Replacement for IKEA Faktum Kitchen Drawers: Dimensions, Hole Pattern, and Drawer Side Height

When replacing IKEA Faktum kitchen drawers, the cabinet depth, the existing hole pattern, and the drawer side height determine the exact compatibility of the new drawer system.

Introduction: Technical Replacement for the Faktum System

The IKEA Faktum kitchen system was discontinued several years ago. Anyone looking to repair broken drawer runners or retrofit cabinets today relies on compatible drawer systems from third-party manufacturers. Because the original components are no longer manufactured, replacing them requires an accurate analysis of the existing cabinet structure.

For the fitter or joiner, this means: there is no need to source original replacement parts as long as the technical specifications of the new system match the carcase. Decisive factors for successful installation include the internal width of the cabinet, the depth for the drawer runners, and the position of the front fixing brackets. A straightforward replacement is entirely possible when measurements are taken precisely in millimetres and the correct fittings are selected.

The Main Buying Criteria: Dimensions, Load Capacity, and Hole Pattern

When selecting replacement components, several technical specifications must be strictly observed to ensure the smooth operation of the new drawer.

Cabinet Depth and Runner Length

Faktum base cabinets typically feature an external depth of 600 mm. Subtracting the back panel and the drawer front leaves a usable internal depth of just under 580 mm. For these standard base cabinets, drawer runners with a nominal length of 500 mm are required. For wall units or reduced-depth base units with a cabinet depth of 370 mm, shorter runners are used. Drawer runners 300 mm or 350 mm are suitable in these instances. The runner must never exceed the internal depth of the cabinet.

Internal Width and Board Thickness

Faktum cabinets are constructed from 18 mm thick chipboard. In a 600 mm wide cabinet, the clear internal width is exactly 564 mm. Modern drawer side systems are engineered for side panels between 16 mm or 18 mm and 19 mm thick. Cutting dimensions for the drawer base and back panel must be calculated precisely according to the runner manufacturer's specifications, based on this internal width.

Drawer Side Height and Front Fixings

The drawer side height determines the volume of the drawer. For a classic cutlery drawer, a low drawer side of approximately 70 mm to 85 mm is sufficient. For a deep pan drawer (front pull-out), a height of 150 mm to 220 mm is needed. This is achieved either via a solid, high steel drawer side or through a low drawer side combined with a gallery rail (longitudinal rod) that stabilises the front panel.

The System 32 Hole Pattern

The hole pattern inside the cabinet functions like the foundations of a building – if the fixing points of the new runner do not match precisely, new pilot holes must be marked using a bradawl. Faktum uses a variation of the well-established System 32. The distance from the front edge of the cabinet to the first drill hole is standard at 37 mm. The vertical spacing between holes is 32 mm. Many modern runners can be screwed directly into these existing line drillings.

Load Capacity in Kilograms

Mechanical load capacity depends on the intended use. A standard drawer for cutlery or lightweight provisions requires a dynamic load capacity of 30 kg. For wider drawers from 600 mm upwards storing heavy pans or crockery, heavy-duty drawer runners with a load capacity of 40 kg to 50 kg are required to prevent the front from sagging.

Types and Options at a Glance

The market offers various runner systems differing in mechanism and running performance. Not every runner is equally suited to kitchen applications.

Under-Mount Runners

This type represents the standard in modern furniture construction and was also utilised in original Faktum pull-outs. The runner is fitted invisibly underneath the drawer base. It provides exceptional lateral stability and protects the mechanism from dust and dirt. For replacing complete kitchen drawers, this is technically the cleanest solution.

Ball Bearing Runners

Ball bearing runners are mounted to the sides of the drawer. They are extremely robust and frequently used in workshop furniture or for heavy-duty storage. The downside in a kitchen setting: the runner is visible when the drawer is opened and consumes side clearance (usually 12.7 mm to 13 mm per side).

Roller Runners

A simple and functional solution where nylon rollers travel within an epoxy-coated steel track. Roller drawer runners are usually manufactured as single-extension (partial-extension) units and used in budget fittings. For a premium kitchen refurbishment they are less recommendable, though they serve their purpose in basic cabinetry.

