Yes, drawer slides can be mounted on the bottom of a drawer. This is a common technique, particularly with side panel mount slides, which can be attached to the bottom of a drawer using screws. To ensure that the drawer opens and closes smoothly, it is important to check the alignment of the slides, and to make any necessary adjustments.
Additionally, taking the time to properly lubricate the slides with a dry lubricant will also help ensure smooth operation.
How do you put drawer slides on the bottom of a drawer?
Installing drawer slides on the bottom of a drawer requires a few simple steps. Before beginning, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct size of drawer slides for the drawer and the needed tools, such as a drill, Phillips screwdriver and a measuring tape.
Begin by measuring the top, bottom and sides of the drawer so you will know how long the drawer slide needs to be. Once you have determined the size, you will need to measure the depth of the drawer.
This will be an important factor because in order for the drawer slides to slide properly the screws should not make contact with one another.
Next, you will need to drill holes into the bottom sides of the drawer. The holes should be placed with enough clearance so that when the drawer slides are installed, they won’t be touching any of the screws.
With the holes drilled, you can now install the drawer slides. Start by attaching the brackets to the sides of the drawer with screws. Make sure the screws are tight and secure. Then, attach the drawer slide to the bottom of the drawer and slide it into the brackets.
Make sure the drawer slide is completely level. Finally, secure the drawer slide to the brackets with screws. Repeat the process for the other side of the drawer.
Once you’ve installed the drawer slides, allow the drawer a few hours to settle before use. By following these few easy steps, you’ll be able to easily put drawer slides on the bottom of a drawer.
Which is better undermount or side mount drawer slides?
The type of drawer slide that is better for your project depends largely on the design and style of the build. Both undermount and side mount drawer slides have their own relative benefits and drawbacks.
Undermount drawer slides are typically more subtle, as they require no visible mounting system, as their name implies. They mount on the underside of the drawer, attaching to the drawer box and frame.
On the plus side, they afford a more streamlined look and lend support to heavier loads. However, they require precise measurements and installation, and they are more difficult to remove or replace.
Side mount drawer slides are mounted on the side of the drawer, and are easier to install, remove, and replace. The hardware is also hidden from view, allowing for a generally more aesthetically pleasing piece of equipment.
Side mount drawer slides can accommodate lighter loads than undermount slides and are generally cheaper, but are more bulky and appear less streamlined.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to use side mount or undermount drawer slides will depend on the size and load capacity requirements, and the desired aesthetics of the finished product.
How do you mount undermount drawer slides?
Mounting undermount drawer slides typically involves either two or three steps, depending on the type of slides you are using.
If you are using “side mounted” slides, the first step is to mount the slide to the underside of the drawer. In this case, you’ll need to use screws to secure the slides in place.
The slides will have a predrilled guide that you should use to line up with the mounting holes of the drawer. Once secure, you can then mount the next side of the slide onto the drawer box. Some slides require a drill with a countersink bit.
After everything is mounted and secured, you can start to slide the drawer in and out of the drawer box.
If you are using center-mount undermount slides, the process is a little bit different. Instead of mounting two sides onto the drawer and the drawer box, you will only mount one side onto the back of the drawer, with the other side connected directly to the box.
To hold the drawer in place, you will need to use slide brackets, which support the weight of the drawer when it is extended. Iterally mount the bracket to the underside of the drawer and then to the box.
After that, you can begin using the drawer.
In both cases, it is always best to refer to the installation instructions provided with the slides for specific tips and techniques to ensure that your undermount slides are installed properly.
What is the difference between bottom mount and side mount drawer slides?
Bottom mount drawer slides, also known as under-mount or rear mount drawer slides, are drawer slides that attach to the underside of the drawer, enabling the drawer to slide in and out along the lower edge.
Bottom mount drawer slides are typically full extension slides (allowing the full drawer length to be opened). They provide a clean, sleek look to any cabinet and many modern cabinets feature this type of drawer slide.
Side mount drawer slides, on the other hand, are drawer slides that attach to the side of the drawer, typically at the rear edge. This means that the drawer is mounted to the cabinet along its entire length, and will not have an openable face as with the bottom mount drawer slides.
Due to the side mount attachment, there are typically weight limits on the drawer and size of drawer box as opposed to the bottom mount drawer slides. Side mount drawer slides are less common and often seen in older style furniture or cabinets, however, they are still available in many sizes, finishes, materials, and styles.
How do you install bottom mount drawer slides on framed cabinets?
Installing bottom mount drawer slides on framed cabinets requires extensive preparation and attention to the details of the process. Depending on the type of drawer slides being used, the installation of each slide may differ slightly.
However, the general steps in installing them are outlined below.
Before starting the installation, you must make sure that the drawer slides are of the correct width for the cabinets. Additionally, you must ensure that the drawers themselves have been sized correctly.
Once this is complete, the next step is to begin mounting the drawer slides. Start at the corner of the cabinet and then work your way inwards so that the slides are square and level. Use a drill and screws to secure the slides in place.
Make sure that the drill bits are the same size as the screws being used.
Next, measure and mark the location of each mounting hole on the cabinet. Using a drill, create the holes and insert plastic screw anchors if necessary. Finally, insert the screws and tighten to secure the drawer slide in place.
Once both sides of the cabinet have been installed, place the drawer in place to check that the slides are working correctly. If all tests have gone well and the slides are functioning correctly, the installation of the bottom mount drawer slides is complete.
What size undermount drawer slides do I need?
