Drawer runners play a pivotal role in furniture design, providing reliable movement for drawers and great for anyone involved in furniture manufacturing.

What are Drawer Runners?

Drawer Runners, also known as drawer slides, are hardware components used to facilitate the smooth and controlled movement of drawers in furniture, cabinets, and other storage units. They provide the necessary support and guidance for the drawer to open and close smoothly without getting stuck. Drawer runners typically consist of two main components: the outer or stationary member, which is mounted on the cabinet or furniture frame, and the inner or moving member, which is attached to the drawer itself. The inner member slides within the outer member, allowing the drawer to extend or retract.

What Types of drawer runners are there?

• Side-mount runners: These are commonly used and feature two parts—one side is attached to the drawer's side, while the other side is mounted on the cabinet. They allow the drawer to be fully extended out of the cabinet.
• Undermount runners: These runners are installed underneath the drawer, providing a clean and hidden appearance. They offer smooth and quiet operation and are often used for high-end cabinetry.
• Centre-mount runners: These slides are mounted on the centre bottom of the drawer and the centre of the cabinet's opening. They are less common and generally used for lighter drawers or furniture pieces.
• European runners: These slides are commonly used in European-style cabinets. They are mounted on the sides of the drawer and cabinet and provide full extension and easy removal of the drawer.

Drawer runners can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminium, or plastic, and their quality and features can vary. When selecting drawer runners factors such as the intended load capacity, desired extension range, and overall quality should be considered to ensure optimal performance and durability.

What is soft closing?

Soft closing refers to a mechanism that slows down and gently closes a drawer, cabinet door, or any other type of furniture component. It is designed to prevent the item from slamming shut when pushed or closed quickly. Soft closing mechanisms are commonly used in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and other furniture pieces. The soft closing mechanism typically consists of a hydraulic or pneumatic device installed within the drawer slides or hinges. When the drawer or door is pushed to close, the mechanism engages and controls the closing speed, gradually slowing down the movement and bringing the item to a gentle and silent close.