Center Mounted Kitchen Drawer Guide

Types

• There are three types of center mount drawer guides used commonly in kitchen drawers. Ball bearing center mount guides use a ball and bearing system, which provides a smooth sliding drawer. However, if the guide is not made with a self-cleaning ball bearing feature, over time dirt, dust and grime can accumulate, causing the drawer to stick. Wheel or monorail guides consist of wheels fitted onto a rail or track. This design can provide smooth operation, but isn’t as durable as ball bearing guides. The wheel typically is made of nylon or a type of plastic and this can wear down or experience a flat spot, which impedes the rolling action of the guide. Wooden center mount drawer guides are built typically into the drawer during manufacturing. With a wooden guide, a slat of wood is installed to the base of the drawer and it guides along a wooden track or slot in the cabinet’s interior. These are not used as commonly in modern kitchen cabinetry because wood expands and contracts with the moisture in the air and this can causes problems with functionality.

Advantages

• Because there is less hardware to work with than when installing side or under-mount guides, center mount drawer guides offer quick and easy installation. Some types of center mount guides also offer self-closing or soft closing features to prevent damage to the drawer itself. The location of the glide also makes it less vulnerable to buildups of dirt and grime, which may cause problems with smooth operation of side mounted guides.

Disadvantages

• Center mount guides often are classified as light to medium duty because they can’t hold as much weight as dual guides. The weight of the drawer isn’t distributed as evenly with a center mount as it is with other types of guides. Instead, it is focused in the center on a single unit. A drawer that is too heavy can impede the ease in which you’re able to open and close it or it may damage the guide.

Considerations

• Before purchasing a center mount drawer guide, measure the length of the drawer as well as the clearance between the back of the drawer and the rear wall of the cabinet. If you try to install a guide that is too long or there isn’t enough clearance beneath your drawer, it won’t function properly. Also consider the weight of the drawer when it is in use. Check the manufacturer's recommendations on the guide before purchasing. Most center mount drawer guides will withstand up to 35 pounds but some are rated for up to 50 pounds.