The size of undermount drawer slides you need will depend on a few factors. Firstly, the size of the drawer you need to equip with the slides will be important; generally, it is best to choose a slide that is slightly longer than the length of the drawer, to provide extra support for heavier items.
Although many slides are available in standard sizes, you should always measure the internal width of the cabinet you wish to install the slides in, as this can vary from box to box. Secondly, you will need to consider the weight of the items you want to store in the drawer.
Different slides are designed for different load capacities, so if you are putting heavy items in the drawer you will need to choose a slide that can support the weight. Finally, you will need to think about the type of drawer you wish to install.
There are both side mounted and undermount slides available, so you will need to choose the one most appropriate for your needs. Taking all of these factors into consideration should help you to determine the size of undermount drawer slides you need.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
Drawer slides are the mechanisms that allow drawers to be opened and closed. There are four main types of drawer slides: side mount, center mount, undermount and full-extension slides.
Side mount slides are the most common and affordable option. They consist of two metal pieces that attach to the side of the drawer, with a track or bracket installed on the side of the cabinet. Side mount slides are easy to install and are available in a variety of sizes and materials for different weight capacities.
Center mount slides are the least common type of slide. They attach to the center of the drawer and require a hole to be drilled in the drawer bottom. The slide attaches to a cleat on the side of the cabinet, which keeps the drawer secure and running smoothly.
While they’re generally easier to install than side mount slides, they’re more expensive and limited in size options.
Undermount slides are the most common type of heavy duty slide. They are installed below the drawer box and attach to a bracket in the cabinet. Because they’re not visible when the drawer is closed, they make the space look cleaner and more modern.
Undermount slides can carry up to 500 lbs and are usually more expensive than other types.
Full extension slides are a type of side mount slide. The main advantage they offer is that they allow the drawer to be opened completely, giving full access to the contents. They are available in both light-duty and heavy-duty versions, and come with a higher weight capacity than other types.
Full extension slides tend to be more expensive than other types of slides.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
The easiest drawer slides to install are also the most basic type of sliding system available. Traditional wooden or metal side-mount drawer glides are the simplest to install and provide the easiest motion for drawers.
These slides require minimal drilling and mounting because they attach directly to the sides of the drawer and cabinet. Full-extension, ball-bearing slides are also fairly easy to install, but require more complex mounting than side-mount slides due to the additional components that make up the system.
Because full-extension slides have more pieces and require more drilling, they may take more time to install. Soft-close drawer slides are becoming more popular and are fairly easy to install and adjust.
These slides usually attach in the same way as side-mount slides, but come with a built-in dampening system that provides an easy and quiet close. Because these slides are typically more expensive than their side-mount and full-extension counterparts, they are not always the best choice for a basic kitchen drawer or cabinet.
How do I choose a drawer slide?
Choosing a drawer slide can be a difficult and daunting task, as there are numerous types, brands, and features to consider. Before purchasing a drawer slide, you should carefully assess the specific needs of your project and the environment where the drawer slide will be installed.
To start, measure the opening of the cabinet construction to determine the size, length, and depth of slide you will need. The size will be based on the width of the drawer and the length flexibility that you need.
The longer the slide, the more flexibility you will have.
Next, consider the weight rating for the slides you are considering. Drawer slides support heavy items and come in several weight ratings. Most slides range from 75 lbs. to 500 lbs. or more. You will want to select a product with the adequate weight rating for your project to ensure that the drawer slide properly supports the load on the drawer.
Finally, decide on the material you want and the mounting style of the drawer slide. Slides are available in steel, aluminum, and stainless steel and in different mechanical designs, such as side mount, bottom mount and center mount.
The mechanical design depends on how the drawer will move and which wall it will be attached to.
Once you have assessed the needs of your project and have your measurements, you will have figuring out which drawer slide is best for your application. It may help to consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer to learn more about their product line before undertaking your own research.
Once you have this information, you can be confident that your drawer slide selection will bring a smooth motion system to any cabinetry application.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
The kind of slides used for dresser drawers will depend on a few determining factors, such as the weight capacity of the drawers, the type of material used, and the design of the drawers. For lighter weight drawers, bottom-mounted slides with three-quarter extension are usually best.
They are easy to install, cost-effective, and are often made out of metal for a sturdy hold. For heavier weight drawers, side-mounted ball bearing slides with full extension can provide maximum support and allow a smooth sliding movement.
Some dressers may also use concealed drawer slides (also referred to as hidden drawer slides) to keep the drawers discreetly hidden and out of sight. These slides use a handle on the outside of the drawer box to provide an elegant design aesthetic.
No matter what type of slides are used, they should always meet industry standards and have their weight capacity tested to ensure proper use.
Do drawer slides have to be the same length as the drawer?
No, drawer slides do not have to be the same exact length as the drawer. As long as the slides are close to the same length or slightly longer than the length of the drawer, they can be used. The reason for this is because the longer the slides are, the more support and stability the drawer has.
While some drawer slides may be the same length as the drawer, it is not a requirement for them to be. Longer slides provide more support for the drawer and extend the life of the slides. Additionally, it gives the drawer more flexibility to move within its range.
Can I use side mount drawer slides as undermount?
No, you cannot use side mount drawer slides as undermount. Undermount slides are specifically designed to be installed under the drawer box. Side mount slides are designed to be attached to the sides of the drawer box.
Additionally, side mount slides require the drawer box to be flush with the front of the cabinet, while undermount slides allow for gaps between the drawer box and the cabinet front. Using side mount slides as undermount can not only cause damage to the slides and drawer box, but this could also potentially be a hazard for anyone using the drawer.