When shopping for casters, you should consider the type of flooring on which you intend to roll them. Different types of flooring require different types of casters. For soft floors, nylon casters are an excellent choice. Consisting of thermoplastic polymer, they are hard, durable and long-lasting. For hardwood floors, though, you may want to avoid nylon casters and, instead, choose casters made of an alternative material.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Casters for Hardwood Floors
Neglecting to choose the right casters could result in damage to hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are made of real wood. Some of them are made of oak, whereas others are made of maple, cherry or mahogany. Regardless, they are all made of planks of real wood.
Real wood, of course, is hard. But that doesn’t mean it’s immune to damage. When exposed to concentrated weight, it may develop dents. Hard casters can create concentrated weight that leads to dents such as this. As you roll hard casters on hardwood floors, they may leave behind permanent dents. You can still use casters on hardwood floors, but you’ll need to choose the right type.
Polyurethane Casters
You can rest assured knowing that polyurethane casters won’t damage hardwood floors. Polyurethane is a soft plastic-like polymer. It won’t scratch, dent or otherwise damage hardwood floors. With its soft properties, polyurethane is safe to use on all types of flooring, including hardwood.
Some casters are made entirely of polyurethane. Other casters consist of hard core, such as nylon, that’s coated in polyurethane. Regardless, polyurethane casters are safe to use on hardwood floors.
Rubber Casters
In addition to polyurethane casters, rubber casters are safe and effective choice for hardwood floors. Rubber shares many of the same properties as polyurethane. They are both polymers, and they are both soft.
If you’re worried about scratches or dents on your hardwood floors, you may want to choose rubber casters. Rubber casters are soft. You can roll them on hardwood floors without creating scratches or dents. The soft properties of rubber will protect your hardwood floors from damage.
In Conclusion
For hardwood floors, you should avoid choosing casters made of a hard material. Nylon is a hard material, so it’s best to avoid choosing all-nylon casters. Instead, choose casters made of either polyurethane or rubber. Polyurethane and rubber are softer materials that are better suited for hardwood floors than nylon.
