Drawer slides come in a variety of lengths, catering to different drawer sizes and configurations. Typically, drawer slides are available in lengths ranging from 8” to 28”, but longer lengths can be ordered from certain manufacturers.
Different lengths accommodate drawers of various depths, allowing them to fit standard kitchen drawers, deep filing drawers, and shallow credenzas. It’s important to confirm the exact measurements of both the drawer and cabinet opening before choosing a specific slide length, as slides that are too short or too long will cause fitment issues.
Additional mounting accessories, such as brackets and side or center mounts, may be required when using slides of certain lengths.
How do I know what length drawer slides I need?
When choosing drawer slides, the length of the slide you’ll need depends on the depth and width of your drawer. Measure the inside dimensions of your drawer and refer to the manufacturer’s dimensions chart to determine the length of the drawer slide needed to fit your drawer.
It’s important to be very precise when measuring your drawer and to compare those measurements with the size breakdown provided by the manufacturer in order to ensure a proper fit. You may also want to consider the weight capacities of the sliders.
If your drawer contains particularly heavy items, then you may need a higher weight capacity and/or thicker slides than what would otherwise be necessary. In some cases, a drawer slide may also need to be cut to size in order for it to fit your particular drawer.
Can the drawer slide be longer than the drawer?
Yes, the drawer slide can be longer than the drawer. This is because the drawer slide is designed to hold the drawer at a certain distance away from the wall. In many cases, the size of the drawer limits the size of the slide required, but that doesn’t mean that the slide couldn’t be longer than the drawer itself.
With adjustable slides, you can even create a gap between the back wall and the drawer. In some cases, such as cabinet systems that incorporate runners or multi-directional slides, the slide may also require a mounting plate that can increase the overall length of the slide to accommodate drawers of various depths.
Additionally, some slides are designed to stretch across multiple drawers, so the total length could be much longer than the drawers themselves.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
There are a variety of different types of drawer slides each with unique characteristics and functions to meet a variety of needs.
Side-Mount Slides: The most common type of drawer slides are the side-mount varieties. These slides mount to the sides of the cabinet or furniture piece, and support the weight of the drawer. They come in a variety of sizes and offer different features such as soft close, full extension, locking mechanisms, and adjustable heights.
Under-Mount Slides: Under-mount slides are fixed underneath the drawer and are usually a little shorter than the side-mount variety. These slides work best in furniture pieces with a contemporary look, as the mount of the drawer slides is not visible.
Bottom-Mount Slides: These slides are similar to under-mount but designed for full-extension drawers inside vans, trucks, and trailers because they can handle heavier loads. Bottom-mount slides also come with locking and soft-close features.
Ball Bearing Slides: Ball bearing slides are the most durable of drawer slides and are typically full-extension slides. They have a weight rating that they can hold smoothly and last a long time. Ball bearing slides are often used in kitchens to make organizing easier.
Soft Close Drawer Slides: Soft close slides are similar to those above but they offer a padded closing that keeps items from slamming and banging when the drawer is closed.
Heavy Duty Slides: Such as full-extension, pantry slides, and file drawer slides. They are designed to handle heavier loads and provide complete access to the drawers. These slides also come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities.
Push-to-Open Drawer Slides: These slides are great for drawers with a modern or minimalistic design. Push-to open drawer slides are designed to control the drawer with a single push. They are quieter than the regular slides, and it helps if the furniture has a handleless design.
Pivot Drawer Slides: Pivot slides are designed to mount at the top of the cabinet, allowing the drawer to move horizontally without the need for any type of hardware or track. They are often seen in kitchen cabinets that are close to corners, as they have a greater clearance when open.
Which is better side mount or undermount drawer slides?
Deciding which type of drawer slide is better typically depends on personal preference, design style, and the construction requirements of the project. Side mount drawer slides typically offer a more economical option and are easier to install.
On the other hand, undermount drawer slides typically create a sleek, modern look and provide additional space near the top of the drawer, since the slides are mounted underneath the drawer and out of sight.
When it comes to specific types of drawer slides, full extension and over extension drawer slides are the most common varieties for both side mount and undermount drawer slides. Full extension slides allow for maximum drawer access, while over extension slides provide additional clearance for the drawer to travel beyond its full open position.
Overall, when deciding between side mount drawer slides and undermount drawer slides, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the design style of the project before making a selection.
Additionally, pay attention to the construction requirements of the project to ensure you are purchasing the correct type of hardware.
Do drawer slides have to be the same length as the drawer?
No, they do not. In fact, most drawer systems are designed to easily accommodate different sizes of drawers. Depending on the type of system, it might require different lengths of slides for different sizes of drawers.
For example, for side-mount drawer slides, if you have a large drawer, you would need a longer slide than for a smaller one. However, many drawer systems are designed to fit drawers with the same slides, such as bottom-mount slides, which require slides of the same length regardless of drawer size.
When selecting drawer slides for your project, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions and determine the best fit for your drawer sizes.
How do you extend drawers?
