Many pieces of furniture come with drawers; these make it easy to store all sorts of items with the quick pull of a handle. You may have noticed that while some drawers slide smoothly, others need a good tug. Some fall right out if you pull too far, while others stop before coming the whole way out. This is because of the type of drawer runners, or slides, used.
At Coastwood Furniture, we use several different types of drawer runners.
While each range has a certain type of runner as standard, most can be upgraded on request.
Products will state their standard drawer runner type in the product description, but you can find out below how they work, how to remove drawers if needed, and what upgrade options are available.
Wood-on-Wood Drawer Runners
Wood-on-wood runners are where the drawer slides in and out along timber supports, with no metal involved. This is the traditional runner type and has been used for generations. They come as standard on most of our traditional ranges and feature traditional English dovetail joints.
This joint is formed by interlocking wedge-shaped pieces that hold the drawer sides tightly together, creating a very strong and damage-resistant joint. It also adds an aesthetic benefit, as the attractive dovetail joinery is visible without the intrusion of metal hardware.
While these drawer runners are very strong and can generally support heavier loads than metal runners, they will wear down over time. Because there is no built-in stop, the drawer can be pulled right out and will fall if not held once extended too far. Wood-on-wood runners can also be affected by climatic changes, as timber may swell or warp in humid conditions, which can cause drawers to stick.
Ranges that come with wood-on-wood runners as standard include Charlton, Ferngrove, Marsden, Metro, Mill-Yard, Nordic, Villager, Waihi.
Upgrade options:
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Double extension runners -$70 per drawer
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Soft close runners -$92 per drawer
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Push-to-open runners -$98 per drawer
Standard Metal Drawer Runners
Metal drawer runners are attached to the sides of the drawers and allow for a smooth gliding motion. While they have a slightly lower weight capacity than wood runners, they can still support fairly heavy loads and generally wear out less quickly.
Drawers with standard metal runners extend approximately three quarters of the way out before stopping. This prevents them from falling out, but does not allow full visibility or access to the back of the drawer.
Ranges that come with metal runners as standard include Adventure, Andorra, Brook, Cairo, Calais, Chicago, Hudson, Karamea - Pine, Lynbrook, Mabel, McKenzie - Pine, Moana, Northville, Portland, Veniece, Verve.
Upgrade options:
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Double extension runners -$15 per drawer
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Soft close runners -$30 per drawer
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Push-to-open runners -$35 per drawer
Double Extension Drawer Runners
Drawers with double extension runners have metal ball bearing slides mounted on the drawer sides, providing excellent support for heavier loads. With a gentle pull, these drawers slide in and out smoothly and are quieter than standard metal runners.
The double extension feature means the drawer can be fully extended without falling out, allowing easy access to the full depth of the drawer.
Ranges that come with double-extension runners as standard include Alto, Andes, Asher, Barclay, Bayswater, Bruno*, Fenton, Ivydale, Karamea - Ash, La Resta, Larry, Maison, Marlborough, McKenzie - Ash, Naseby - Pine, Neo, Ohope*, Plyhome, Reva, Rhea, Sleepneat, Tillsdale.
*excluding coffee tables and hall tables.
Upgrade options:
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Soft close runners - $23 per drawer
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Push-to-open runners -$40 per drawer
Soft-Close Drawer Runners
Soft-close drawer runners are based on double-extension runners, meaning the drawer can still be fully extended for complete access to the back.
The soft-close feature is an added mechanism that engages during the final part of the closing motion. Once the drawer is pushed most of the way in, the runner gently pulls it closed, preventing slamming and reducing wear and tear over time.
These come as standard on the Fawn range and the Naseby (Ash).
Upgrade options:
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Push-to-open runners - $15 per drawer
Push-to-Open Drawer Runners
Push-to-open drawer runners are also based on double-extension runners, allowing the drawer to fully extend while remaining securely supported.
The push-to-open mechanism is an added feature that allows the drawer to open with a light press on the drawer front. This removes the need for handles and creates a clean, modern appearance. To close, simply push the drawer shut as normal.
These come as standard on the Elm range.
How to Remove Drawers with Different Runner Types
If you need to remove the drawers from your unit, the method varies slightly depending on the runner type.
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For wood-on-wood runners, simply pull the drawer straight out.
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For metal runner types, the process is slightly different. First, remove the drawer contents to reduce weight and prevent items from falling out.
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For standard metal runners, open the drawer fully. Hold both sides near the back, lift slightly and pull towards you to remove.
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For double extension runners, open the drawer fully and locate the push levers on each side of the runners. Press the levers up or down while pulling the drawer out.
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To reinstall, line the drawer up with the runners and slide it back into place.
