A Quick Guide to the Different Types of Drawer Slides

Drawers extend and retract easily because of slides. But these devices come in a wide range of designs and functional mechanisms. How can you know which is right for your home’s cabinetry? Whether you’re building new cabinets or fixing old ones, read on for a quick and helpful guide to the different types of drawer slides.

The Main Designs

Side-mount, undermount, top-mount, and center-mount are the main designs for drawer slides.

Side-Mount

Side-mount slides are the most common type you’ll find. They attach to the sides of both the drawer and cabinet. You will see them when the drawer is open, but they’re a solid choice for most projects.

Undermount

Undermount slides attach to the bottom of your drawer box, keeping them completely hidden when the drawer is open.

Top-Mount

Top-mount slides work well for drawers that need to support heavy loads. They mount on top of the drawer sides and are often used in filing cabinets or workshop storage. They’re sturdy but take up some space above the drawer.

Center-Mount

Center-mount slides attach to the center bottom of the drawer and cabinet. They’re simple, but they don’t offer as much support as other types.

Different Mechanism Options

Regardless of their main design, drawer slides can come with mechanisms that affect how they open, close, and function.

Soft Closing

Soft-closing slides prevent drawers from slamming shut. They’re great for reducing wear on your cabinetry and controlling noise in your living space.

Self-Closing

Self-closing slides automatically pull the drawer shut when you push it most of the way closed. They’re handy for organized folks who never want to leave something accidentally ajar.

Push-To-Open

Push-to-open slides let you open drawers with a simple push rather than pulling a handle. They’re perfect for handle-free cabinet designs.

Locking

Similar to the push-to-open function, locking slides keep drawers securely closed until you release the mechanism. In fact, if you install front-locking devices on Tandem drawers, they’re usually compatible with push-to-open systems.

Full Extension

Full-extension slides let you pull drawers out completely, giving you access to every corner. They’re worth it for deep drawers.

Ball Bearing

Ball bearing slides offer the smoothest operation. They’re ideal for drawers you’ll use frequently.

Making Your Decision

You now know the different types of drawer slides, but which is right for your project? Start by considering your budget, the drawer’s intended use, and your aesthetic preferences. For most home projects, side-mount slides with soft-closing features offer the best balance of functionality and value. Just make sure you always invest in quality slides because they will last the longest and provide the most seamless experience.