A guide to understanding drawer slides
When it comes to choosing a drawer slide, there are a variety of factors to consider. In addition to ease of slide and base material, how the slides are mounted is an important factor. This rating determines the amount of weight the drawer can support, ease of installation, and extension length. Here is a breakdown of 5 of the most popular types along with the features of each.
bottom mount- These slides have two rails mounted on the bottom of the drawer (one on each side). The sliders are hidden from view and leave the sides of the drawers clear. They are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms where storage is a priority. Since they can hold more weight, they are ideal for heavier loads and are typically full-extension (or very close to full-extension) drawers, allowing you to easily pull the drawer out for cleaning or moving. This type of slide is very easy to install, making it a popular choice with many homeowners. Blum Drawer Slides are popular for bottom mount options.
Center mount- These are installed under the center of the drawer and extend from the front to the back of the drawer. They are invisible from the top and are light to medium weight (making them ideal for smaller drawers). You usually can’t completely remove the door with this type of mounting. Antique furniture was typically made with a center mount drawer slide, so you may notice that on certain antique furniture pieces. The best part about center mount drawer slides is that they are so easy to install.
Side mount- Side mount drawer slides are a very popular type of drawer slides that are often used in kitchens and bathrooms. In this type of slide, two rails are installed on both sides of the drawer. They are widely available in different lengths, materials, and weights, making it easy to find the right slides for your home. These sliders are highly visible when the drawers are open and slightly reduce the width of the drawer. They can be used to hold more weight than other types of slides, making them useful with larger loads.
European- European drawer slides are often used with frameless or frame-front cabinets as they are easy to assemble. They have an “L” shaped frame that mounts directly to the bottom of the drawer without any hassle. In this type of slide, the hinge is completely hidden from the outside, which offers a professional and more modern look. They are usually fairly inexpensive, making them a popular choice for home remodelers. Hettich drawer slides are popular for European epoxy options.
Ball bearing- Ball bearing drawer slides often replace the popular center mount slides. Ball bearings allow easy use with minimal interruption or noise. Some models even allow you to press down on the sides of the slides to completely remove the drawer from the base, making it easy to transport when moving or just to clean the drawer. Other models are self-closing.
Understanding the benefits of the different types of drawer slides is very important for the DIYer. Aesthetics and load capacity are very important factors in the decision.
