Kitchen Drawer Runners

There are a number of different types of kitchen drawer runners that you can consider in New Zealand.

These are the most popular slides. They have a ball bearing at the bottom of each channel, allowing them to open and close smoothly. Drawer rollers are another option where a roller mechanism suits the cabinet and drawer construction. Drawer rails guide the movement of the drawer, while a drawer track roller suits systems designed around a roller mechanism.

Soft-close slides are similar to regular slides for drawers but have a soft-close mechanism, making them easier to open and close.

Under-mount slides are very common because they provide you with more storage space by hiding your kitchen cabinet underneath another drawer when not in use.

High-quality kitchen slides are important to prioritise for a number of reasons over inferior models. First, they'll be designed and engineered with absolute precision to help keep your drawers from getting stuck even after continual use over a long period of time. Lesser models using subpar parts and components can degrade quickly, which can lead to problems like rust and corrosion. High-quality runners also tend to be much smoother and quieter for much the same reasons. They are typically supplied by reputable manufacturers and professionals who will offer you excellent support from the time of your purchase and beyond. For heavier-duty applications, industrial drawer slides may be suitable when their load rating and dimensions match the cabinet.

The first thing to do before choosing a kitchen drawer runner is to make sure you have enough space for it. Each version will have its own size and design specifications so you want to be sure the essentials are measured correctly. Providing you’re already prioritising quality for the reasons just discussed, you’ll then want to then be sure about the method of installation and whether you’ll be able to do it or if you’ll require professional help. Some slides come with their own hardware, so they can be mounted into place easily without using screws or nails. This obviously saves you time and money, however, it’s never usually a very time-consuming job for a professional so costs won’t be too high.