Retrofitting Drawers for Mepla Kitchens
When retrofitting drawers in an existing kitchen, System 32 defines the hole spacing of the cabinet runner, whilst the internal cabinet depth dictates the maximum nominal length of the slide in millimetres.
When upgrading or repairing an older kitchen, installers and ambitious DIYers frequently face the task of replacing worn runners. Particularly with kitchens fitted with older hardware, the question of compatibility arises. Modern fittings from furnica serve as a precise replacement for Mepla and integrate seamlessly into existing cabinets, provided the essential installation dimensions are observed. This technical guide explains how to select the correct components, remove old systems, and professionally retrofit modern drawer runners.
What to Look for Regarding Compatibility
For a new runner to fit Mepla kitchen cabinets, the mechanical interfaces between the cabinet carcass and drawer box must match exactly. The brand of the old fitting is secondary; the geometric dimensions are what truly matter.
System 32 and the Hole Pattern
Almost all industrially manufactured kitchen cabinets are based on System 32. This means:
- The vertical distance between the drilled holes in the cabinet side is exactly 32 mm.
- The distance from the front row of drilled holes to the front edge of the cabinet is standard at 37 mm.
- The hole diameter for the fixing screws (usually Euro screws) is 5 mm.
If the new runners are compatible with this hole pattern, they can generally be screwed into the cabinet without drilling new holes.
Nominal Length and Internal Cabinet Depth
The nominal length describes the length of the runner in its closed state. In standard kitchen base units, lengths of 450 mm or 500 mm are most commonly used. The nominal length of the new runner must not exceed the internal cabinet depth (the internal dimension of the cabinet from the front edge to the back panel). To ensure sufficient tolerance, the internal cabinet depth should be at least 3 mm to 5 mm greater than the runner length.
Installation Width (Clearance Between Cabinet and Drawer)
For side-mounted runners, the installation width is the most critical factor. This is the gap between the outer side panel of the drawer and the inner side panel of the cabinet carcass. Standard ball-bearing runners typically require exactly 12.7 mm (often rounded up to 13 mm) per side. If the gap is narrower or wider, the drawer will jam or the runners cannot be screwed into place.
Suitable furnica Parts for the Upgrade
When replacing fittings, you have the opportunity to significantly improve the functionality of your kitchen. Outdated single-extension runners can be replaced with modern systems that meet contemporary ergonomic standards.
Switching to Full Extension
By design, a single-extension runner can only be pulled out of the cabinet by roughly 75%. The rear section of the drawer remains hidden inside the cabinet. A full-extension runner, on the other hand, extends 100%, making access to pots and provisions at the back considerably easier. Modern full extension drawer runners serve as a direct upgrade suitable for older kitchen units, provided the nominal length matches.
Soft-Close vs Push-to-Open
Many wish to equip older drawers with modern convenience features. Here, a distinction must be made between two opposing mechanical principles:
- Soft-Close: Soft close drawer runners absorb the momentum when closing. An integrated oil damper slows the drawer over the final centimetres, whilst a spring pulls it gently and silently into its closed position.
- Tip-On: Push to open drawer runners are designed for handleless fronts. Pressing the front releases a tensioned spring that pushes the drawer open slightly.
These two systems cannot be mechanically combined in standard ball-bearing runners. You must choose one of the two functions before purchasing.
Load Capacity for Heavy Kitchen Utensils
For cutlery drawers, a standard runner is perfectly adequate. For pull-outs holding pots, pans, or heavy crockery (stacks of plates), you should install heavy duty drawer runners. These feature a greater material thickness and are equipped with sturdier steel balls. Pay attention to the specified load capacity in kilograms (e.g. 45 kg) to prevent the runners from bending or jamming under full load.
Complete Drawer Systems as an Alternative
If not only the runners are defective but also the drawer box itself (e.g. swollen chipboard), using complete drawer systems is worthwhile. These double-walled metal drawer box systems replace the old timber sides entirely. You only need to retain the old timber base, the back panel, and the front panel. Such systems provide an excellent alternative to original Mepla boxes, upgrading the kitchen both visually and technically.
Installation and Retrofitting: Step-by-Step
Replacing runner systems requires precision. The runner functions much like the chassis of a vehicle – the more accurate the tracking during installation, the smoother and quieter the subsequent movement will be.
Required Tools
- Cordless screwdriver
- Screwdriver with PZ2 drive (Pozidriv)
- Tape measure or folding rule
- Spirit level
- Bradawl or centre punch
- Suitable chipboard screws (3.5 mm or 4 mm diameter, countersunk)
Step 1: Removal and Dimension Check
Remove the old drawer from the cabinet. Unscrew the old cabinet runners. Now measure the nominal length of the old runner (in its fully closed state) as well as the installation width. Check whether System 32 is present in the cabinet.
Step 2: Preparing the New Runners
With ball-bearing runners, you must separate the inner runner profile (the drawer profile) from the outer profile (the cabinet profile) before installation. Extend the slide fully and operate the small plastic lever (the release lever) on the side to pull the inner runner out completely.
Step 3: Fitting the Cabinet Runner
Position the outer runner inside the cabinet. Use the existing holes from the 32 mm hole pattern. Fasten the runner with Euro screws (5 mm diameter) if holes are pre-drilled, or with chipboard screws if you choose new positions. Use a spirit level to ensure exact horizontal alignment. The front edge of the runner should generally be fitted flush with the cabinet front edge (excluding the front panel) or set back by 2 mm.
Step 4: Attaching the Drawer Profile
Screw the inner runner profile onto the side panels of the wooden drawer. The runner must sit flush with the bottom edge of the drawer side and butt against the front panel.
Step 5: Assembly and Adjustment
Insert the drawer with the attached inner profiles horizontally into the cabinet runners. Push the drawer backwards with light, even pressure until the ball cages audibly engage. Check the movement. If the drawer binds, the installation width is not perfectly parallel. In this case, slightly loosen the screws on the cabinet runner, adjust, and retighten them.
Adapting the Interior Organisation
Once the mechanical foundation is renewed, optimising the storage space is recommended. Modern drawer inserts prevent pots from sliding around and protect the timber base from moisture and scratches. A precisely cut anti slip drawer mat also dampens noise when putting away crockery, perfectly complementing the comfort of the new soft-close runners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are modern runners compatible with my old Mepla kitchen? Yes, in most cases. If your cabinet carcass features the standard hole pattern (System 32) and the internal cabinet depth is sufficient, furnica runners are fully compatible with older units. They serve as a direct replacement as long as the typical installation width of 12.7 mm per side is maintained.
Can I replace old roller runners with ball-bearing runners? That is technically possible and a sensible upgrade, as ball-bearing runners operate more smoothly and support higher loads. However, you must check the existing installation width. Roller drawer runners often require a different lateral clearance compared to telescopic ball-bearing slides. You may need to adapt the drawer width or use spacers.
How do I correctly measure the length of the required runner? Measure the old runner in its fully closed state from the frontmost to the rearmost edge. This dimension in millimetres is the nominal length. Do not round up – if you measure 450 mm, you require a runner with a nominal length of 450 mm.
Why is my newly retrofitted soft-close drawer stiff to close? The damper and the pull-in spring require a certain tensile force to close the drawer over the final centimetres. When opening, you must manually overcome this spring force. This is normal mechanical behaviour. However, if the drawer binds along its entire travel, the installation width is too tight or the runners were not fitted strictly parallel.