How far can a drawer slide out?

Question

Hi,Next to the fridge niche, I have space in the wall to installsomething like a slide out pantry. The bottom drawer will contain atrash bag and recycling bins. So I want the drawer on top of it to beseparate (so that the smell doesn't go up). I want the second drawerto function as support for shopping bags while they are being unloadedinto the fridge, so we don't have to bend our bad backs...My question is: is it possible to have a strong enough drawer thatwill slide out a good 30 inches? When it's out almost the entire way,what's supporting it? Anyway, I know nothing about building drawersand supping them so I'm looking for some guidance here.Thanks,Aaron

David Nebenzahl · Accepted Answer

On 1/19/2009 11:12 PM Aaron Fude spake thus:

Yes. Ball-bearing double-extension drawer slides. Even Home Despot has them (at least 'round heah). In fact, HD had the best selection of drawer slides of all the places I checked recently.

Mike Paulsen · Answer

dpb · Answer

...I'd suggest considering leaving the drawer a drawer and putting in asliding support platform specifically for the support function --several alternatives.  Use a regular set of heavy over-draw slidesjust on the board or there are ready-made inserts for heavy thingslike commercial mixers, pastry-rolling shelves (sturdy to take rollingforces), etc., ...One possible source for ideas/hardware would be to look at WoodworkersHardware online catalog -- --

trader4 · Answer

Google for drawer slides and you'll find manufacturers with variety ofproducts and data sheets.   Look for full extension slides.  How farout they will go depends on the slide and cabinet depth.

mkirsch1 · Answer

Get drawer slides that are rated for the weight you anticipate putting on them. Full extension slides capable of holding up to hundreds of pounds out to several feet are available. What you need is probably available at the local big box store.

Aaron Fude · Answer

All right, thanks for the responses.May I then ask about the supporting frame. Will pine hold up over timeour should I screw the slides into something harder. Also, is it agood idea to have a horizontal stud breaking up the wall into twopieces, top and bottom, kind of like this:|  |  |  |- - - - -|  |  |  |as opposed to nailing one to the existing vertical studs:I  I  I  IT T T TNot sure if I'm communicated my question well.Many thanks in advance,Aaron

trader4 · Answer

I don't see the relevance of the horizontal stud issue. The slides are attached to the cabinet frame sides and supported by it, not the wall behind. Any decent cabinets should certainly be able to support an extension shelf holding 2 bags of groceries.

Aaron Fude · Answer

I won't have a cabinet. I'll have the drawer pulling out of the wall.It least that's what I envisions so far...

DerbyDad03 · Answer

re: I'll have the drawer pulling out of the wallYour walls are 30" thick? Where do you live...Fort Knox?

Doug Miller · Answer

[...]This I gotta see: a wall thick enough that you can pull a drawer 30 inches out of it. Must be some wall.

HeyBub · Answer

Think Murphy Bed.No, that's not right...Maybe it's an exterior wall?

How far can a drawer slide out?

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