Extending drawers is a relatively easy DIY task that can instantly add more storage potential. The most basic way to extend your drawers involves adding horizontal pieces of wood to the current drawer.
Additionally, you can purchase kits which specialize in extending drawers. These kits provide you with the necessary materials to extend the wood frame or frame fronts that are required to make sure the new portion of the drawer slides in and out properly.
When you are expanding drawers, make sure you measure accurately to make sure the new piece matches the existing section. Consider using a jigsaw to cut your wood pieces as it is versatile and relatively easy to use.
In either case, make sure your measurements and cuts are accurate. You will also need to attach the new pieces to the existing frame. This can be done with wood glue and small wood screws. Make sure the screws are countersunk into the wood properly and use wood filler to ensure a smooth surface.
Once all the pieces are together, the drawer should be ready for use. Consider adding sandpaper to the edges to give a smooth finish and protect your clothes from getting snagged. With some simple tools and supplies, you’ll be able to extend your drawers in no time!.
What is the main advantage of using full extension drawer slides?
The main advantage of using full extension drawer slides is the increased storage capacity and easier access to whatever is stored in the drawer. When installed with the proper hardware, full extension drawer slides can easily move out from the cabinet, allowing the user to pull out the drawer completely and take full advantage of the drawer’s capacity.
This also allows you to easily access whatever items are stored inside the drawer, making it easier to find what you need and make the most of the space. Not only does this help you keep your items organized, it also prevents items from getting lost in the back of the drawer.
Full extension drawer slides are also more durable and reliable than regular drawer slides, since they are designed to open and close at a faster rate. They also require minimal maintenance over the years and come with a variety of size and design options, making it easier to find the perfect slides for any space.
How much room do you need for drawer slides?
The amount of room required for drawer slides will usually depend on the type and size of the slides. Typically, most standard drawer slides will require around 1-1/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches of space between the bottom of the drawer and the inside of the cabinet for clearance.
However, if your drawers are particularly wide, you may need to use full-extension slides. In that case, you would need to allow around 3 inches of clearance from the bottom of the drawer to the inside of the cabinet.
Additionally, most drawer slides also require 1/2” – 3/4” of extra space on the outside of the drawer. This extra space ensures the drawer will move freely,without hitting the cabinet wall.
On the other hand, if you are using soft-close or ball-bearing slides, they may require even more room between the drawer and cabinet. For example, the popular Blum Tandem soft-close slides require 2-1/2″ of clearance on the outside of the drawer, so make sure to check the specifications of the product before you purchase and install it.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
If you’re looking for drawer slides that are easy to install, soft-closing slides are often the best choice. These slides are simple to install as they come with pre-drilled screw holes and easily mounted top and bottom mounting brackets, making them a great choice for any DIY-er.
Additionally, these slides require a single motion to open and close and are designed with high-quality hardware to ensure smooth, durable operation. Thanks to their low-profile design, they also save you space in the drawer, allowing you to maximize storage space.
Soft-closing slides also come in a variety of styles, making them suitable for a range of design and décor needs. When choosing drawer slides, be sure to also consider materials, weight capacity, and length, as these all affect how easy they are to install.
What is a European drawer slide?
A European drawer slide is a type of telescopic linear slide mechanism used to support and move drawers. They are commonly used in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, storage units, filing cabinets, and desks.
These slides are characterized by their adjustable mounting system, wide range of travel lengths, soft-close feature, and a low profile look. They are also known as telescopic slides, ball bearing slides, or ball bearing runners.
The key components of a European drawer slide are two slides, each with a mounting bracket, ball bearings, and guides. The mounting bracket is attached to the cabinet or other furniture to provide the mounting point for the slides.
The ball bearings provide a smoother, quieter motion when opening and closing the drawers, while the guides ensure the slides move in a straight line along the desired path. The travel length of European drawer slides can range up to 19 inches, giving you plenty of room when storing larger objects or higher drawers.
Parts of a European drawer slide also include a feature known as a soft-close. This feature uses a system of springs and dampers to slow the opening and closing of the drawers. This prevents slamming, avoids damage to the drawer’s components, and reduces the noise associated with closing drawers.
European drawer slides are also constructed with a low profile look, which allows them to blend into the surrounding furniture. This gives your drawers a stylish, modern look without being too bulky or intrusive.
Overall, European drawer slides provide a durable, long-lasting solution for your cabinet drawers. They are available in a wide array of sizes and styles, providing you with a reliable and convenient storage solution for your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
The type of slides you should use for dresser drawers depends largely on the size and weight of the drawer and its contents. If you have a lightweight and shallow drawer, typically a side-mounted, three-quarter extension plastic slide is ideal.
These provide ample support and reasonable motion. For heavier, deeper drawers, you will want to use a full-extension metal slide. Metal slides are typically found in high-end pieces of furniture and are capable of withstanding a heavier load.
They also offer full extension for easy access. If you want to go for something a bit more secure, you can opt for undermount slides. Undermount slides secure the drawer from underneath and are less likely to break than side-mounted slides.
If additional stability is required, you can even opt for heavy-duty slides, which have a higher weight capacity.