Extension Length: Full Extension vs Single Extension

A full-extension runner allows the drawer to extend 100% out of the cabinet. The user enjoys unrestricted access to the entire contents right up to the back panel. A single-extension runner stops at roughly 75% to 80% of its nominal length. The rear section of the drawer remains inside the cabinet, making access to stored items more difficult. Technically, full-extension drawer runners are always recommended for kitchen drawers.

Which System for Which Application?

Selecting the exact fitting depends on the drawer's position and intended function.

• Replacing a heavy pan drawer: Choose a complete drawer box system with under-mount runners, 50 kg load capacity, and high drawer sides (at least 150 mm) or gallery rails.
• Planning a handleless front: Use push-to-open. Applying light pressure to the front mechanically ejects the drawer.
• Requiring silent closing: Runners featuring soft-close (damping) are essential. The mechanism absorbs momentum and smoothly pulls the drawer shut over the final few centimetres.
• Caution with combinations: Soft-close and push-to-open are mechanically opposing mechanisms. A standard runner cannot offer both simultaneously. Exceptions are complex, premium specialist fittings (Tip-On Blumotion) that mechanically synchronize both functions.

Those taking the opportunity to upgrade cabinet interiors can equip the new pull-out with a non-slip drawer mat. This stops pots and pans from sliding and protects the timber base from moisture. For cutlery and utensils, a correctly fitted kitchen drawer organiser provides structured storage.

Installation Note: Fitting the New Runners

Installation requires precision. A discrepancy of just a few millimetres results in misaligned gaps across the drawer fronts.

Required Tools:

• Cordless screwdriver with PZ and TX bits
• Joiner's square
• Bradawl or centre punch
• Tape measure

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Dismantling: Completely remove old runners. Inspect the existing hole pattern in the cabinet.
2. Positioning: Align the new runners. The front screw is typically placed 37 mm back from the front edge of the carcase. For overlay fronts (standard on Faktum), this dimension is the industry norm.
3. Fixing: Fasten the runners using Euro screws (6.3 x 13 mm) in the System 32 holes. Alternatively, use chipboard screws (4 x 15 mm) if new pilot holes need to be made.
4. Assembling the drawer: Fasten the base and back panel (usually 16 mm thick) to the metal drawer sides.
5. Front installation: Fit the front fixing brackets to the timber drawer front and clip them into the drawer sides.
6. Adjustment: Modern drawer side systems feature 3D adjustment. Align the front in height, side-to-side, and tilt to match the reveal lines of adjacent units precisely.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Faktum Drawer Replacement

Which runner length do I need for a 60 cm deep Faktum cabinet? For a standard base unit with a 600 mm external depth, you require drawer runners with a nominal length of 500 mm. The cabinet provides an internal depth of just under 580 mm, which is ideal for this runner length.

What is the difference between full extension and single extension? A full-extension runner pulls out to 100% of the runner length, allowing access to the entire drawer. A single-extension runner stops at around 75%, leaving the rear section of the drawer inside the cabinet.

Can I combine push-to-open and soft-close? No, on standard fittings these functions are mutually exclusive. Soft-close drawer runners pull the drawer shut, whereas push-to-open pushes it outward. Combining both requires specialised, premium hybrid systems.

How high should the drawer side be for a pan drawer? To safely store stacked pots and pans, the drawer side height including any gallery rails should be between 150 mm and 220 mm. Lower sides risk cookware falling out during opening.

Do original Faktum drawer fronts fit onto new drawer systems? Yes, the wooden front panels can be reused. However, the original front mounting brackets must be removed, and the new front fixings belonging to the chosen drawer system must be accurately positioned and screwed in place.

Suitable Products & Categories

For professional replacement and upgrading of your kitchen units, the relevant technical hardware components include:

• Drawer systems – Complete kits including metal sides for constructing or replacing kitchen drawer boxes.
• Drawer accessories – Supplementary fittings for organising drawer interiors.
• Self-closing drawer runners – Runners that pull shut mechanically over the final centimetres, ideal for heavy kitchen drawers.
• Heavy duty drawer runners – High load-bearing slides for weights from 40 kg, essential for wide pan pull-outs.