All things furniture fittings...

Replacing a kitchen hinge or cupboard hinge is easily achievable. Here's how to do it: Tools you'll need: Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead depending on your screw type) Possibly a drill and drill bit (if the new hinge doesn't use the existing screw holes) Pencil (for marking) Optional: tape (to mark screw depth on drill bit) Steps: Remove the door: If the kitchen hinges are clip on then press in the clip to remove the hinge from the hinge plate.   If the hinges are screw on then unscrew the hinges from the hinge plate on the cabinet frame, allowing the door to be lifted off. Remove the old hinge from the door: There might be screws holding it or a mechanism for detaching it. Look for any retaining screws or clips and detach the hinge. Match the new hinge: Get a replacement kitchen hinge that matches the old one in size and type (Full overlay, half overlay or inset).   Ensure you check the cup size as ...

Sustainable Choices and Soft Close Hinges and Runners – why upgrading your furniture is this year’s best trend Why is it a good idea to upgrade your furniture fittings and fixtures? Because small details can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetics and functionality of a space. One often overlooked, but game-changing upgrade, is the switch to soft close hinges and runners . With sustainability in mind, where there isn’t a need to completely replace a cabinet, cupboard or drawer, the addition of soft close hinges and runners may be the best option to elevate your furniture. Not only do they add a touch of sophistication to your furniture, but they also bring practical benefits that enhance the overall user experience. This year is a good time to invest Imagine that you walk into a room, and the first thing you notice is the sleek design of a cabinet door closing gently and silently, thanks to soft close hinges. It's a small touch that transforms a mundane action into a sa...

As a leading supplier in the industry, we understand the importance of high-quality, durable fittings that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of kitchens but also withstand the rigours of everyday use. Impress your clients with our innovative designs and premium materials, plus benefit from our seamless ordering process. Discover 6 ways that we can elevate your customer experience… 1. Comprehensive Range of Products Unico  offers a large selection of kitchen fittings tailored to meet the needs of trade professionals and retail customers. From drawer slides to innovative storage solutions, our diverse product portfolio ensures you have access to everything you need for a successful kitchen installation project. 2. Premium Materials for Enduring Quality Our kitchen fittings are crafted from premium materials such as stainless steel, brass, and chrome, guaranteeing durability and longevity. Trade professionals can rely on us to provide fittings that not only meet but exceed industr...

We are excited to announce a price drop on our existing stock of pan drawer runners . We believe in providing our customers with the best value for money and are confident that this product will continue to provide you with the same level of quality and satisfaction as many of our other products. What are pan drawer runners? Pan drawer runners are the mechanisms that allow your kitchen drawers to slide in and out smoothly. They are essential for ensuring that your drawers function correctly. Traditionally they are used in kitchens where variable drawer heights are required within the same unit but can also be used in a lounge, office or bedroom.  By using these drawer runners, all you need to supply is the base, rear, and your own drawer front. Below we have listed some of the great features of pan drawer runners. Smooth sliding Nylon rollers provide a smooth and quiet operation, allowing the user to easily access the contents of drawers without any resistance. The runners roll on ...

Knockdown (KD) furniture is designed to be put together and taken apart easily, often without the need for specialised tools or skills. A key feature of knockdown furniture is its fittings , which include cams and dowels . We wanted to take a look at the most frequently asked questions about cams and dowels and why they are so important for knockdown furniture. 1. What are cams and dowels? In KD furniture, cams and dowels are components used to connect two pieces of wood or MDF. Cams are usually shaped like a wheel with a lobe or projection, while dowels are cylindrical pins used to align parts. 2. How do cams and dowels work? Dowels work by fitting into corresponding holes in the material, creating a strong and secure joint. Cams work by rotating a shaft, which then engages with a partner surface, creating a secure connection. 3. What materials are used to make cams and dowels? A dowel is usually made of wood, but can be metal or plastic. Cams can also be made from a variety of mater...

Soft close hinges are now even more competitively priced, so what better time to invest in your cabinetry? If you are considering using them, read on, as there are many more reasons why we recommend soft close hinges. What are soft close hinges? Soft close hinges are a type of door hinge that closes the door slowly and softly. They are concealed cabinet hinges that are usually used in kitchens and bathrooms, but they can also be used in other furniture such as wardrobes. They offer a simple way to improve cabinets by giving you peace of mind that your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors will close gently and silently, without slamming shut. How do soft close hinges work? Our soft close hinges  have a hydraulic mechanism and spring built into the arm of the hinge.  When the door is closed the spring and hydraulic mechanism take over and ensure that the door is brought to a soft close instead of slamming shut. Where to use soft close hinges Soft Close Hinges are mo...

