If you are searching for “Choosing Drawer Slides Guide” you are most likely updating your kitchen or if you are just simply putting in new cabinetry. With all of the different options for slides it can end up being a ghastly task. This guide is meant to simplify the options and help you understand what is available so you can get the best bang for your buck.
So, how do you choose from all of the different options out there?
The following is an introduction to characteristic basics to slides, including several features that are offered and their benefits to many of the types of slides out there. If you first take into consideration what it is you are wanting from each category, it is going to help to streamline any further searching.
A tutorial on how to choose the correct drawer slide mount:
You will first need to figure out whether you are wanting a side mount, center mount, or an under mount slides. Your decision will depend on the amount of space you have in between the drawer box and your cabinet opening.
- Side-Mount Slides – these come in pairs (or sets), and it comes with the slide that attaches to both sides of the drawer.
- They are available with a ball-bearing and a roller mechanism.
- They usually will require a clearance of 1/2” in between drawer slides and the side of cabinet opening.
- Center-Mount Slides – these come as single slides and they mount under the drawers’ center.
- They are available in a classic wood version, and they are also available with a ball-bearing mechanism.
- Its clearance will depend on the slides thickness.
- Under-Mount Slides – these are the ball-bearing slides and they come in pairs or sets. They mount to the cabinets sides and also connect to devices that lock that are attached to the drawers under side.
- These are not able to be seen when the drawer is open, which make them a better choice to highlight one’s cabinetry.
- These require less of a clearance in between the sides of the drawer and the opening of the cabinet, which is usually about 3/16” to 1/4” on; each side.
- These do require a specific top and bottom clearance for the opening of the cabinet, typically, drawer sides should not be over 5/8” in thickness.
- The space between the drawer bottom’s underside and the drawer sides themselves has to be 1/2”.
A tutorial on drawer slides and mounting types – and also a tutorial on drawer slides and ball-bearing vs. roller style of the slide mechanism slide length:
- Determine the length of slide needed.
- The slides that are used the most will come in sizes that range between 10” and 28”. Although, special applications are available in shorter or longer slides.
- You will measure the side-mount and the center-mount slides for distance from the cabinet’s front edge, to the inside-face of the cabinet’s back, now subtract 1”.
- You will measure the length of the drawer for the under-mount slides. The drawers and the slides have to be the same length in order to work correctly.
Extension:
First you will need to know how far out you want the drawer to come out when it is opened.
Tutorial on drawer slide – Drawer extension:
Weight Rating
Consider what it is the drawer will be holding.
Generally, slides are rated for the amount of 75,100 and 150 pounds, although, there are some that are rated at a less amount, as well as some that are specialty slides that can handle up to 220 pounds.
Weight rating is significantly important when it comes to choosing slides when it is for applications that are heavy duty, like file drawers and pantry pull outs.
Tutorial on drawer slide – weight rating, lengths, and the finishing options an, color:
- Is there a certain color that you are looking for?
- Slides mostly come with a zinc finish.
- Also available in black is the center-line Life-time Series 757 (which are nice for entertainment centers).
- Available in white or brown are the Blum Self-Closing Epoxy Roller-slides
Motion:
You will also need to decide if you are wanting the special motion features.
- Push to Open – It only takes a nudge to open this type of slide, so there is no need for knobs or handles. A great option for today’s modern kitchens, and in places that hardware is not wanted.
- Self-Close – When drawers are given a push the slides will return the drawer into the cabinet.
- Soft-Close – These slides will also add an effect of dampening to the feature of self-closing drawers, and return the drawer back into the cabinet gently, without ever slamming it.
Nationwide Drawer Slide Supplier
If you have broken drawer slides, are starting a new cabinetry project, or are simply remodeling your kitchen or bathroom Drawer Connection has the best selection of drawer slides. We have soft close, push to open, self close, and many more quality options that keep your drawers opening and closing smoothly. Visit our site to get started or call us at 877-917-4887.
