Quick Drawer Slide Ideas

Under-Mount

• Select an under-mount drawer slide to hide your hardware and maximize your drawer space. Install under-mount drawer slides in the center of your drawers using size-appropriate screws, generally included with the purchase of the drawer slides. Because there is no need to allow for additional space on the sides of your drawers for hardware, your drawers have a slightly larger capacity. The sides of the drawers are visually appealing because bare woodwork shows rather than metallic hardware.

Side-Mount

• Opt for side-mounted drawer slides for a sturdy, long-lasting hardware option. According to Lowe's, side-mount drawer slides are more durable than center bottom-mount slides. Because side-mount drawer slides support a drawer on both sides, the weight of the contents in the drawer is evenly distributed. With an under-mount construction, one slide supports all of the weight. Attach side-mounted hardware to both exterior sides of your drawers for added support.

Measurements

• Measure your drawers before you purchase and install drawer slides. Measure the length and width of your drawers for side-mounted slides and the length, width and depth for under-mounted slides. According to Kitchen Shelves, an Arizona cabinet manufacturer, measure the clear opening of your cabinet, not the wall-to-wall dimension. Measure the distance between the frame on each side of the cabinet, minus the width of the hinges. Determine cabinet depth by measuring the distance from the front face of the frame to the back wall of the cabinet. If electrical wires and pipes don't allow a drawer to slide back to the cabinet wall, measure the distance to the wires or pipes. Purchase drawer slides that fit your measurements.

Weight Capacity

• Evaluate the contents in your drawers to determine the needed weight capacity of the drawer slides. Drawer slides come in varying thicknesses and construction materials to accommodate weight. Opt for steel drawer slides if the contents are heavy such as books, glassware or liquids. Wooden drawer slides work well with lightweight contents including clothing, paper and plastic.