How to Add Rollers to a Bookcase

Adding casters to your bookshelf allows you to move it with ease.

A bookcase, no matter how big or small, is a versatile piece of furniture that acts as both storage for books and as a display piece. Once weighted down with your heavy items, however, a bookcase can be nearly impossible to move without completely unloading it, which is laborious and time-consuming. Adding rollers to the bottom of your bookcase is a simple solution. They are inexpensive, simple and quick to install, and allow you to easily move your bookcase with a quick push whenever the need arises.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Bookcase
• 4 lockable casters
• Pencil
• Screws
• Washers
• Drill
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Empty your bookcase and turn it upside down. Measure the bottom of your bookcase -- some bookcases have bottom-securing pieces of wood that you will be securing your casters to. Measure these pieces to ensure you buy casters that won't be too big for these pieces.

2. Purchase casters that are the correct size for your bookcase, and, if they don't come with screws and washers, purchase enough screws and washers to secure each caster. Most casters require four screws and washers each. Look at the package your casters came in to identify the size you need.

3. Place each caster where it will go on the bottom of your bookcase. Make a mark in each screw hole in each caster with a pencil so you can easily pre-drill your holes.

4. Attach the smallest size drill bit that will work with your screws and attach it to your drill. Pre-drill pilot holes about ½ inch down on all of your pencil marks.

5. Place your casters over your drilled holes and attach the washers and screws. Drill one screw in loosely, and then drill in the screw resting diagonally to that screw. Drill the remaining screws loosely. Tighten down all the screws. Repeat with the remaining casters.

6. Hand-tighten all of your screws with the screwdriver. Carefully turn the bookcase over and move it to the area where you want it. Lock the wheels. Put all of the contents back into your bookcase. To move the bookcase, unlock the wheels and push the bookcase. Depending on how large and heavy the bookcase is, you may need two people to move it.

References

• Design Sponge; Before and After: Let the Good Times Roll; January 2011
• Apartment Therapy: How to Put Wheels on an Ottoman