How to Choose Drawer Slides

When selecting cabinet hardware, making key decisions about functionality and aesthetics is essential to completing your cabinet project. If your project includes a drawer system, the appropriate drawer slides are essential. Drawer slides are typically made up of two parts: a drawer profile that attaches to the drawer and a cabinet profile that attaches to the interior of the cabinet. These components work with ball bearings or roller mechanisms to allow for smooth movement.

Tip: It is best to build the cabinet box before building the drawers. After assembling the cabinet, select the drawer slides, then build the drawers to specifications.

Types of Drawer Slides

The three main types of drawer slides—side-mount, bottom-mount, and center-mount—are determined by how they are mounted. This choice is primarily aesthetic, but there are also functional considerations.

• Side-mount:

Mounts to the side of the drawer and the interior of the cabinet.
Visible when the drawer is open.
Requires planning for clearance, usually about ½ inch.

• Bottom-mount:

Mounts to the side of the cabinet and the bottom of the drawer.
Not visible when the drawer is open.
Requires less clearance, adjustable, and a cleaner look.

• Center-mount:

A one-piece mount that mounts to the center underside of the drawer.
It is also not visible when open, but clearance may be required depending on thickness.

• Length and Extension

1. Length: Drawer slides are typically 10 to 28 inches. The length of the slide must be appropriate for the drawer and cabinet size. For under-mount slides, the slide length should match the drawer length. For side and center-mount slides, measure from the front of the cabinet to the back inside surface and select the next size.
2. Extension: This refers to how far the drawer extends when open. Common types include:
3. ¾ extension: One-quarter of the drawer remains in the cabinet.
4. Full extension: Allows full use of the drawer.
5. ⅞ extension: An option between ¾ and full extension.
6. Overtravel: Extends beyond full extension to allow access to the back of the drawer.

• Weight rating

The weight capacity of each drawer is typically 75 to 100 pounds. Consider the purpose of the drawer; for example, a garage drawer that stores heavy tools may require a heavy-duty slide. Keep in mind that the weight rating applies to one pair of slides – two 100-pound rated slides do not equal a 200-pound rated slide.

• Finish and Motion Features

1. Finish: Most drawer slides are made of metal with a galvanized finish. Some are available in a variety of colors to match a variety of wood tones. If using non-concealed slides, the finish may be more important for aesthetics.
2. Motion Features: Features such as soft-close and auto-close mechanisms are becoming more popular for their convenience:
3. Soft-close: Prevents slamming by slowly pulling the drawer in.
4. Auto-close: Similar, but requires less effort to close.
5. Push-open: Pushes the drawer front to open, perfect for modern designs.
6. Lock: Keeps the drawer securely closed, useful in a variety of settings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drawer slide requires consideration of mounting type, length, extension, weight rating, finish, and motion features. By understanding these factors, you can select the best hardware for your cabinet project, ensuring functionality and a sophisticated look.

For more in-depth guidance, consider contacting Goodich for more guidance and pricing