The Right Caster for Your Furniture

The right caster for your furniture not-only enhances appearance it also insures reliable mobility. Furniture Casters are reproduced in a variety of styles, sizes and materials. Many options are available, whether doing period restorations or simply updating vintage furniture. Adding quality nickel or brass caster wheels improves both appearance and mobility of chairs, tables, desks and more. Over the years brass casters have been used on many periods and styles of furniture.

Reproduction casters are designed and produced to support and move furniture. Paxton Hardware Casters are strong and dependable. When replacing or adding casters: proper fitting and mobility are the key considerations.

Paxton Hardware Casters are quality reproductions, strong, well made and designed specifically for furniture. They are very serviceable under normal conditions. As with all antique furniture casters they are made for occasional rolling. Industry testing has not been done on most reproduction wood, nickel, porcelain and brass casters as a result load bearing capacity is not available.

a selection of Antique Furniture Casters

Considerations when replacing or selecting furniture caster wheels:

There is a direct correlation between caster strength and correct installation. Caster Stems must fit snugly within furniture, with as little play as possible, and be properly attached.

Carefully measure furniture legs:

Overall furniture measurements and leg dimensions impact the size of caster wheels used. 

Individual Antique Furniture Caster Styles require specific measurements. More detailed information, is provided under an install tab, with each of our casters 

In general:

• Plate type brass casters require leg-base to be at least as big as plate
• Grip neck stem types require leg to be large enough to accommodate grip-sleeve
• Simple stem type porcelain and brass casters are the most slender option fitting most legs.
• Round or square cup casters require base of leg and dimensions of leg at top of cup

Understanding Antique Furniture Caster Wheel Components

Forks, bracket like mechanisms, attach to furniture, supporting caster wheels.

Forks typically corresponds to caster wheels: brass  if wheels are brass, nickel if the wheels are nickel. 

Wood caster wheels are normally supported by a steel stem.

Porcelain caster wheels use either brass or iron forks.

Choosing a Furniture Caster Wheel Style:

Plate Type Casters provide two methods of support:

1. Substantial threaded stem inserts into leg, preventing wobbling
2. Leg sits on circular mounting plate, attaches with wood screws 

Grip Neck 

Special Grip

• Insert special sleeve up into furniture leg
• Insert Caster Stem into sleeve, till snaps in place

Stem Casters 

• Substantial Stem threads up in to furniture leg
• Useful on thin, narrow legs

Cup Casters provide added support to furniture legs

• Available to fit square and round legs 
• Leg cups taper with top being larger than base 
• Fit leg snugly into cup for best support