Choosing the right drawer slide might seem like a small detail, but it can completely transform how your furniture feels and functions. From the smooth glide of ball-bearing slides to the hidden elegance of undermount options, each type of slide offers unique benefits in durability, style, and usability. Understanding the differences will help you pick the perfect fit for your next project—whether you’re building a custom kitchen, upgrading a dresser, or fine-tuning a workshop cabinet
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The main types of drawer slides
- Key features of each slide
- How to measure for the different types of slides
Page Contents
Our Experience
My experience with drawer slides extends back to the 1990’s when I first started building custom cabinets and furniture. Over the last three decades I’ve built and installed thousands of drawers. And, through this journey have learned an important lesson: choosing drawer slides that are easiest to install doesn’t mean they are the best type of drawer slide to use.
Through my time woodworking I’ve used side mount, top mount, bottom mount, full extension, soft close, under mount, center mount, heavy duty slides others. While there is no universal drawer slide, there are best practices that I’ll share in this article.
And after all this time I know when it comes to installing the right drawer slides for your project the proper screws, a drawer installation jig and cabinet knob jig will make the job faster and higher quality.
-Eric T.
Drawer Types by Mounting Location
While there is a top, bottom and two sides to a drawer there are actually five types of drawer slides by mounting location. And while that might make sense to a professional furniture-maker, to a woodworking beginner it can be the start of a struggle.
Fortunately, the options make sense:
- Undermount drawer slides are concealed under the drawer and are installed on each side of the drawer. These are typically a premium drawer slide as they incorporate advanced mechanisms like soft closing.
- Side mount drawer slides are by far the most common option and are installed, well, to the side of the drawers.
- Bottom mount drawer slides are installed on the bottom edge of the drawer slide. Epoxy drawer slides with three-quarter extension are a common example and one of the easiest drawer slides to install.
- Top mount drawer slides are installed to the upper surface, usually when a drawer needs to be suspended beneath a table or desk. These are the least common slide.
- Center mount drawer slides are a single slide that is installed in the center of the drawer on the bottom (making it neither an undermount or a bottom mount!). These slides are installed in millions of dressers as they are cheap and easy to install.
Side Mount Drawer Types
For almost any furniture or cabinetry project the side mount is a popular option given their durability and ease of use.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- High weight capacity
- Variety of lengths
- Offer self-closing and soft-closing features
- Full extension is standard
Cons:
- Drawer slides are visible when opened
- Low quality manufacturers are common and inexpensive slides can operate roughly or noisily
Bottom Line: The top two alternatives to a side mount are the undermount and bottom mount. If you have the skills to build a drawer for undermount slides, and budget isn’t a concern, then opt for the undermount. If you are looking for lowest possible cost, and full extension isn’t a priority, then the bottom mount is the most common alternative. Center mount slides are a low-performing option and generally only used as a replacement to factory furniture.
Undermount Drawer Slides
For anyone who’s purchased kitchen cabinets you’ll know that undermounts are an expensive upgrade to most drawers. And for good reason, given these slides are not only invisible but operate the smoothest and quietest of any drawer slide.
Pros:
- Invisible when installed
- Full extension and soft closing are standard
- High weight capacity
- Durable and requires minimal adjustment after installation
Cons:
- Is not a standard 1/2″ side clearance and hence does not work for most drawer retrofits
- Most expensive drawer slide
- For new drawers, requires a very specific drawer construction (not a standard 1/2″ side clearance) and drawer bottom height
Bottom Line: This is the best option for any drawer unless either (a) your budget or (b) the depth or height of your drawer doesn’t allow for this type of drawer. From kitchen cabinets to desks and dressers any drawer that is built using these slides will operate significantly better than any other drawer slide.
Bottom Mount Drawer Slides
The most widely used drawer slide is undoubtedly the bottom mount drawer slide as it is both inexpensive and “works just good enough” that cabinet and furniture manufacturers turn to it for a quality slide that reduces prices.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Less visible then the side mount
Cons:
- Only offers partial extension (drawer doesn’t fully open)
- Lower weight capacity
- Drawer slides are visible when opened
Bottom Line: If your drawer will see occasional use (eg. not a silverware drawer), you need a 1/2-inch side clearance on each side of the drawer, and your skills aren’t up to the more complex-to-install undermount slides then this is a great option.
