheel size, load, brakes and operating conditions as separate checks. Use it as a selection checklist; it does not certify a different manufacturer’s product.

5. Confirm the pack quantity and selected option

Check the quantity included in the exact listing and the model selected before adding it to your basket. A product title containing “wheels” does not by itself tell you whether you are buying one castor or a complete set.

The set-of-four listing explicitly states four castors. Its mixed option is labelled “MIX – 2 OF EACH”. After selecting a model, check the displayed price, availability and image; do not rely on the first photograph to describe every option.

Before you order

Have the wheel diameter, overall height, mounting type, plate dimensions and fixing-hole measurements ready. Confirm the load requirements, floor suitability, brake access and pack contents. If a critical measurement is missing, ask before ordering rather than drilling new holes on an assumption.

Browse our castor wheels category to compare the available listings, or return to Guides & Advice for more practical furniture-hardware buying guides.

Manufacturer reference: GTV STRADA brochure, page 7.