What is a Lazy Susan turntable bearing?
A Lazy Susan turntable bearing is a flat, low-profile bearing that lets one surface rotate smoothly on top of another through a full 360°. It takes its name from the “Lazy Susan”, the rotating serving tray used on dining tables, but the bearings are used in many types of rotating furniture, displays, and DIY projects. It works on a similar principle to a thrust bearing. It is designed mainly to support loads pressing down from above, rather than side loads.
A typical turntable bearing consists of:
- A bottom plate or ring, which is fixed to the base
- A top plate or ring, which is fixed to the rotating surface
- Steel balls running in a track between the two plates or rings
Most are supplied lubricated and ready to fit.
They come in two main forms:
- Square turntable bearings, made from two pressed steel plates held together around a ring of balls
- Round turntable bearings, made from two rings, commonly aluminium or steel, with an open centre
Most are thin, so the rotating surface sits only slightly above the base; pre-drilled holes in each plate allow the bearing to be screwed to both the base and the rotating top.
Why are Lazy Susan turntable bearings essential?
They provide smooth, easy rotation for items that would otherwise be awkward to reach, turn, or view. They make storage more accessible. In corner cupboards and pantries, for example, a turntable brings items at the back around to the front. Their low profile means they can be added to furniture and projects without adding much height. They can be installed with basic tools, which makes them popular for DIY and woodworking as well as commercial furniture. They are inexpensive and widely available in a range of sizes and load ratings.
Typical applications include:
- Serving trays and dining table centrepieces
- Kitchen cupboard carousels, spice racks and pantry organisers
- Rotating TV and monitor stands
- Shop and exhibition display stands
- Cake decorating turntables
- Photography and product display turntables
- Rotating bookcases and storage units
- Craft, modelling and painting stands
- Plant pot stands
- Board game tables
- Rotating workbench tops and tool stands
The main types of Lazy Susan turntable bearings
- Square pressed steel turntable bearings - these are the most common type, made from two square steel plates with a ring of balls between them; they are usually zinc-plated or galvanised to help resist corrosion. They are widely sold in sizes from around 3 inches up to around 12 inches square. They suit serving trays, small displays, kitchen organisers, and general DIY projects.
- Round aluminium turntable bearings - these are made from two aluminium rings with steel balls running between them. They are widely available in a wide range of diameters, including larger sizes suitable for big tables and displays. Their open centre can be used to route cables, which makes them useful for TV stands and lit displays.
- Round steel turntable bearings - these are similar in layout to aluminium versions but made from steel, and are generally used for heavier-duty applications.
- Stainless steel turntable bearings - these offer better corrosion resistance than plated steel, which makes them better suited to outdoor, damp, or humid environments.
- Heavy-duty designs - some heavy-duty turntable bearings use larger balls, thicker material, or more than one row of balls to increase load capacity and stability.
- Plastic turntable bearings - some light-duty turntables are made partly or wholly from plastic. These suit light loads only.
- Swivel plates for seating - these look similar but are designed and rated for chairs and stools, which put sudden and off-centre loads on the bearing. Use a swivel plate rated for seating, rather than a standard Lazy Susan bearing, for anything people will sit on.
- Heavy industrial alternatives - for very large or heavy loads, such as cranes, excavators and industrial machinery, slewing rings are used instead. These are a separate, heavy-duty bearing type that often has gear teeth built in.
How to choose the right Lazy Susan turntable bearing?
- Load capacity - check the load rating, and include the weight of the rotating top as well as everything that will sit on it. Load ratings are set by each manufacturer and are not standardised, so compare the stated figures for the specific products you are considering. Weight placed near the edge of a large top creates leverage on one side of the bearing, so keep heavy items centred and allow a safety margin, especially for valuable items such as televisions.
- Size - a larger bearing supports the top further from the centre, which improves stability and reduces wobble and tipping. A very small bearing under a large top is more likely to tilt when weight is placed near the edge.
- Shape - square bearings are compact, inexpensive, and easy to fit to small and medium projects; round bearings suit larger tops and projects that need an open centre.
- Height - check the overall thickness if space is limited, for example inside a cupboard.
- Material and finish - zinc-plated or galvanised steel suits most indoor uses; stainless steel or aluminium is better suited to outdoor, damp or humid environments.
- Mounting - check the positions of the mounting holes and the manufacturer’s fitting instructions. Use screws of the correct length so they don’t pass through the top surface or catch on the moving parts of the bearing.
- Special requirements - choose a round bearing with an open centre if cables need to pass through. Choose a rated swivel plate for any form of seating.
Essential references and specialised ranges
Common square sizes, described by the length of a side:
- 3 inch (approximately 76mm)
- 4 inch (approximately 102mm)
- 6 inch (approximately 152mm)
- 9 inch (approximately 229mm)
- 12 inch (approximately 305mm)
Round sizes, described by outer diameter, are available in a wide range, from small diameters for trays and displays to large diameters for tables and heavy-duty displays.
Load ratings - these vary considerably between manufacturers and products. Always use the rating given for the exact product.
Specialised ranges:
- Heavy-duty round bearings - for large tables, workbenches and commercial displays
- Stainless steel bearings - for outdoor and wet environments
- Open-centre round bearings - for TV stands and cable routing
- Swivel plates - rated for chairs and stools
- Complete turntable kits with a ready-made top - for cupboards, spice racks and serving platters
FAQ - All you need to know about Lazy Susan turntable bearings
How do I fit a square Lazy Susan bearing?
A common method is to screw one plate of the bearing to the base, then drill an access hole through the base. You then rotate the top until each mounting hole in the other plate lines up with the access hole, and screw up through it into the rotating top. Centre the bearing accurately on both the base and the top to avoid wobble.
Why does my Lazy Susan wobble?
Common causes include:
- A bearing that is too small for the size of the top
- An off-centre fitting
- A base or top that is not flat
- Loose screws
- A damaged bearing
Can I lubricate a Lazy Susan bearing?
Yes, a small amount of light grease or a suitable lubricant can help restore smooth running. Use it sparingly, especially in kitchens and on serving trays, and choose a food-safe lubricant for anything near food.
How can I stop my Lazy Susan from turning when I don’t want it to?
You can add a simple stop, catch, or friction pad to the design.
What does the load rating mean?
It is the maximum weight the manufacturer states the bearing can support. Weight placed near the edge of the top puts extra stress on one side of the bearing, so keep loads centred where possible and stay well within the rating.