Center Mount Drawer Slides
Chances are good that everyone has used dozens of drawers powered by a single slide – the center mount slide. And while you probably didn’t notice it (since they aren’t visible) you may remember it wasn’t the best drawer slide you’ve used.
So why do these slides exist? Mostly due to economics and ease of installation for mass produced furniture. With a single slide a drawer can be moved, and cheaply.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Hidden from view
Cons:
- Low weight
- Is not full extension
- Less stability
- Lacks durability
Bottom Line: The best use of these slides is as a replacement for existing drawers. While it is tempting to upgrade drawers with new slides, in my experience drawers made for center mount slides are hard to upgrade due to non-standard side clearance as side mounts require 1/2″ on each side and drawers made for center mounts do not have solid drawer-side construction. For new drawers, on a budget choose the bottom mount, then side mount and for the best experience choose and undermount.
Top Mount Drawer Slides
Many experienced woodworkers can go their entire career without using this type of drawer slide. And, for good reason as it’s a niche slide that is generally used to install add-on equipment like keyboard trays under a desk or table.
As with many drawer slide types, the top mount slides name is confusing as it mounts to the bottom of the cabinet (not the top) but gets its name as it mounts on “top” of the drawer.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Versatile for installing drawers in non-traditional places
Cons:
- Low weight capacity
- Is not full extension
- Drawer slides tend to be lower quality and operate roughly
Bottom Line: These are specialty slides that are best used for installing low-use and low-weight drawers under solid surfaces. Keyboard trays are one of the most popular uses.
Drawer Types by Features
Not to further confuse matters, but worth noting, there are different features bydrawer slide mounting type that are a must to understand:
- Self closing drawer slides refer to slides that hold the drawer closed. For side mounts this is achieved through use of rubber bumpers that “catch” the drawer slide and keep it from sliding out under normal operation. For bottom mounts, a self closing slide refers to a sloped design in the slide that keeps the slide closed until pulled by the user.
- Soft closing drawer slide styles are similar to self closing but add a (usually) spring mechanism that catches the slide and pulls the entire drawer closed and gently holds it in place. These are standard on undermount drawer slides, and preferred for side mount drawer slides. Except in rare circumstances, they are not available with bottom mount, top mount or center mount slides.
- Full extension slides mean the drawers back is even with the face of the cabinet it is installed into when open. This is a high demand feature and often a deciding factor between choosing a side mount slide over a bottom mount.
- Partial extension slides typically open three-quarters of the way, leaving the rear part of the drawer not visible to the user. These are standard in the center mount, top mount and bottom mount slides.
- Heavy duty slides are typically side mount slides that can hold over 100-pounds and some operate with loads upwards of over 500-pounds.
- Roller slides refer to bottom mound slides that use nylon or plastic rollers that move the drawer slides. They typically consist of two fixed wheels on each side of the drawer.
- Ball-bearing slides refer to the dozens of ball bearings that power a standard side mount drawer.
- Push-to-open slides are variations of side mount or undermount slides and are used on frameless cabinets when cabinet hardware is not needed or wanted for aesthetics. Like their name implies, the user pushes on the drawer front to release the slide at which point the drawer is manually pulled open using the drawer front.
- Locking slides feature a lever on the drawer to prevent the drawer from opening or closing. These are common on heavy duty slides to prevent accidental opening or closure of drawers with heavy payloads.
Drawer Slide Installation Steps
In our experience, installing drawer slides is difficult at first and your speed will improve as you learn the basic mechanics of installation. At it’s simplest, drawer slides have two pieces: one that is attached to the cabinet and the other that is attached to the drawer. To install your drawer slides, there are three common tasks :
- Slide to cabinet installation. First, the drawer slide will need to be attached to the cabinet sides. To do this accurately and quickly, woodworkers will use a drawer slide jig that supports the slide so screws can be installed in the slide. Pro Tip: Only install two screws, and use the elongated holes for adjustment in Step 3.
- Slide to drawer installation. In this step the second part of the slide is attached to the side or bottom of the drawer. This step considers the final mounting height of the drawer, and is easiest on bottom mount and undermount drawers. Side mount and center mount drawers require accurate measurements to ensure the drawer is installed level. Pro Tip: Only install two screws, and use the elongated holes for adjustment in Step 3.
