Materials
How to Choose Drawer Slides
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
Drawer slides are specified by three factors: mount type (side-mount or undermount), extension (partial, full or over-travel), and weight rating. For kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, full-extension undermount slides with integrated soft-close are the current professional standard. They are concealed, support the full weight of a loaded drawer, and close gently without slamming.
Slide types compared
| Type | Extension | Concealed? | Soft-close? | Weight rating | Cost tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side-mount roller | Partial (75%) | No | No | 20–35kg | Lowest | Budget utility drawers |
| Side-mount ball-bearing | Full | No | Optional | 35–50kg | Low | General cabinetry |
| Undermount concealed | Full | Yes | Standard | 35–70kg | Mid | Kitchen, bath, office |
| Undermount push-open | Full | Yes | Push-open | 35–50kg | Mid–high | Handleless cabinetry |
| Heavy-duty undermount | Full | Yes | Standard | 70–100kg | High | Deep pantries, tool drawers |
| Side-mount leather strap | Full | No | No | 20–30kg | Moderate | Decorative, visible drawers |
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What to specify when ordering
- Load rating
- A kitchen drawer loaded with pots and pans can weigh 25–35kg. Specify slides rated for at least 50% more than the expected load. A 70kg-rated slide on a drawer that holds 35kg will operate smoothly for decades.
- Extension
- Full extension lets you access the entire drawer. Partial extension (75%) leaves the back quarter inaccessible. Full extension is worth the modest additional cost in every application except very shallow drawers.
- Soft-close
- Integrated soft-close mechanisms are standard on quality undermount slides. They prevent slamming, reduce wear, and are one of the most appreciated daily-use features in a kitchen. Retrofit soft-close clips exist for side-mount slides.
- Brand
- Blum, Hettich, Salice and Grass are the professional standards. For side-mount, Accuride is the benchmark. Avoid unbranded slides — the mechanism is precision-manufactured and quality varies enormously.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade existing drawer slides?
Sometimes. If the existing slides are side-mount roller type, you can often replace them with side-mount ball-bearing slides without modifying the cabinet. Undermount slides require specific cabinet construction (a minimum cabinet width and a precise mounting position) and are usually not retrofittable.
What is the difference between soft-close and self-close?
Self-close pulls the drawer closed from about 50mm out, using a spring mechanism. Soft-close decelerates the drawer from any distance and pulls it closed gently. Soft-close is the more refined mechanism and is standard on quality undermount slides.
How much weight can a kitchen drawer hold?
Depends on the slide. Standard undermount slides support 35–50kg. Heavy-duty models support 70–100kg. A drawer full of cast-iron pots can weigh 30–40kg, so specify for the actual load with a safety margin.
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We review every estimate request. Any next step depends on confirming a suitable available contractor — there is no guaranteed callback or quote timeframe.