Drawer slides are basically rails that enable drawers to open and close as intended. Each providing a different level of function and performance.
The two main types of drawer slides are side-mounted slides and under-mount slides. Side-mounted slides are the most common type of drawer slides and are installed on the sides of the drawer. The main benefits of side-mounted drawer slides are that they are easy to install, they provide a good range of motion, and they are cost-effective.
Under-mount drawer slides are installed on the bottom of the drawer and are designed to provide the most motion and the greatest range of adjustment. Under-mount slides typically cost more than side-mounted slides, but they tend to provide the best overall performance.
Another type of drawer slide is a push-to-open drawer slide. These slides require no handles since they open with a single push. They are ideal for custom furniture applications and for spaces where handles would be in the way.
Finally, there are soft closing drawer slides, which are designed to help close drawers more quietly and slowly. These slides tend to cost more than other types, but they offer a great amount of convenience.
What are bottom mount drawer slides?
Bottom mount drawer slides are a type of hardware used to construct cabinets and drawers. These slides feature a track system or guide on the bottom of the drawer or cabinet and a bracket that attaches to the side of the interior cabinet.
This allows for the drawer or cabinet movement by providing easy and smooth sliding action. The slides feature a variety of lengths to fit differing wall depths. They are usually constructed of steel or plastic for strength and durability, and for a smoother action, ball bearings are used in some models.
Bottom mount drawer slides are designed to accommodate individual needs and can range from standard to full extension, slow closing and self-close. Installing these drawer slides is fairly simple, with most needing just two screws into the cabinet floor.
Which is better side mount or undermount drawer slides?
It ultimately depends on what your preferences and needs are, as both side mount and undermount drawer slides have advantages and disadvantages.
Side mount drawer slides typically cost less and are easier to install, and in addition, they allow for more storage space on the sides of the drawer than undermount drawer slides. The main drawback of side mount slides is that they are visible from the outside when the drawer is opened, so they may not be ideal if you’re looking for a sleek aesthetic.
Undermount drawer slides are usually the more expensive option and a bit more complicated to install, but they offer a much smoother and more integrated look, as the drawer slides are hidden underneath the drawer.
Additionally, they generally provide more stability than side mount slides. However, underneath the drawer, there may not be as much storage space available with undermount slides because of the way they are mounted.
If you’re looking for a more discreet look with easier opening and closing, undermount drawer slides may be the way to go, but if you’re on a budget and don’t mind them being visible, side mount drawer slides will provide a more economical option.
Can I use side mount drawer slides on the bottom?
Yes, you can use side mount drawer slides on the bottom of your drawers. Side mount drawer slides are a great alternative to traditional bottom mount slides because they provide greater support and stability than bottom mount slides.
Additionally, side mount slides are easier to install than bottom mount slides because the slides are mounted to the sides of the drawer rather than to the bottom. This also helps to protect your drawers since the slides absorb any strikes or bumps instead of your drawers.
Finally, side mount drawer slides are compatible with a variety of drawer types, so you can choose the perfect slide to match your drawer.
What is the difference between undermount and bottom mount drawer slides?
Undermount drawer slides are drawer slides that mount to the bottom of the drawer and attach to a specialized groove in the drawer frame, allowing the drawer to be completely concealed. This type of drawer slide is particularly popular for use with conforming cabinetry and is often used with full-extension slides to provide the most storage capacity, since the drawer is drawn out and away from the cabinet before opening.
Bottom mount drawer slides, on the other hand, mount to the sides of the drawer and attach to standardized metal tracks that run the length of the interior of the cabinet. This makes them easier to install and they also tend to be cheaper and more widely available than undermount slides.
Bottom mount slides typically don’t have as much extension and are therefore not ideal for storing large, bulky items in the drawer. However, they are better suited for shorter drawers and provide a simpler way to organize items in the drawer.
Can drawer slides be mounted on bottom of drawer?
Yes, drawer slides can be mounted on the bottom of a drawer. This type of mounting offers several benefits, including a low profile design, better stability for the drawer, and it provides extra space in the cabinet for additional storage.
To mount drawer slides on the bottom of a drawer, you will need to first mark the required hole positions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, you need to drill shallow holes in the required positions and attach the corresponding mounting brackets to the bottom of the drawer.
Next, you must slide the drawer slides into the brackets, closing the metal tabs to hold them securely in place. After the drawer slides are properly mounted, the last step is to attach the drawer to the cabinet frame.
This can be done by securing the screws to the corresponding connectors. Once done, the drawer is ready to be slid in and out of the cabinet frame.
How do you install top mount drawer slides?
