NOAH Chest of Drawers Configurator: How to Plan the Perfect Storage Space

The NOAH chest of drawers configurator is based on the standardised System 32 and enables the precise coordination of carcase dimensions, hinge technology, and drawer runner systems for tailored storage solutions.

Introduction: Precise Planning for Furniture Construction

When planning a piece of furniture that needs to fit neatly into a recess or carry specific loads, standard measurements are often insufficient. The NOAH chest of drawers configurator steps in here, offering fitters, joiners, and skilled DIYers the ability to define furniture parameters precisely. This is not merely about the outer shell, but about the technical interaction between chipboard, connecting fittings, and runner systems.

The carcase forms the backbone of the furniture, whilst the fittings act as its joints. Only when component dimensions, runner load capacities, and hinge overlay types are correctly matched will a durable piece of furniture be achieved. This guide covers the essential technical criteria to consider when configuring a chest of drawers, from millimetre-accurate dimensioning to selecting the right kinematics.

Key Technical Purchasing Criteria

When configuring chest of drawers series, structural and spatial requirements take precedence. Every dimension directly influences the choice of integrated fittings.

Carcase Dimensions and Space Utilisation

The depth of the furniture dictates the length of the drawer runners that can be used. A slim chest of drawers 30 cm deep requires runners with a nominal length of at most 250 mm to 270 mm. If the unit is intended to hold lever arch files, a chest of drawers 35 cm deep or more is essential, as a standard file requires a clear internal depth of at least 320 mm.

In terms of width, the system scales flexibly. A chest of drawers 70 cm wide or a chest of drawers 75 cm wide can easily be fitted with continuous shelves. However, if planning a chest of drawers 100 cm wide or even a chest of drawers 200 cm wide, the carcase must be structurally supported with vertical central partitions (centre panels) to prevent shelves from sagging under load.

Surfaces and Materials

The NOAH series utilises melamine resin-coated engineered wood panels. This material offers high pull-out resistance for wood screws and system screws. Whether choosing a wood finish (wooden chest of drawers), neutral white, or a dark variation (anthracite chest of drawers or black chest of drawers), it has no impact on structural integrity; however, darker finishes often require colour-matched cover caps for the cam lock connectors to maintain a neat appearance.

Overview of Fitting Technology and Hardware Systems

The functionality of chests of drawers & sideboards is defined fundamentally by the integrated fittings. Clear technical standards apply here.

Hinges and Concealed Cup Hinges

Concealed cup hinges are used for the doors. The standard drilled cup hole in the door leaf has a diameter of 35 mm. During configuration, the hinge overlay type must be clearly specified:

• Full overlay: The door completely covers the carcase side edge. This is standard for single- or double-door chests.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a central partition (twin overlay). The hinge has a cranked arm, covering only half the edge.
• Inset: The door sits flush inside the carcase openings between the side panels.

The standard opening angle is 110°. For specialised applications, such as when internal drawers are fitted, wide-angle hinges with a 155° opening angle are required so the opened door does not obstruct the drawer path.

Drawer Runner Systems

A chest of drawers 8 drawers places high demands on the runner systems. Two basic types must be distinguished here:

• A partial extension runner can be pulled out to around 75% of the carcase depth. The rear section of the drawer remains inside the cabinet.
• A full extension runner provides 100% access, as the runner extends completely via a telescopic mechanism.

These systems are usually based on a ball bearing runner made from galvanised steel. Load capacity is specified in kilograms. For ordinary clothing, runners with a 25 kg load capacity are sufficient. If tools or heavy crockery are to be stored, heavy-duty runners rated at 45 kg or more must be configured.

