Gelmar drawer runners are well known for their smooth gliding, offering excellent quality and range. The best options for any home are soft-close runners, which are quiet, ball bearing runners, which can handle heavier drawers, and side-mount options, which are great for standard kitchen or office cabinets. Whether it is for a kitchen or bathroom upgrade or adding more storage or just to add a drawer to your furniture, Gelmar has an option for every home setup that is affordable and reliable.
Gelmar, one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of high-quality architectural products, is the plumbers go-to company for efficient, reliable drawer runners. Gelmar Drawer Runners As your best source of DIY drawer runners in South Africa, Gelmar has decades of experience with all types of furniture drawer designs; and it should come as no surprise!
In this article, you will learn all you need to know about Gelmar drawer runners, including what they are, the different types, how to choose and the best place to buy them in South Africa. Whether you are revitalizing old furniture or threading something from scratch, in this one article, we’ll help you make the best purchasing decision.
What Are Gelmar Drawer Runners?
Drawer runners are the sliding mechanisms fitted to the sides or bottom of a drawer, allowing it to slide in and out of the piece of furniture with ease. Gelmar’s models are made with the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art engineering for long lasting durability and a smooth handling action.
Materials Used:
- Steel: Ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Zinc-coated metal: Offers corrosion resistance
- Plastic sliders: Available in budget options
Types Available:
- Ball-bearing runners (silent, sturdy)
- Soft-close runners (soft opening)
- Full-extension runners (maximum access)
What Makes Gelmar Stand Out?
Gelmar runners are known for:
- Precise engineering for quiet, frictionless movement
- Wide selection for various drawer sizes
- Durable finishes to resist rust and wear
Please Note: Always check drawer depth and mounting space before buying runners.
Different Types of Gelmar Drawer Runners
Knowing the types of runners can aid in matching them to furniture needs. Gelmar has a few practical styles:
Ball-Bearing Slides
- They are heavy duty and would be perfect for kitchen drawers.
- Minimal noise, smooth glide
- Suitable for drawers with 30–45kg load.
Soft-Close Mechanisms
- Cushioned closing to avoid slamming
- Great bedroom and nursery furniture sizes
- Helps to extend the life of furniture
Push-to-Open Runners
- Opens easily with a gentle nudge — no handle necessary
- Ideal for minimalist designs
Full-Extension Slides
- Lets the whole drawer slide out
- Ideal for office desk and tool drawers
Comparison Table
| Type | Features | Best For | Avg. Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball-Bearing | Heavy-duty, smooth | Kitchen | R55 – R120 |
| Soft-Close | Silent, gentle closure | Bedroom | R80 – R160 |
| Push-to-Open | No handles, modern look | Living Room | R70 – R150 |
| Full-Extension | Full access to drawer space | Office, Garage | R100 – R180 |
Reminder: Select your runner type according to weight capacity and drawer usage
Why Should You Opt for Gelmar Drawer Runners for Your Home?
For good reason, Gelmar runners have become the name that are trusted all over South Africa. Here’s why they’re perfect:
1. Durability and Strength
Made with solid steel and durable coatings, these Gelmar runners can stand up to the everyday use without so much as an bend or squeak.
2. Smooth and Silent Functionality
Some ball-bearing and soft-close models run whisper-quiet, a great feature in households with kids or shared living spaces.
3. Easy to Install
All of the models are ultra DIY friendly, and Gelmar even provides user manuals and tutorial links.
4. Wide Range of Styles
Gelmar stocks various mounting types and sizes, ranging from 27mm mini-runners to 500mm heavy-duty sliders.
Top Gelmar Drawer Runners For All Rooms
Need a recommendation? Here’s a guide to purchasing based on room use:
Kitchen:
- Recommended: Ball bearing runners (soft close)
- Why: Manages the load, reduces the noise
Bedroom:
- Recommended: Runners that can be Pushed to Open
- Reason: Handles were not required due to the streamlined design
Bathroom:
- Suggested: Runners that are zinc plated
- Why: Rust resistant in damp areas
Office:
- Recommended: Full-extension heavy-duty slides
- Reason: All four sides are open for easy access to entire drawer.
Buying Guide Table
| Room Type | Recommended Runner | Features | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Soft-Close Ball-Bearing | Heavy-duty, silent | gelmar.co.za |
| Bedroom | Push-to-Open | Handle-free, modern look | takealot.com |
| Bathroom | Zinc-Coated | Moisture-resistant | builders.co.za |
| Office | Full-Extension Slides | Total access, strong build | leroymerlin.co.za |
Selecting the Appropriate Gelmar Drawer Runners
It is frustrating to choose the wrong runner. Follow these simple steps:
Step-by-Step Selection:
- Measure Drawer Depth – Measure front to rear using a tape measure.
- Estimate Weight Load – Light (15kg), Medium (30kg), Heavy (45kg+)
- Choosing Mounting Style – Most popular is side-mount.
- Pick Extension Type – Full-extension for access; soft-close for a smoother glide.
Pro Tip: Make a list of drawer sizes before you heading to the store or clicking buy online
How to fit your Gelmar drawer runners
Gelmar makes it friendly to the do-it-yourselfer, but the key here is preparation.
Tools Needed:
- Screwdriver or drill
- Level
- Screws (usually included)
Installation Guide:
- Mark the position of the runner in the drawer and cabinet
- Use a level to align runners horizontally
- Screw it in tight on both ends
- Test slide before use
If the fit is tight or the furniture is uneven, consult a professional, or simply give Gelmar’s support center a call.
Helpful Video: Gelmar Installation Guide on YouTube
Where to purchase Gelmar Drawer Runners in South Africa
Gelmar products can be found in all the top South African retailers:
- Gelmar official website – www.gelmar.co.za
- Builders Warehouse – nationwide stores + online
- Leroy Merlin – Durban, Fourways, and more
- Takealot – fast delivery across SA
- Local hardware stores – Check availability in-store
Many of these stores offer bundle deals or seasonal discounts.
Price Range and Value for Money
Gelmar runners are reasonably priced based on quality and features:
| Type | Price Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Ball-Bearing | R55 – R120 |
| Soft-Close | R80 – R160 |
| Full-Extension | R100 – R180 |
| Push-to-Open | R70 – R150 |
Buy in bulk or during promotions to save more.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Here’s what real users have to say:
“Replaced our kitchen drawer runners with ones from Gelmar. Super smooth and quiet!!” — Lebo, Johannesburg
“Installed them myself. 15 minutes later and they have been perfect ever since.” — Marius, Cape Town
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Affordable pricing
- Great quality for daily use
Cons:
- Some models might need filing to fit tight drawers
Final Thoughts
If you live in South Africa and you’re looking for the most dependable, smooth-sliding and cost-effective drawer runners around, then look no further than Gelmar. From soft-close refinement to tough full-extension runners, they have a solution for any room.
Explore top Gelmar models here and upgrade your furniture today.
FAQs
1. What Sizes Do Gelmar Drawer Runners Come In?
- The length of the majority of runners falls within 270mm and 600mm. Even you purchase, please measure your drawer.
2. Can Gelmar Runners Be Used For Heavy Drawers?
- Yes, in particular, the ball-bearing and full-extension models. Some support over 45kg.
3. How Long Do Gelmar Drawer Runners Last?
- With the right installation, they can last for several years, even with daily use.
4. Can I Replace My Old Runners with Gelmar?
- Absolutely. Just match size and type (side-mount vs. under-mount).
5. Can I Get Soft-Close and Ball-Bearing Runners from Gelmar?
- Yes, both are readily available and can easily be integrated in premium versions.
