Walk-in Corner Wardrobe: Internal Fittings for the System 32 Hole Pattern
System 32 is a standardised drilling pattern featuring a continuous 32 mm hole spacing and a 5 mm hole diameter, enabling the universal installation of fittings and internal components in furniture construction.
Anyone planning or upgrading a walk-in corner wardrobe faces a clear technical demand: the available space must be utilised to the absolute maximum using the right internal fittings. The basis for this is almost always the pre-drilled row of holes in the cabinet sides. This grid dimension is used throughout furniture making, whether for a wardrobe, a TV sideboard, or a TV lowboard. For the installer or ambitious DIY enthusiast, System 32 offers complete planning certainty. Selecting the right fittings, runners, and hinges relies entirely on these specified dimensions.
Key Buying Criteria for Internal Fittings
Strict technical criteria apply when selecting fittings for wardrobe interiors. Compatibility with the cabinet carcass and the expected load capacity dictate the choice of components.
Grid Dimensions and Hole Spacings
The row of holes standardly starts at a distance of 37 mm from the front edge of the carcass. The vertical distance between the holes is exactly 32 mm. The drilled holes have a diameter of 5 mm. All runner tracks and mounting plates must be aligned with this measurement. Fastening is usually carried out using special screws, known as the Euro screw, which grips precisely into the 5 mm hole.
Load Capacity in Kilograms
A walk-in wardrobe holds a significant amount of weight. The load capacity of the drawer runners must be calculated accordingly. For light linen or ties, runners with a nominal load rating of 15 kg to 20 kg are sufficient. However, if thick winter jumpers, jeans, or shoes are stored in the drawers, a runner system with a load capacity of 30 kg, 40 kg, or even 50 kg is required. The load capacity specification always refers to the dynamic weight, meaning the loaded state during movement.
Extension Type and Accessibility
The choice between a full extension and a partial extension is crucial for convenience in deep corner wardrobes. A full extension pulls out 100% from the carcass, making even the rearmost area of the drawer fully accessible. A partial extension leaves around 25% concealed inside the cabinet. In deep corner solutions, full extension should always be selected to minimise blind spots.
Overview of Types and Options
Internal fittings for System 32 cover various hardware categories, all fastened via the standardised rows of holes.
Drawer Systems and Runners
Complete drawer systems with metal side panels are available for interior fittings. Alternatively, wooden drawers can be fitted with separate drawer runners.
- Ball bearing runner: These operate on a telescopic principle using steel balls. They are mounted to the sides of the drawer and are available in lengths from 250 mm - 800 mm. They are sturdy and suitable for heavy loads.
- Under-mount runner: These runners are installed invisibly beneath the drawer base. They provide exceptional lateral stability and are frequently paired with integrated dampening, known as soft-close.
- Roller runner: A simple runner using plastic rollers. It is practical for light loads, but generally offers only partial extension.
Hinges for Wardrobe Doors
If the corner wardrobe is closed off with doors, concealed hinges—commonly known as cup hinges—are used. The standard drilling diameter for the hinge cup in the door is 35 mm. For internal fittings, the opening angle is critical. If drawers are positioned behind a hinged door, a hinge with an opening angle of 155° or 165° must be chosen. These dedicated wide-angle hinges feature zero protrusion: the open door does not intrude into the clear internal opening width of the carcass, preventing internal pull-out drawers from catching against the door.
Lift-Up Flap Fittings for High Compartments
In ceiling-height wardrobes, especially within a 2-person wardrobe with large storage volume, upper compartments are often fitted with flap doors. Gas struts are used here. The force of these dampers is measured in Newtons (N). A gas strut for heavy flaps with, for example, 250 N or 350 N holds the flap securely open. The choice depends strictly on the weight and height of the furniture front.
Shelf Supports
For standard shelves, metal or plastic shelf supports are inserted into the 5 mm drilled holes. Pins with a collar prevent the support from sinking too deeply into the chipboard. For glass shelves, specialised supports with rubber pads are available.
Which Hardware System for Which Purpose?
Configuring a wardrobe interior requires matching the hardware precisely to its intended use.
- When storing heavy clothing (jeans, winter coats): Choose a drawer system with under-mount runners, full extension, and a load rating of at least 30 kg. The length of the runners should maximise the carcass depth (e.g. 500 mm or 550 mm nominal length in a 600 mm deep wardrobe).
- When internal pull-outs are planned behind doors: Fit the doors strictly with a 155° cup hinge. Pay close attention to the overlay type. For overlay doors, you require full overlay; for inset doors, you require inset mounting.
- When trousers or ties need to pull out: Use slim, full-extension ball bearing runners. These require only around 12.7 mm of side clearance and screw accurately into the 32 mm grid.
- When shelves must be secured against slipping: Use shelf supports with an additional locking pin or small cam fittings that clamp the shelf tightly to the side panels.
Installation Notes for System 32
Assembly using the 32 mm grid works like a modular system where every component has a predefined location. The following tools are required for installing the internal fittings:
- Cordless screwdriver
- Pozi screwdriver (PZ2 drive for Euro screws)
- Folding rule or tape measure
- Try square, if required
Step-by-step installation of drawer runners:
- Count the rows of holes from the bottom to establish the exact height for the left and right carcass tracks.
- Position the carcass track. The frontmost fixing hole of the track is screwed into the first hole of the row (37 mm from the front edge).
- Use Euro screws exclusively (5 mm diameter, typically 13 mm or 14 mm long). Pointed woodscrews will damage the pre-drilled hole pattern.
- Fasten the track at the front and at a rear position. For heavy loads, install a third screw in the centre.
- Place the drawer onto the tracks and push it in until it engages (for under-mount runners).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly does System 32 mean in cabinet construction? System 32 is an international standard in furniture making. It defines that the holes drilled into the side panels of a carcass have a vertical spacing of exactly 32 mm from centre to centre. The diameter of the holes is 5 mm, and the distance of the first row of holes from the front edge measures 37 mm.
Which screws do I need for the pre-drilled hole lines? Euro screws are required for the 5 mm holes. These feature a blunt thread and a specialised head designed to sit flush in the countersinks of runners and mounting plates. Typical lengths for 18 mm thick chipboard are 13 mm or 14 mm.
Can I simply replace a partial extension runner with a full extension runner? Yes, provided the new runner system is designed for System 32. The nominal length (e.g. 450 mm) must match the depth of the existing drawer. The carcass tracks are fastened into the same drill holes as the previous runners.
Which cup hinge do I need when installing drawers behind a wardrobe door? You will need a wide-angle hinge with an opening angle of 155° or 165°. This hinge guarantees zero protrusion. This means the open door swings completely clear of the internal opening width, preventing the drawer from catching against the inside of the door when pulled out.
How do I calculate the correct force for a gas strut? The required force in Newtons is calculated from the weight of the flap (including the handle) and the flap height. As a rule of thumb: weight of the flap in kg × 10 = required force in N. A 3 kg MDF flap therefore requires a strut of at least 30 N; in practice, the next size up is often selected for safety, such as 50 N or 60 N per side.