Full Extension: what it is and why it makes a difference in your custom furniture
Marcato Móveis · Fine Cabinetry · Technical Guide
When you open a drawer and it comes out completely — without hiding anything in the back — that's called full extension. It's a detail that separates entry-level furniture from fine cabinetry, and most buyers only discover it after they've signed the contract.
What is full extension
Full extension means the drawer extends 100% of its length when opened. You see and can reach everything inside — from the handle to the back — without having to blindly grope around.
In practice, this changes everything in kitchen cabinets, closets, and bathrooms: nothing gets lost in the back, space is utilized to the last centimeter, and daily use becomes simpler and more intuitive.
Full extension vs. partial extension: the difference no one tells you about in the store
Most mid-range furniture on the Brazilian market uses partial extension slides — which extend between 70% and 85% of the depth. The back of the drawer remains inaccessible, especially in larger pieces.
| Criterion | Partial Extension | Full Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Access to content | 70–85% of back | 100% of back |
| Actual space utilization | Partial — back is useless | Total — every centimeter counts |
| Effort to reach items in the back | High — requires bending arm | None — everything within reach |
| Impression of quality when opening | Sticks or pushes at the end | Smooth and silent glide |
| Slide durability | Lower — simple mechanism | High — engineered system |
How it works technically
The most advanced models — such as Blum Tandem (for bedrooms and shelving units) and Blum Legrabox (for kitchens and bathrooms) — combine high-precision steel rails with internal ball bearings that distribute the load uniformly along the entire travel path. In Marcato pieces, this system is combined with the Salice Silentia Plus damper, which decelerates closing in the last few centimeters — no noise, no impact.
Why full extension is standard in fine cabinetry
In fine cabinetry, projects are developed millimeter by millimeter — each drawer's depth is calculated for its specific use. Wasting 15% of that depth with partial extension would be incompatible with the level of design.
In Marcato pieces, the standard is always 100% full extension, with Blum Legrabox (kitchens and bathrooms) or Blum Tandem (bedrooms and shelving units), combined with Salice Silentia Plus damping and BLUMOTION closing. No exceptions, no options.
See how we specify every detail in our custom-made furniture.
Read also: Fine Cabinetry: what it is and what separates it from ordinary custom-made furniture · How to choose a custom kitchen: the complete guide · MDF or MDP — the difference that defines quality
