Undermount drawer slides are a type of drawer slides that are mounted to the inside of the cabinet, underneath the drawer. This type of drawer slides allows for the drawers to open with ease and is perfect for cabinets that have a natural look.
It is also favorable for those who like having their drawers completely close. Also, they are easily concealed so they offer a neat, sculpted look to the drawer front.
Bottom mount drawer slides feature a type of universal construction that requires mounting on the side and bottom of the drawer. They are installed directly on the dresser frame and are ideal for cabinets that are opened and closed frequently.
They are simple to assemble and provide a secure fit in the furniture. Additionally, they offer a higher load-bearing capacity than undermount drawer slides. Bottom mount drawer slides are typically less expensive than their undermount counterparts and they come in a range of sizes to fit different cabinet configurations.
Are undermount drawer slides good?
Undermount drawer slides are considered by many to be an excellent option when it comes to drawer slides. They offer many benefits, including a sleek modern look, increased visibility within the drawer and improved stability.
Additionally, they can often be installed easier than traditional slides, and their smooth action means less effort is required when opening and closing drawers. This makes them a great choice for relatively heavy drawers that are used frequently, as they can help reduce wear and tear on the drawers and the slides themselves.
Furthermore, they offer a great range of motion, allowing drawers to be opened more widely than is possible with traditional slides. Considering all these advantages, it is no wonder that undermount drawer slides are so popular.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
There are various types of drawer slides available, including side-mounted, under-mounted, ball-bearing, soft-close, and push-open slides.
Side-mounted slides are the most common type and they typically consist of two metal parts that attach to the drawer and the cabinet. They are generally the least expensive type of slide, but they are not considered to be the most durable.
Under-mounted slides have increased in popularity in recent years and they attach underneath the drawer. They provide superior stability and smooth movements as compared to side-mounted slides.
Ball-bearing slides are designed for heavy-duty drawers because they can carry loads up to 100 pounds. These slides have nylon bearings that guarantee a smooth and effortless operation.
Soft-close slides are designed to slowly close the drawer in the last few inches. These slides are made of a combination of steel and plastic, and they are more expensive than traditional slides. They also help prevent excessive slamming, which can cause damage over time.
Push-open slides are the newest type of drawer slide, and they eliminate the need for knobs or handles. These slides are typically handleless, with an opening mechanism that allows you to open the drawer with a gentle push.
Can you put drawer slides on the bottom?
Yes, you can put drawer slides on the bottom. This is a great option if you want to save space, as a slide-out drawer can be easily tucked away in a cabinet, closet, or other tight space. Installing drawer slides on the bottom also makes it easier to access the storage space beneath the drawer, as you will not have to lift the drawer up and away from its cabinet frame in order to reach items.
When installing drawer slides on the bottom, you will need to make sure that the cabinet frame is level and stable. You may also need to drill pilot holes into the drawer frame in order to securely mount the slides.
Additionally, the shape of your slides will determine the exact installation process, so make sure that you look up the instructions for your specific product before starting.
How do I install an undermount slide full extension?
Installing an undermount slide full extension requires a few materials and tools and can be broken down into the following steps:
1. Prepare Your Undermount Slides: Start by checking your undermount slide packaging to make sure you’ve got the hardware included. Then lubricate the slides according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
2. Prepare the Cabinet: Unscrew and remove any existing shelf supports or other hardware from the cabinet. Measure and mark the spot for mounting the slide. You may need to use a jig to accurately place the hardware.
3. Install the Undermount Slides: Use the predrilled holes in the cabinet for mounting the undermount slide. If you have any large drawers, you may need to space the slides further apart. Secure the slide with screws or small bolts and nuts, depending on the instructions that came with your slides.
Then close the drawer and check that it fits.
4. Place the Drawer on the Slides: Slowly lower the drawer in place, aligning the drawer slide with the predrilled holes. Make sure the drawer is centered before tightening the screws or bolts.
5. Adjust the Drawers: Insert the screws that came with your slides into the holes on the sides of the drawer. With your hand, pull the drawer out and adjust the screws until the drawer moves smoothly on the slide and in the cabinet.
When you’re finished, test out your slide to make sure it opens smoothly and closes properly. If you have any difficulties, adjust the screws and try again. With some time, patience and attention to detail, you can easily install an undermount slide full extension yourself.
Can I use drawer slides sideways?
Yes, you can use drawer slides sideways. This requires you to use side mount drawer slides, which are designed to be mounted to the sides of drawers rather than on the bottom. This will allow the drawer to slide out laterally, instead of conventionally from front to back.
When installing these slides, it is important to use the correct sizing for both the cabinet and drawer size, mount them correctly, and grease the drawer rails to ensure a smooth operation.
Can drawer slides be mounted flat?
Yes, drawer slides can be mounted flat. It is important to be sure to attach the slides in the correct direction and on the correct type of surface before mounting. For example, if the slides are mounted on a wooden surface, measure to be sure the slides are level and that they are straight before beginning to attach them.
If the slides are being mounted on a steel surface, make sure the screws have been securely tightened and that the surface is pre-drilled with holes so that the screws can be properly anchored. Once the slides are properly mounted and secure, they should stay flat and level while the drawer is in use.