Installing top mount drawer slides is a fairly straightforward process. Start by measuring the space you will be using the slides in, then purchase the correct size slides. Next, take the measure the width of the drawer and ensure the side mount slides will fit properly.
Next, install the hardware that the slides come with, including screws and brackets. Once the hardware is installed, position the slide rail. Most sets of top mount drawer slides usually come with a template that can help you mark the drawer rail level.
After the rail is in place, measure the drawer box to ensure correct rail height and that the drawer box is level. After the slide is in place, attach the drawer box to the slide rail with either screws or the metal clips that come with the slides.
Lastly, check the drawer front for adjustment and play. Make any necessary adjustments for the front to make sure it slides correctly.
How do I choose a drawer slide?
Choosing the right drawer slide depends on several factors, including the weight of the drawer, the space available to fit the slide, and the desired look and feel you wish to achieve. Before shopping for the drawer slide, measure the depth and width of the cabinet or drawer to ensure that you purchase a slide appropriate for the space.
Additionally, identify how much weight the slide must be able to support and select the right slide that is suitable for the load.
When shopping, look for drawer slides made from durable materials such as steel or aluminum as they can typically support more weight. Additionally, consider slides with a self-closing mechanism to ensure that the drawer properly closes with a gentle push.
There are a variety of mounting options available such as side mount slides, center mount slides, undermount slides, and full extension slides. Side mount slides require the most space and are suitable for lightweight drawers.
On the other hand, undermount slides and full extension slides offer more support as they run the length of the drawer, but may take up more room.
When selecting a drawer slide, also consider aesthetic considerations such as the finish, color, and style of the slide. Many drawer slides come in an array of different finishes to match the decor of your space including chrome, brass, bronze, and black.
Consider the type of slides that best fit your style and the look you want your cabinets or drawers. With all of these options, you can find the right drawer slide to accommodate your needs.
Where should side mount drawer slides be mounted?
Side mount drawer slides should be mounted on the sides of the drawer box or a mounting plate. The slides should be positioned so that the back of the drawer slide is flush with the back of the drawer box.
If the drawer box has a top overhang, the slide should be installed slightly beneath the overhang. To ensure the drawer opens and closes properly, the slides should also be positioned at the same height on both sides of the drawer box.
When using screws to attach the slides, countersinking is recommended so that the screws are flush with the slides.
Can I use drawer slides horizontally?
Yes, you can use drawer slides horizontally. These specialized slides are designed to support the motion of drawer components as they move in and out of an opening and can be installed either vertically or horizontally.
Horizontal drawer slides are commonly used for kitchen and bathroom applications, such as pantry, under-sink and wall-mounted storage solutions. Before installing your slides, measure the opening and purchase slides that are designed accordingly.
Slides that are too short will limit the drawer’s full range of motion and while slides that are too long may result in cabinet movement and destabilization. Additionally, if you’re unsure of how to install the slides, seek the help of a professional or refer to the drawer slide’s installation instructions.
Can you replace drawer slides with soft close?
Yes, you can replace drawer slides with soft close. Soft close drawer slides typically have either a hydraulic or mechanical mechanism that allow them to close more slowly and quietly than standard drawer slides, preventing the drawers from slamming shut.
Compared to standard drawer slides, soft close drawer slides may be slightly more expensive, but they can give your furniture a more polished, luxurious look and feel. When replacing drawer slides with soft close slides, it is important to measure the drawer’s dimensions accurately, since even small differences in size can make the slides incompatible.
Additionally, the drawer itself may require some modifications to accommodate the new slides. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, as different brands and styles of slides can vary in terms of how they are attached and mounted.
What are soft close drawers called?
Soft close drawers are typically referred to as self-closing drawers. They are designed with a mechanism that automatically closes the drawer when it is pushed shut, preventing the shock and bang of a traditional full open and close.
They are often used for kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanity and can provide a much quieter and less disruptive user experience. Soft close drawers are typically spring-loaded and use a rubber belt or cable to slow down the speed of closure.
The result is a slow and light closure that prevents slamming and dragging, as well as providing safety from accidentally opening and closing with too much force.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
The type of slides you use for dresser drawers depends on the size, weight and design of the drawer, as well as the desired smoothness of movement. For lighter drawers with shorter lengths, plastic draw slides may be used, which are relatively inexpensive and available in a variety of sizes.
If a medium weight drawer is desired to be opened and closed smoothly, ball-bearing draw slides are a good option. These draw slides are a more expensive option, however, they allow for a smoother drawer movement.
Heavy duty draw slides, such as full extension drawer slides, are recommended for larger and heavier drawers. These draw slides will cost more than plastic slides, but are designed to support heavier loads and longer spans.
