Drawer Runners

Drawer runners are essential hardware components that enable the smooth, reliable, and quiet movement of drawers in all types of cabinetry and furniture.

Constructed from high-quality materials, these runners are strong, durable, and built to last, capable of supporting heavy loads. Many modern designs also offer advanced features, such as soft-closing or self-closing drawer runners, and are designed to be easy to install in minutes.

What are Drawer Slides?

Drawer slides, also known as drawer runners, are the mechanical components that allow drawers to open and close smoothly in cabinets and furniture. Their primary role is to support the weight of the drawer, ensure it moves in a straight and stable line without jamming, and provide easy access to the contents stored inside.

They are typically made from durable metals like steel or stainless steel, and are chosen based on the demands of the application.

How are Heavy-Duty Drawer Slides Different?

The main difference between standard and heavy-duty drawer slides is their weight capacity. While standard slides are suitable for light-duty applications like kitchen cutlery drawers and are often rated for loads up to 45 kg, heavy-duty runners are built to handle much greater stress.

Constructed from thicker gauge steel, they are designed for industrial, commercial, or vehicle storage, with maximum load ratings that can often exceed 45 kg and go up to 110 kg or more.

What Types of Drawer Runners are Available

Drawer runners are primarily categorised by their mounting position on the drawer and cabinet. Each type offers a different aesthetic and functional benefit and can be further distinguished by its material and special features.

Undermount Drawer Slides

Installed underneath the drawer for a clean, hidden aesthetic, undermount or bottom-mount slides offer exceptionally smooth and quiet movement and often include soft-close options. This makes these runners the premium choice for high-end cabinetry, custom furniture, and premium kitchen and bathroom installations.

Stainless Steel Drawer Slides

Made from stainless steel, these drawer slides are exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant, offering low maintenance and a long lifespan. Their rust resistance makes them essential for use in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, demanding commercial or industrial settings, and coastal environments.

Self-Closing Drawer Runners

These runners feature a mechanism that automatically pulls the drawer fully closed in the final few centimetres of travel, often with a soft-close option for quiet operation. They are ideal for office furniture and kitchen cabinets where convenience and ease of use are priorities for light to medium-duty drawers.

Side-Mount Drawer Runners

Attached to the sides of the drawer and cabinet, these runners are easy to install and provide strong support for a wide range of drawer sizes. They are a versatile workhorse, used in everything from standard kitchen cabinets and storage units to heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications.

Centre-Mount Runners

Using a single slide mounted under the centre of the drawer, this type provides stable movement while keeping the hardware hidden for a clean, minimalistic design. It is best suited for light-duty applications like desks and dressers, or any project with small drawers where aesthetic appeal is important.

European Drawer Runners

European drawer runners are high-precision side-mount slides known for their premium performance, often featuring full-extension and soft-close technology as standard. They are the preferred choice for luxury cabinetry and high-end custom furniture where quality engineering and precision are demanded.

Key Features and Materials of Drawer Runners and Slides

Beyond the mounting type, consider the runner's material and any special features. Drawer runners are commonly made from durable steel or stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance, with aluminium and plastic options also available for specific uses.

For a more premium experience, look for advanced features like soft-close technology, which prevents drawers from slamming shut by gently and quietly pulling them closed in the final few centimetres of travel.

How to Choose the Right Drawer Runners and Slides

Selecting the right drawer runners is crucial for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your furniture or cabinetry. To find the perfect match for your project, consider these four key factors.

• Weight Capacity: First, determine the total weight the drawer will need to support. Runners are rated as light-duty (up to 45 kg) for standard drawers, medium-duty, or heavy-duty (45 kg to over 100 kg) for industrial storage or large tool drawers.
• Installation Type: Choose the mounting style that best suits your needs. Side-mount runners are a versatile and strong all-purpose option. Undermount runners provide a clean, hidden look for high-end cabinetry. Centre-mount runners are a simple choice for light-duty furniture.
• Material Choice: The material affects durability and corrosion resistance. Standard zinc-plated steel is a cost-effective choice for most indoor applications. For high-humidity areas like kitchens or in coastal environments, stainless steel is essential for preventing rust. Aluminium can be a lightweight alternative for specific uses.
• Additional Features: Consider features that enhance usability. Soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming for a quiet, refined operation, making them popular in kitchens. Self-closing runners ensure the drawer pulls itself fully shut, adding convenience to office and commercial furniture.

Applications for Drawer Slides

Different environments and types of furniture place unique demands on drawer runners. Selecting a slide that is specifically suited to the application is key to ensuring long-term performance and user satisfaction.

• Kitchen Cabinets and High-End Furniture: For modern kitchens, soft-close and undermount runners are the preferred choice for their quiet, smooth operation and hidden aesthetic. In high-humidity environments like kitchens and bathrooms, stainless steel runners provide essential corrosion resistance.
• Office and Commercial Furniture: Standard office furniture like filing cabinets and desks typically uses reliable side-mount runners for their strength and durability. For lighter-duty drawers, such as those in pedestals or stationery cupboards, centre-mount slides can be a simple, cost-effective solution.
• Industrial and Vehicle Storage: Heavy-duty drawer runners are essential for industrial applications. They are used in tool chests, workshop cabinets, and vehicle storage systems where a high weight capacity is required to safely support heavy tools and components.

Your Trusted Drawer Slides Supplier & Manufacturer in Australia

Find the perfect drawer runners for your furniture or cabinetry project at RS Australia. As a leading supplier of mechanical components and hardware, we stock a comprehensive range of drawer slides from manufacturers like Accuride, Pinet, and our own RS PRO range. Explore our full online catalogue to find the ideal drawer runners, cabinet handles, and industrial storage drawers, to complete any furniture or storage project.

Purchasing your hardware components from RS is a simple and reliable process. Simply find the items you need, add them to your basket, and follow the instructions on our secure online checkout to finalise your order. We have a variety of payment options available to suit your needs. For complete details on shipping, delivery schedules, and our service coverage in Australia, please visit our dedicated Delivery Information page.