Can a side mount drawer slides as undermount?
No, side mount drawer slides are not designed to be used as undermount drawer slides. Side mount drawer slides are designed to attach to the side of the cabinet, while undermount drawer slides attach underneath the drawer box and are fastened to the inside of the cabinet.
Side mount drawer slides are more commonly used as they are easier to install and usually provide more space in the drawer. Additionally, side mount drawer slides typically have a lower profile, providing additional space for items stored in the drawer.
How do you attach a wire basket to a drawer slide?
Attaching a wire basket to a drawer slide involves using mounting hardware that is designed specifically for the type of drawer slide you are using. Depending on the type of slide and the configured opening, you may need to select the correct installation hardware for the job.
This can range from a simple fastener to a specially designed junction mount.
First, you will need to prepare the wire basket for installation by attaching the top and bottom mounting brackets, which should include two screws on each end. After the basket is properly set up, you will need to install the mounting hardware onto the drawer slide.
To do this, you will need to first screw the mount onto the slide, then slide the wire basket onto the mount. You will then want to fasten the basket onto the mount by tightening the screws that were already placed on the top and bottom brackets.
Finally, you will want to test the connection and make necessary adjustments to ensure the basket fits tightly to the mount and slide.
How do you fix drawer slides with ball bearings?
To fix drawer slides with ball bearings, you will first want to assess what is causing the drawer to not slide correctly. If the drawer is sticking, the ball bearings may be dirty and need to be cleaned.
You can remove the drawer, and then use a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt or dust buildup on the ball bearings and on the track.
To remove and replace the ball bearings, you will need a small screwdriver to remove the screws that hold them in place. Once the screws are removed, you can use a pair of pliers to carefully lift them out.
If the ball bearings are worn, you can replace them with new ones.
If the drawer appears to be off track, you may need to adjust the drawer glides to the correct distance from each other. This can usually be done with a small screwdriver. Sometimes, you may need to tighten or loosen the screws at the back of the ball bearing slide to adjust the tension.
Once you have completed these steps and the ball bearings seem to move freely, you should be able to push the drawer back into place. If the drawer still does not slide as intended, you may need to further investigate any potential underlying issues.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
The easiest drawer slides to install are undermount drawer slides. Undermount drawer slides are easy to install because they affix to the drawer rather than the cabinet. This allows for faster installation and easier setup, since the slide components do not need to be matched to the interior cabinet size and shape.
Additionally, these slides also feature a soft close mechanism, which means that closing and opening the drawer is smoother and quieter. If you opt for an undermount drawer slide, simply measure the drawer opening and cut the mounting brackets to the corresponding length for an easy installation.
How do I choose a drawer slide?
Choosing the right drawer slide for your project can be a bit of a challenge as there are many factors to consider. First of all, consider the type of material your drawers are made from and the weight they need to carry.
Soft-closing drawer slides are ideal for heavier drawers, such as those made of wood, and they support a wide range of weights. You should also think about the type of drawer you have, as ball bearing slides are popular for box drawers, but those made of epoxy or nylon are ideal for file drawers or lighter items.
The size of your drawer determines the length of the slides you need. Measure the internal dimensions of your drawer and add 1 inch to determine the necessary length of the slides. You also need to take the depth of the slides into account, as the depth is important for the thickness of the material you’re using for the drawer itself.
When choosing a drawer slide, keep in mind how often it will be used. If you plan on opening the drawer frequently, then it’s important to go for a quality product. Heavy-duty slides offer a better level of support, while full extension slides allow you to access the entire drawer.
Finally, think about which type of installation is easier for you – slides that mount from the side or from the bottom. Side-mounted slides are easier to install and require less depth, while bottom-mounted slides are sturdier and don’t interfere with the contents of the drawer.
Ultimately, the best drawer slide for you will depend on your individual needs. Consider all the factors mentioned above to choose the right slide for your project.
How much space is needed for undermount drawer slides?
Undermount drawer slides typically require a clearance of 1/4″ between the drawer side and the inside of the cabinet opening. Additionally, they require 1 3/8″ of depth from the back of the cabinet opening to the drawer mounting rail.
The distance from the bottom of the drawer to the bottom rail should be no more than 1/16″ for full extension slides and no more than 3/16″ for standard slides. It’s also important to note that the underside of the drawer should be free of any obstructions, such as handles or decorative pulls.
Keep in mind that the drawer should be able to fit in the opening before any hardware is installed.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
The type of slides you use for dresser drawers will depend on the type of dresser you have and whether you want the drawers to be on the bottom or sides or both. Based on the type of dresser, you may opt for either closed or ball bearing slides.
Closed slides only allow the drawer to slide out and don’t have any flexibility which makes them great if you’re looking for a strong and sturdy slide that won’t move when opening and closing your dresser.
Ball bearing slides, on the other hand, will offer a smoother and quieter operation as they allow the drawer to move both out and in when opening and closing the dresser. But since ball bearing slides have some flexibility and more delicate parts, they may be more prone to breaking over time.
Ultimately, the type of slide you use for your dresser drawer will be up to you and the unique needs of your dresser.