Runners and drawer boxes

In short

1. 01Ball-bearing runners go on the sides of the drawer box. They show when the drawer is open and need a side gap between the box and the side panel.
2. 02Concealed runners are under the drawer bottom. They are not visible, and they usually have full extension and soft close.
3. 03A box system has metal sides that come with the runner. Only the bottom and back are made from board, and the manufacturer's formula gives their sizes.
4. 04The runner length is its nominal length (NL). Choose the longest one that fits the inside depth of the cabinet.
5. 05A back in a groove reduces the inside depth, so a 580 mm cabinet with a lay-on back gets a 550 mm runner, and with a grooved back a 500 mm one.
6. 06Load capacity and extension are given in the catalogue. Drawers for pots and plates take a stronger version.
7. 07The runner holes in the side panel start 37 mm from the front edge, then follow the spacing from the catalogue, e.g. 128 mm.