- Drawer adjustment. Almost no drawer is installed correctly the first time, and that isn’t an issue with the installer. Instead, differences in the cabinet or drawer dimensions require the drawer slides to be adjusted. For this reason, it is recommended only two screws are used in Step 1 and Step 2.
Drawer Slide Installation Tools And Accessories
When it comes time to install your drawers there are a few accessories and jigs that make the process faster, more accurate and ultimately durable:
- Drawer Slide Installation Jig is a must for side mount, bottom mount and undermount slides.
- Rok #6 screws are our tried-and-true screws because almost all manufacturers send short, fine-threaded screws that strip out and make installation hard. You won’t regret applying our lesson learned.
- Rear mounting brackets are a lifesaver on side mount and bottom mount slides in face frame cabinets. Why not undermount? They will come with the slide (I only buy Blum undermount slides, by the way). I’ve found the Lontan Brackets are best as their tabs are wider than generics. For bottom mount slides the Prime Line Brackets are common, but check your final drawer slide for compatibility.
- Quick-grip Clamps are needed with the drawer slide jig and I like the Bessey Clamp for it’s grippy pads and smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft closing and self closing drawer the same?
No. Soft close drawers are designed to prevent drawers from slamming shut through dampers and springs. At the same time, self-closing slides are intended to prevent drawers from opening while the drawer is not in use.
Are top mount drawer slides mounted to the top of a drawer?
A top-mount drawer slide is mounted to the top of the opening and side of the drawer. This slide is most commonly used for keyboard trays or pencil drawers.
What is the cheapest type of drawer slide?
Bottom mount and economy center mount drawer slides are generally the lowest price – but features are sacrificed.
Summary
While there are five main types of drawer slides, you can narrow down to just a couple of options quickly for most applications. And, while expensive, choose a high-quality slide subjected to increased manufacturing and industry quality tests like found with Blum.
- 【Installation Note】 Color: Black; Qty: 1 pair....
- 【Full Extension & Ball Bearing Design 】—...
- 【Detachable 】 The back of the slide rail is...
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- Soft Close Feature: These drawer slides come with...
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- ※ Excellent After-Sale Service: We focus on...
- 【Installation Note】 Color: Black; Qty: 1 pair....
- 【Full Extension & Ball Bearing Design 】—...
- 【Detachable 】 The back of the slide rail is...
- 【Anti-rust & Smooth 】The anti-rust ability and...
- 【Double Load Bearing】 Baidice drawer slides...
- Soft Close Feature: These drawer slides come with...
- Rust-Resistant & Durable: Crafted from high-grade...
- Double Anti-drop Protection: Our HBL' soft close...
- US-compliant Dimensions: 22” long (550mm),...
- Video Tutorial and Worry-free Assistance: With our...
Last update on 2026-02-04 at 06:30 / Images from Amazon
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
Can you use a bottom center mount as a top center mount with another bottom center mount on bottom?
Hi Mark – this is usually done with pullouts where the drawer/box is taller than wide as a “guide slide”. For a standard drawer check out a Accuride 9301 instead for higher weight ratings. Follow manufacturer installation instructions, though, as this is not a standard configuration and the weight ratings cannot be exceeded.
Thanks,
Eric
I am looking for a spice rack mounting system that allows me to pull the spice rack out (i.e., a vertical drawer) and then once fully extended, the mounting system allows me to swivel (i.e., turn side to side) the extended spice rack. This allows me access to the spices on the side of the spice rack that faces a corner-mounted cabinet, which is 45° from the end of the spice rack cabinet. What mounting system is available to fill this need and support multiple spice racks side-by-side? I get very frustrated using a lazy susan.
Excellent articles
Hello, I have a solid wood dresser that needs new slides. The slide attached to the dresser (center) is wood, however, the slide attached under the drawer is metal. My boy child managed to bend the metal and we cannot find replacements so it seems that we should just replace the entire assembly. The types of slides available do not appear to be able to handle a heavy drawer before it is loaded with clothing and a pre-teen boy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It is a great piece of furniture and really do not want to replace it but currently, 2 drawers are unusable. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi Jamie,
This is a common problem and there are two options. First, if you have 1/2″ of space on each side of the drawer a side mount drawer slide is the best option for a heavy duty solution. Second, though, you can look for center mount drawer slides as a replacement. If you can’t remove or replace all of the middle components you can install two of these slides (one on the left, one on the right).
Good luck!
Eric