Building a Kitchen Larder Unit: Full-Extension Runners & Heavy-Duty Hinges Checklist

January 15, 2026

A kitchen larder unit strictly requires full-extension drawer runners with high load capacity for unhindered access, as well as wide-angle hinges from 155° upwards so that internal pull-outs do not rub against the door edge when opened.

Building a larder unit with internal pull-outs – often referred to as a space tower concept – places high technical demands on the hardware used. When heavy supplies such as tinned food, flour, and bottles are stored, extreme leverage forces act upon the runners and hinges. The fittings are the chassis of the cabinet; if they are under-dimensioned, drawers will scrape or front panels will warp. This guide defines the exact technical parameters for selecting the correct runners and concealed cup hinges.

Key Purchasing Criteria for Larder Units

When planning the interior layout, load capacity, installation dimensions, and hinge kinematics must be precisely coordinated.

Load capacity in kg: Standard runners are usually rated for 25 to 30 kg. For a larder unit, this is insufficient. Heavy-duty runners with a nominal load capacity of 45 kg, 60 kg, or up to 90 kg for very wide cabinets are required.
Extension type: A single-extension (partial-extension) runner leaves approximately 25% of the drawer inside the cabinet carcass, blocking access to items stored at the back. A full-extension runner is strictly necessary, as it extends by 100%.
Nominal length in mm: The runner length depends on the internal carcass depth. Common measurements in kitchen fitting are 400 mm, 450 mm, or 500 mm. For extra-deep cabinets, variants with 600 mm or even 800 mm are used.
Zero protrusion: When pull-outs are installed behind a hinged door, the open door must not protrude into the clear internal carcass width. Special wide-angle hinges are required for this purpose.

Overview of Types and Options

Drawer Runners for Kitchen Cabinetry

The choice of runner mechanism determines running smoothness and load capability.

Ball bearing runners: These runners are mounted to the sides of the drawer. They consist of a telescopic system with steel ball bearings. They offer the highest load ratings and, as heavy-duty drawer runners, can support well over 60 kg. Special lengths such as 1200 mm for heavy-duty pull-outs in workshops or pantries are also based on this principle.
Undermount runners: These runners are installed concealed beneath the drawer base. They provide high lateral stability and smooth operation, but are often limited in load capacity to 30 kg to 40 kg. They are suitable for standard kitchen units.
Soft-close vs. push-to-open: A system with soft-close (damping) draws the drawer closed gently and quietly over the final centimetres. Push-to-open (tip-on) is the exact mechanical counterpart: pressing the front ejects the drawer. These two mechanisms are generally mutually exclusive.

Concealed Cup Hinges for Cabinet Doors

For a larder unit with internal drawers, a standard hinge with a 110° opening angle is not sufficient.

Wide-angle hinges: To avoid collisions between extending internal drawers and the cabinet door, fitters use 155 degree cup hinges / cabinet hinges or 165 degree cup hinges / cabinet hinges. These swing the door completely clear of the drawer path.
Cranking / overlay type: For a standard cabinet door that overlays the carcass side panels, a full overlay hinge is selected. If the door sits flush between the carcass sides, an inset hinge is required.
Damping: For heavy, tall larder unit doors, using cup hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (soft close) is recommended to prevent slamming.

Which Fitting for Which Application?

The combination of runner and hinge must suit the intended use:

For heavy tins & drinks: Choose side-mounted full-extension drawer runners with a load capacity of at least 45 kg. Combine these with 165° hinges.
For lightweight provisions (pasta, snacks): Undermount runners with a 30 kg load capacity are sufficient. These offer a sleeker appearance as the mechanism remains hidden.
Depending on cabinet width: For a narrow pull-out larder substitute, runners with a 30 cm or 40 cm width are adequate. For a wide space tower (e.g. 60 cm external carcass width), opt directly for a matching 60 cm kitchen cabinet pull-out unit to prevent the base from sagging.

Installation Guidelines for Fitters

Precise installation is crucial for smooth operation. Pay attention to System 32, the standard drilling grid in furniture making with a 32 mm hole spacing and 5 mm hole diameter.

Required Tools

Cordless drill/driver
Forstner bit (35 mm for the hinge cup)
Wood drill bit (5 mm for Euro screws)
Cross-line laser or spirit level
Marking jig / template

Installation Steps

Fit the hinges: Drill the 35 mm cup holes into the door front. The distance from the door edge (cup distance) is typically 3 mm to 5 mm.
Fix the mounting plates: Fasten the cruciform base plates inside the carcass. For tall doors (from 1600 mm), plan for at least 4 to 5 hinges.
Position the runners: Mark the heights of the internal drawers. Ensure that the runners are mounted exactly level and parallel. Use Euro screws (Ø 5 mm) in the hole line for maximum pull-out resistance.
Collision check: Hang the door, open it to 90°, and check that the lowest pull-out glides past the door without contact.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Larder Conversions

Why do I need 155° or 165° hinges for a larder unit? Standard hinges (e.g. 110°) leave the open door protruding slightly into the clear internal carcass opening. When an internal drawer is pulled out, it collides with the door. Wide-angle hinges provide zero protrusion and swing the door completely out of the way.

Which runner length should I choose? The nominal length (e.g. 500 mm) must not exceed the internal carcass depth. Calculate: internal depth minus 10 mm to 15 mm tolerance gives the maximum runner length.

What is the difference between soft-close and push-to-open? Soft-close slows the drawer down when closing and pulls it shut silently over the final centimetres. Push-to-open is an ejection mechanism for handleless fronts that opens the drawer with a light push.

Is a single-extension runner sufficient for the kitchen? No. With a single-extension runner, roughly 25% of the drawer remains hidden inside the carcass at the rear. To easily reach supplies at the back of the cabinet, a full-extension runner is technically essential.

Matching Products & Categories

Plan your project with precision-matched fittings from our specialist categories:

Full-extension drawer runners – For 100% access to all provisions.
Heavy-duty drawer runners – For heavy loads from tinned goods and bottles.
165 degree cup hinges / cabinet hinges – Wide-angle hinges for zero protrusion.
Kitchen cabinet pull-outs – Complete systems for interior cabinet builds.
Cup hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (soft close) – For the gentle closing of large cabinet doors.