Sometimes a drawer slide just needs to be replaced—but other times an entire kitchen has been redone, and it is then time to decide how you want the drawers in the kitchen to open and close. There is actually more to a drawer than just pulling and pushing to make it work. The different types of drawer slides each make a difference in how the drawer closes and even in its appearance.

The Purpose of a Drawer Slide

A drawer slide quite simply allows the drawer to open and close. The slides are mounted to the drawer and cabinet, giving the drawer a track to move on.

To See or Not To See

Slides come in different colors such as silver, white, black, brown or beige, and you can choose a slide according to whether or not you mind if it is visible.

When choosing between the different types of drawer slides, it may not seem like a big deal, but some people prefer to not see the slide when the drawer is opened. This way, the color isn’t very important as you can’t see it, and you can achieve a clean look.

Two Types of Drawer Slides

We will break down these two categories some more, but the two options for making drawer slides actually slide are ball-bearing and roller drawer slides.

Ball-bearing slides are made with strength in mind, offering the ability to hold a heavier drawer and are also more expensive than roller drawer slides.

Ball-Bearing Slides

As mentioned, a slide designed with ball-bearings is fit for your tougher drawer jobs. Think of a deep and wide drawer that is able to hold all of your pots and pans. A ball-bearing slide will be the stronger option to keep that drawer moving smoothly.

Since bearings are lubricated, these drawer slides are an excellent choice for the smoothest of slides.

Bottom or Undermount Slides

Just as they sound, these slides attach to the bottom of the drawer. This is a nice option if you prefer slides that are not visible when the drawer opens. They also work well with weight in the drawer because they nicely support the bottom.

They can cost a little more because they are very specific. The drawer box must match the specifications of the bottom mount exactly, or the drawer will not slide properly. Therefore, the bottom or undermount drawer slide is a great option when it comes to custom-built drawers.

Side Mount Drawer Slides

These slides come in pairs and are attached to both the cabinet frame and the drawer along their sides. They do not support the bottom of the drawer very well, so they may not be the best choice for the drawer that holds your cast iron skillet collection; however, they do a good job when sliding your basic drawer.

Center Mount Drawer Slides

Center mount drawer slides feature an individual track rather than a pair of tracks, mounted down the center of the drawer and also attached to the cabinet. Like the undermount slides, these create a clean looking drawer as they are not visible.

Soft-Close Drawer Slides

Soft-close drawer slides have become very popular in recent years. Homeowners enjoy them because there is no more accidental slamming of drawers in the kitchen and no pinched fingers. We know you’d never slam a drawer on purpose, but sometimes it just happens.

Basically, when you push the drawer to close it, the soft-close function immediately grabs hold and causes the drawer to take its time. This is a really nice feature if you seek a little more quiet time in your life.

Self-Closing Drawer Slides

Self-closing slides take the soft-close a step further. With just the slightest tap, the drawer will automatically close ever so gently. This adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen.

Touch-Release Drawer Slides

A current trend in modern kitchens is very sleek cabinets, often with the drawer facing flush with the cabinet base and no handles to pull them open. At first glance, one might think the homeowner didn’t think the design through very well.

However, it’s actually a really cool and clean look if you enjoy smooth lines and a minimalistic style. Without handles, the touch-release drawer slides allow you to just tap the drawer while it is closed, and it will then slowly and smoothly open to greet you.

Detent and Locking Drawer Slides

These slides offer a great option for drawers or pull-outs that need to not close too easily. For example, maybe a toaster that is hidden away but needs to stay put rather than moving once it is pulled and in use. The detent and locking system works to hold a drawer open or closed and requires a bit more of a push or pull to move.

Full Extension Drawer Slide

A full extension drawer slide allows the drawer to open completely. Although it may seem that all drawers open completely, without the full extension they do not fully extend.

That means if the kitchen tool you need to use is all the way at the back of the very large silverware drawer, you should be able to get to it.

Installing Drawer Slides

Drawer slides are not difficult to install, and if you are installing one for the purpose of just replacing an old one that is no longer working, you can probably do it yourself with a tape measure and a drill. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are installing all new cabinets and drawers, it is best to leave it to the professionals to avoid a nasty headache. Slides have to be level, measured correctly, and installed just right to get the smooth slide you are hoping for.

Keep Your Slides Clean

It isn’t at the top of most homeowner’s minds to clean the drawer slides. However, in a place like the kitchen, grease and grime can build up anywhere and everywhere.

Add drawer slide cleaning to the spring-cleaning list and your slides will serve you longer. Simply pull out the drawers and clean slides with some soapy water, dry, and push closed.

A benefit of undermount slides is they catch less dust and grease thanks to being under the drawers rather than on the sides.

Woodworker Express offers many options in drawer slides and we are here for all of your building and remodeling needs.