Mechanical Opening and Closing Systems

Two distinct systems dominate modern furniture construction. They must not be mixed during planning:

• Soft-close: An integrated damper cushions the movement of the door or drawer and pulls it shut smoothly and silently. For doors, this can also be achieved using retrofit door dampers.
• Push-to-open: A mechanical ejector mechanism. Pressing on the front releases the catch so it pops open. This system requires handleless fronts. Combining standard mechanical push-to-open with soft-close is not possible, as the ejector mechanism would work against the damper. If handles are preferred, choose soft-close and install your chosen furniture handle using M4 threaded screws.

Which Configuration for Which Scenario?

The choice of dimensions and fittings depends on the installation area. Here is practical decision guidance for planning:

• For narrow corridors: Choose a depth of 300 mm. Hallway chests of drawers benefit from this slim profile. If there is no clearance for hinged doors, configure lift-up flaps with a gas strut. The force of the strut (in Newtons) must match the flap weight precisely (e.g. 60 N for lightweight MDF flaps, 100 N for heavier fronts).
• For heavy loads: In home office chests of drawers meant for files, the depth must be at least 350 mm. A full extension runner with a minimum 30 kg load capacity is essential, as the weight of paper puts heavy strain on the mechanics.
• For large rooms: A chest of drawers 1m wide or wider is well suited as living room chests of drawers. Here, height-adjustable furniture legs with an M10 thread are recommended to level out uneven floors across spans of 1000 mm to 2000 mm.

Assembly and Installation Guidance

Assembling configured furniture requires a systematic approach. The drill holes in the carcase follow System 32. This means the spacing between holes (for shelf supports, runners, and mounting plates) is always 32 mm, with a standard distance of 37 mm from the front edge.

Required tools for assembly:

• Cordless screwdriver with torque control
• Bits: PZ2 (Pozidriv) for most wood screws and TX20 (Torx) for modern carcase connectors
• Rubber mallet for wooden dowels
• Spirit level for alignment

Key assembly steps:

1. Insert connectors: Screw the furniture connectors (usually cam lock connectors and connecting bolts) into the pre-drilled 5 mm holes.
2. Fit runners: Screw the drawer runners onto the side panels whilst the carcase components are laid flat. This is more accurate and easier than working inside an upright cabinet.
3. Assemble carcase: Join the sides, base, and top panel together, then tighten the cams by 180° using a screwdriver (PZ2).
4. Level and align: Position the furniture in its intended spot and level it precisely with a spirit level. An out-of-square carcase causes doors to bind and drawers to slide open on their own.
5. Adjust fronts: Adjust the cup hinges using the 3D adjustment screws (height, side, depth) on the cruciform mounting plate until the gaps are uniform and parallel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How deep must a chest of drawers be for lever arch files? The clear internal depth must be at least 320 mm. Accounting for the back panel and front thickness, an external depth of at least 350 mm (depth 35 cm) is required.

What is the difference between partial extension and full extension runners? A partial extension runner pulls out to only about 75%, leaving the rear section inside the carcase. A full extension runner extends 100%, offering complete access to the entire contents of the drawer.

How much weight can a standard drawer support? This depends on the installed runner type. A standard roller runner typically supports up to 20 kg. A standard telescopic ball bearing runner is designed for 25 kg to 35 kg.

Can chests of drawers be locked? Yes, by retrofitting cylinder locks or surface-mounted locks. Matching furniture locks generally require a 19 mm hole drilled through the front panel and a suitable striker plate on the carcase.

Why are the cabinet doors hanging unevenly? This is usually caused by an unlevel carcase. Once the cabinet is perfectly upright and level, adjust the cup hinges via the adjustment screws on the hinge arm (depth and lateral adjustment) until the gap reveal is completely even.

Matching Categories for Your Project

For detailed planning and selecting the right hardware components for specific room requirements, explore the relevant sections:

• Bedroom chests of drawers – For maximising storage space for clothing.
• Home office chests of drawers – Hardware configurations for heavy load capacities.
• Hallway chests of drawers – Fittings tailored for shallow unit depths.
• Chest of drawers series – Overview of standard base models and hardware systems.