Repair a drawer.

Repairing these issues is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your kitchen without the upheaval of a full refurbishment. Whether it is a modern soft-close mechanism or a traditional wooden runner, a professional fix ensures smooth operation and prevents further damage to the cabinet carcass.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Initial Inspection: Assessing the drawer, runners, and internal carcass to identify wear, structural damage, or misalignment.
• Removal and Testing: Taking the drawer out to locate the specific point of failure, whether it is a bent slide, worn ball bearings, or a warped wooden track.
• Hardware Repair: Replacing or repairing runners (wood, metal, or ball-bearing) and ensuring they are refitted with the correct heavy-duty fixings.
• Structural Reinforcement: Re-gluing loose dovetail or dowel joints and replacing or re-seating split or sagging drawer bottoms.
• Alignment and Finishing: Adjusting the drawer front for a flush finish, re-fitting handles, and calibrating soft-close mechanisms for silent operation.

Typical Costs

Most kitchen drawer repairs are completed within a single visit, though specialist parts for high-end European kitchens may require a second appointment. Prices include VAT and reflect standard UK rates for 2025/26.

Costs are primarily driven by the brand of the kitchen and the type of mechanism used. Bespoke timber drawers or specialist brands like Blum or Hettich may carry a premium for replacement parts compared to "off-the-shelf" DIY store components.

How Long Does It Take?

• Single Drawer Runner Replacement: 30–60 minutes.
• Structural Repair (Gluing & Clamping): 1 hour (plus drying time).
• Full Set of Kitchen Drawers (4-6 units): 2–4 hours.
• Bespoke or Integrated Soft-Close Retrofit: 3–5 hours depending on carcass modifications.

DIY or Professional?

Simple tasks like tightening a loose handle or lubricating a wooden runner are well within the reach of a confident DIYer. However, modern kitchen drawers are often made from chipboard or MDF, which can easily "blow" or crumble if new screw holes are not positioned correctly.

Professional joiners have the specific jigs and specialist drill bits required to fix runners accurately. If your repair involves adjusting units near gas hobs or integrated electrical appliances, a professional ensures that Part P (Electrical) or Gas Safe clearances are maintained.

Expert Tip: If the drawer bottom is sagging, don't just nail it back in. A professional will often add a central support rail to prevent the issue from recurring.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Look for a joiner or a kitchen fitting specialist rather than a general handyman for high-end or soft-close systems. Check for the following:

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 in Site Carpentry or Joinery is preferred.
• Experience: Ask if they have worked with your specific kitchen brand (e.g., Howdens, Magnet, Wren).
• Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1m).

Questions to ask:

• Do you charge a call-out fee, and is it deducted from the final bill?
• Can you source matching hardware, or do I need to provide it?
• What warranty do you provide on the new moving parts?

UK Regulations

• Consumer Rights Act 2015: Any replacement parts supplied must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose.
• Waste Regulations: If the tradesperson removes old metal runners or large amounts of timber, they must have a valid Waste Carrier Licence.
• Safety Standards: BS EN 14749:2016 covers the safety requirements for domestic kitchen storage units.

Common Problems

• Overloading: Most standard drawers are rated for 20kg–30kg; exceeding this causes runners to bend and bearings to fail.
• Water Ingress: Leaks from the sink can cause MDF carcasses to swell, making it impossible for drawers to slide.
• Mismatched Hardware: Attempting to fit "universal" runners to bespoke carcasses often results in drawers that sit wonky or won't stay closed.
• Worn Bearings: If you see small metal balls or black "dust" inside the cabinet, the runner's internal mechanism has collapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions