What are the options for adding wheels or casters to the table for mobility?

Transforming a stationary table into a mobile workstation or a easily reconfigurable piece of furniture is a highly practical upgrade. The primary options for adding wheels or casters involve selecting the right hardware and installation method to suit your table's weight and intended use.

The most straightforward solution is using screw-in stem casters. These feature a metal post that inserts into a pre-drilled hole in the table leg. They are ideal for lighter-weight tables and offer a clean, installed look. For heavier tables, like industrial workbenches or large dining tables, plate-mounted casters are the superior choice. These casters have a flat metal plate that is securely bolted to the bottom of the table leg, providing a much larger surface area for attachment and significantly enhanced weight distribution and stability.

A critical decision is choosing between swivel and rigid casters. Swivel casters rotate 360 degrees, offering unparalleled maneuverability for navigating tight corners. Rigid (or fixed) casters only roll forward and backward, providing better stability for straight-line movement. A common and highly effective configuration is to use two swivel casters and two rigid casters, typically placing the rigid casters on one end to create a stable "steering" axis.

For a non-permanent, DIY-friendly option, consider a caster cup platform. This involves mounting your casters to a separate wooden or metal plate, which then sits directly under the table leg. This avoids drilling into the table itself and is perfect for rental situations or protecting valuable furniture. Always ensure the casters you select have a sufficient weight rating and feature locking mechanisms to prevent unwanted movement when the table is in use.