If all you want for Christmas is a new kitchen, we supply great kitchen fittings. Here are some ideas to consider when it comes to designing and planning your dream kitchen. Top 10 Items to Include in a Kitchen Refit 1. Soft Close Hinges For cupboard doors that close quietly and efficiently, include soft close hinges. Fitting couldn’t be easier or quicker using the clip-on plate supplied. Offering various degrees of adjustment to ensure an exact fit, and all mechanisms are hidden from view by a small cover. Learn more about Clip On Concealed Hinges here. 2. Soft Close Drawer Slides Include GTV’s undermount soft close drawer runners for a satisfyingly soft close and silent drawer. The soft close drawer slides are full extension (less 16mm), allowing full access to the whole the drawer. These are designed for wooden drawers with a maximum weight of 25kg. Learn more about GTV's undermount Soft Close Drawer Slides here. 3. Pull Out Waste Bin Solve the problem of unsightly rubbish with ...

The 10 Best Things About Soft Close Drawer Slides When it comes to supplying furniture fixtures and fittings, Unico will go the extra mile to make sure their customers have exactly what they need. One of our most popular and best-selling items this year has to be soft close drawer slides . And there are plenty of reasons why they are a top choice, we have put together just 10 of the advantages and benefits you can enjoy from these drawer slides. 1. Last longer As there is generally less stress and wear on the mechanism compared to standard drawer slides, expect to enjoy better performance and smooth travel for longer. 2. Safer Soft close drawers can’t be slammed making it harder for fingers to get caught in the closing drawer. Just before it is completely shut, the soft close mechanism of the drawer takes over and very gently pulls the drawer closed the rest of the way. 3. Luxury finish Drawers with soft close offer a premium feel and allude to high end with a luxury quality. 4. Satisf...

At Unico , our staff are always happy to advise customers and ensure they have the right furniture fixtures and fittings for their needs. One question we are often asked is “How do I choose the right hinge?”. Choosing the right hinge for kitchen cabinets or wardrobe doors is crucial and we can help you make the right selection from our range. What are the different types of hinges? With different function and use, choose from a wide array of styles, designs, and types such as: butt hinges cranked hinges cylinder hinges spring hinges flap hinges flush hinges piano hinges lay on hinges lift off hinges pivot hinges self-closing hinges  We are confident we have the right hinge for you so let’s look at some of our hinges in a little more detail: Overlay hinges Fitted to doors where the door lays onto the frame of the carcass. Full overlay hinges Overlay the width of the carcass side. Half overlay hinges Overlay up to half the width of the carcass side. Inset hinges Allow the door to clo...

There is more to kitchens than worktops and tiles. That is why Unico supply a range of innovative kitchen fixtures and fittings to designers and kitchen fitters, to achieve beautiful kitchens that are up to date and functional.  Creative storage solutions continue to be very popular. Around two thirds of homeowners renovating their kitchens, will be planning to include specialty kitchen storage in their new cabinetry. Ramping up kitchen storage A good way to achieve more storage in a small kitchen is to think vertically. Create storage high up while making items easy to access using our pull-down shelf unit. This comes as a 2-tier chrome plated wire shelf which can be pulled forward allowing full access to the contents. Make use of hard to access space with pull-out corner units to utilise all available space and allow items to be easily accessible – no more crouching, bending, or crawling into the cupboard to reach items. Smart kitchen storage It is not just small kitche...

Our customers span a range of different industries and come in all shapes and sizes with varying expectations. Tony Killick, our General Manager, spoke to us about supplying the trade with furniture fixtures and fittings in our Q&A below. Which types of tradespeople and industries do Unico generally work with? "We supply multiple trade manufacturers and individuals across differing sectors including kitchen manufacturers, kitchen fitters, furniture designers, carpenters, bedroom fitters, office furniture manufacturers and locker furniture." Do Unico supply internationally? "Although we do sometimes supply overseas, the majority of our business is currently UK based customers." What are Unico especially well known for and what are your best-selling products with regards to trade customers? "Our strongest range is locks for furniture and lockers , for example code locks, cam locks, cylinder locks and much more. We actually have a vast product range, so lock...