A kitchen or a workshop is only complete when not only all the furniture is in place, but also all the small and large components are within easy reach. Cutlery and crockery, for example, or screws and nails. And for this you need cabinets – and quite often telescopic slides too. That is why we offer you an extensive range of telescopic slides (full-extension or partial-extension versions) that are perfectly suited not only for kitchen cabinets, but also for many other applications.

Robust and (almost) on rails

Whether for an oven or a kitchen cabinet – telescopic slides appear in many different scenarios. They consist of smoothly gliding rails that are attached to a frame on both sides, making installation of this system quick and easy with a bit of DIY skill. Smooth, effortless pulling out – even under heavy loads – is therefore guaranteed. Nevertheless, it is important to pay close attention to the load capacity of each telescopic slide. In terms of material, steel, aluminium, and stainless steel have proven their worth, but plastic versions are also possible. The rule is: the application determines the design.

• Steel: Steel scores with high strength and durability and can be refined with various coatings.
• Aluminium: With aluminium, the lower weight and corrosion resistance are especially important. The disadvantage: aluminium telescopic slides often cannot support as much weight as steel ones, although their load capacity may still be sufficient for many applications.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is used especially in areas where a high level of hygiene is required or in environments with high humidity or aggressive chemicals. Its greatest advantages also include durability and corrosion resistance. However, stainless steel is usually more expensive to purchase.
• Plastic: Plastic telescopic slides can also be installed wherever low weight, noise reduction, and corrosion resistance are required. However, they have a lower load capacity.

Telescopic slides: partial, full, and over-extension

When choosing the right telescopic slide, not only the appropriate material and the correct dimensions are essential. Another question also arises: should the telescopic slide be partial-extension, full-extension, or over-extension?

• Partial-extension: With partial-extension slides, one third of the drawer remains inside the cabinet or carcass. This system is therefore particularly suitable for environments where there is not much space, or when access to the entire pull-out element is not necessary.
• Full-extension: With full-extension slides, the movable component can be pulled out completely. This makes the entire drawer contents easily accessible.
• Over-extension: There are also scenarios in which full-extension is not enough. For example, when another element is placed directly above the slide, or when the carcass itself protrudes slightly. In these cases, even with full-extension, the entire drawer cannot be reached. The solution: telescopic rails with over-extension. They can be pulled out slightly beyond the actual length of the telescopic rail.

Self-closing, push-to-open and soft-closing: the differences

If you deal with drawers and telescopic slides, you will also come across other terms and functions, which we explain below:

• Self-closing: Drawer runners with self-closing feature a spring mechanism. This allows the drawer to close automatically. Once the spring engages, the drawer closes, and you can regulate the intensity to a certain extent by choosing the spring.
• Push-to-open: This mechanical opening assistance for drawers is also often called tip-on. A light tap is enough for drawers or cabinet doors to open themselves slightly. This allows handleless doors to be grasped and conveniently opened further.
• Soft-closing: Soft close or soft-closing also uses a spring. The result: as the name suggests, this prevents noise when closing doors, drawers, or lids by using a mechanism to slow the drawer down before it fully closes. The drawer closes gently and quietly.

Product variety and expert advice

Even if all of this may sound tricky at first glance, finding the right telescopic slide is not rocket science. Still unsure? Then let’s talk! We’ll be happy to help you choose, advise you, and also give you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

More information about the different types of drawer slides, their construction, applications, and installation methods can be found in the article What types of drawer slides are there and which do I need?

3 common questions about telescopic slides and our answers

We answer three important questions about telescopic slides below:

Are telescopic slides easy to install?

In principle, with a bit of DIY skill and the right tools, it is possible to install telescopic slides yourself. However, installation may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model, so it is worth reading the relevant instructions carefully.

You can learn more about installing drawer slides in our guide: Installing drawer slides: how to install your new drawer runner in 4 simple steps

Are telescopic slides available in different lengths and sizes?

Since the area of application can vary, telescopic slides are also available in different lengths and sizes. It is therefore essential to choose the correct length and size according to the dimensions of the piece of furniture or element in which they are to be installed. More information on how to determine the right length of the slide can be found here: Extra tips on the length of drawer slides

Are telescopic slides with special child safety features also available?

Yes, telescopic slides with special child safety features have also been developed. These include self-closing functions or an automatic locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening or closing.