Front Extension as an Alternative to Blum Movento — Compatible & Fitting

An undermount slide with a front extension supports the drawer invisibly from below and enables precise gap alignment through 3D adjustment.

When the runner system on an existing piece of furniture needs replacing or a new build project is underway, fitters and joiners often look for an alternative to Blum Movento. A matching undermount runner must meet exact technical specifications in order to utilise the existing hole pattern and cabinet dimensions. Furnica offers compatible systems that act as replacements for Blum runners without requiring the entire drawer construction to be rebuilt.

What to Consider Regarding Undermount Slide Compatibility

To ensure that the new runner is suitable for Blum systems, the installation dimensions must be matched precisely. A direct replacement requires several technical parameters to align:

• Nominal length: The length of the runner (NL) must match the drawer depth. Standard lengths in furniture construction range from 250 mm - 750 mm. If you are replacing an existing system, measure the depth of the old runner. Suitable replacement sizes can be found under drawer runners 350 mm or drawer runners 400 mm.
• Hole pattern: The standard drilling pattern in the cabinet is based on System 32 in professional furniture making. The distance between drillings is exactly 32 mm, and the distance to the front edge is typically 37 mm. If the replacement runner uses this grid, the old drill holes can continue to be used.
• Load capacity: For wide front extensions, dynamic load capacity is crucial. Standard drawers manage with 30 kg, whilst deep pan drawers or provisions require runners rated at 40 kg to 50 kg.
• Extension type: A full-extension slide can be pulled 100% out of the cabinet, whereas a single-extension slide leaves part of the drawer inside the carcass. As an alternative to Movento, full-extension drawer runners are generally required to ensure full access to the storage space.

Matching Replacement Parts and Alternatives for Front Extensions

When selecting compatible components, everything depends on the specific application within the cabinet carcass. Not every runner is suitable for every front.

The undermount drawer runners from furnica are designed to be used as replacements for existing systems. They conceal the mechanism completely, as the runner sits beneath the drawer base.

Soft-Close Damping and Opening Mechanisms

An integrated furniture damper (soft-close) decelerates the drawer over the final few centimetres and pulls it gently shut. This is the functional equivalent to systems such as Blumotion. Matching models can be found in the drawer runners with soft-close section. The damper acts like a shock absorber on a vehicle chassis, translating abrupt impacts into a smooth, controlled motion.

If the front is to be opened entirely without a handle, a system with push-to-open is required. In this case, a spring mechanism pushes the drawer open after a light touch on the front. Important for planning: soft-close and push-to-open are opposing mechanisms and cannot be combined in a single component on standard runners. If you are planning a handleless kitchen, you will need push-to-open drawer runners.

Widths for Kitchen Cabinets and Waste Bins

Carcass widths are standardised, particularly for sink units or waste sorting systems. If you are planning a built-in waste bin, the front extension must be able to support high point loads. For narrow gaps, a kitchen cabinet pull-out 40 cm is ideal. For wider waste separation systems with multiple bins, a kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm is typically used. For exceptionally heavy loads, heavy-duty drawer runners should also be fitted.

Hinges and Door Dampers for Kitchen Cabinets

Alongside pull-outs, concealed hinges (cup hinges) often need replacing during a kitchen refurbishment. A cup hinge connects the cabinet door to the carcass. The standard cup drilling diameter is 35 mm.

If a hinge needs to be compatible with existing drill holes, pay attention to the mounting type:

• Full overlay: The door rests fully over the carcass side edge when closed.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a central partition wall. The door covers only half the edge.
• Inset: The door sits flush inside the cabinet carcass.

A furniture damper for doors can either be integrated into the hinge arm or clipped onto the cruciform mounting plate as an add-on component. Anyone looking for a replacement for defective hinge dampers can fit complete hinges with integrated soft-close as an alternative to Blum models, provided the 35 mm cup diameter and the opening angle (usually 110°) match.

Installation and Retrofitting a Front Extension

Replacing or installing a compatible runner requires precision. Accurate installation determines the durability of the soft-close mechanism and the smooth running of the rollers.

Required tools:

• Cordless screwdriver
• Drill bit (5 mm for Euro screws)
• Tape measure and pencil
• Set square

Installation steps:

1. Removal: Loosen the old runners. If the new runners are being used as an alternative to Blum, check whether the existing 5 mm drill holes in System 32 can be reused.
2. Positioning: Position the carcass runner against the side panel. The setback from the front edge of the carcass is typically 37 mm for undermount runners.
3. Fixing: Secure the runner using Euro screws (6.3 x 13 mm) into the pre-drilled holes. Alternatively, use chipboard screws (drive PZ or TX, Ø 4 mm) if no system drillings exist.
4. Clutch mounting: Screw the locking devices (front locking clips) to the underside of the drawer base on the left and right, flush with the front. Note: the old Blum clips must be removed and replaced with the furnica locking devices.
5. Attachment and adjustment: Place the drawer onto the runners and slide it in until it audibly clicks into place. Using the 3D adjustment on the locking clip, the gap alignment (height, side, and tilt) can be adjusted in millimetre increments.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Compatibility

Can I replace a defective soft-close damper individually? On many modern undermount slides, the damping unit is permanently riveted into the carcass runner. If this is defective, the entire runner must be replaced. Clip-on dampers are primarily available for concealed hinges, not for drawer runner profiles.

What is the difference between soft-close and push-to-open? Soft-close slows down the closing drawer and pulls it shut over the final centimetres mechanically. Push-to-open opens the drawer with a gentle press on the front. They are technically distinct spring mechanisms.

Do furnica runners fit the drill holes of Blum Movento? Many runners are compatible with the standardised System 32. If the nominal length (e.g. 500 mm) matches, existing carcass drillings can generally be used as an alternative. However, the locking clips on the drawer base must strictly be replaced with the supplied furnica clips, as these are profile-specific.

Which runner do I need for a heavy pull-out waste bin? For heavy loads, such as those found in waste sorting systems containing wet organic waste or glass, a front extension runner with a load capacity of at least 40 kg is recommended. Additionally, ensure you choose a full-extension runner so that the rear bins can be removed for emptying without difficulty.