What Are Under Mount Soft Close Drawer Glides

Under-mount soft-close drawer glides are a type of drawer hardware designed to provide a smooth and quiet closing action for drawers while remaining hidden from view. Here’s a detailed look at these glides:

1. Key Features

Under-Mount Design

• Concealed Mechanism: The glides are installed underneath the drawer box and are not visible when the drawer is closed. This provides a clean, streamlined look to the furniture.
• Space Efficiency: Since the glides are hidden, they do not take up space on the sides of the drawer or cabinet, allowing for a larger, uninterrupted drawer front.

Soft-Close Mechanism

• Smooth Closure: The soft-close feature ensures that the drawer closes gently and quietly, preventing it from slamming shut. This is achieved through a hydraulic or pneumatic damping mechanism built into the glide system.
• Adjustability: Some soft-close glides allow for adjustment to control the closing speed and resistance, providing a customizable user experience.

2. Construction and Components

Tracks and Slides

• Tracks: The under-mount glides consist of tracks mounted to the sides of the cabinet. These tracks hold the gliding mechanism in place.
• Slides: The drawer itself has corresponding slides that fit into the tracks, allowing the drawer to slide smoothly in and out.

Ball-Bearing Mechanism

• Smooth Operation: Many under-mount glides use ball-bearing mechanisms to facilitate smooth, effortless drawer movement.

Damping Mechanism

• Controlled Closing: The damping mechanism is integrated into the glides to control the speed and ensure a soft, controlled closure.

3. Advantages

Aesthetic Appeal

• Invisible Hardware: The under-mount design keeps the hardware hidden, contributing to a cleaner, more modern appearance.

Enhanced Durability

• Strong Support: Under-mount glides often provide robust support and can handle heavier loads compared to side-mounted glides.
• Reduced Wear: The concealed mechanism is less exposed to dust and debris, potentially extending its lifespan.

Improved Functionality

• Quiet Operation: The soft-close feature minimizes noise, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Smooth Glide: The ball-bearing system and high-quality materials ensure a smooth and reliable operation.

4. Installation

• Precision Required: Installation of under-mount soft-close glides requires precise alignment to ensure proper operation and alignment of the drawer.
• Professional Help: While some DIY enthusiasts can handle the installation, many choose to have a professional installer ensure that the glides are fitted correctly.

5. Considerations

• Compatibility: Ensure that the glides are compatible with the size and weight of the drawers you are installing them on.
• Cost: Under-mount soft-close glides can be more expensive than side-mounted options, but they offer additional benefits in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Summary

Under-mount soft-close drawer glides provide a sleek and modern solution for smooth, quiet drawer operation. Their concealed design enhances the appearance of furniture, while the soft-close feature improves user experience by preventing slamming and reducing noise. With their durable construction and high performance, they are a popular choice for high-quality cabinetry and furniture.