When it comes to choosing a drawer slide, there are a variety of factors to consider. In addition to the ease of sliding and the base material, the way the slides are mounted is an important factor. This rating determines the amount of weight the drawer can support, ease of installation, and extension length. Here’s a breakdown of 5 of the most popular types along with the characteristics of each.

bottom mount- These slides have two rails mounted to the bottom of the drawer (one on each side). The slides are hidden from view and leave the sides of the drawers clear. They are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms where storage is a priority. Since they can support more weight, they are ideal for heavier loads, and are typically full-extension (or very close to full-extension) drawers, allowing you to easily pull out the drawer for cleaning or moving. This type of slide is very easy to install, making it a popular choice with many homeowners. Blum Drawer Slides are popular for undermount options.

center mount- These are installed below the center of the drawer and extend from the front to the back of the drawer. They are invisible from the top and are light to medium weight (making them ideal for smaller drawers). You usually can’t completely remove the door with this type of mounting. Antique furniture was typically made with a center-mounted drawer slide, so you may notice that on certain antique furniture pieces. The best part about center mount drawer slides is that they are very easy to install.

Side mount- Side-mounted drawer slides are a very popular type of drawer slides often used in kitchens and bathrooms. In this type of slide, two rails are installed on both sides of the drawer. They are widely available in different lengths, materials and weights, making it easy to find the right slides for your home. These slides are highly visible when the drawers are open and slightly reduce the width of the drawer. They can be used to hold more weight than other types of slides, making them useful with larger loads.

European- European Drawer Slides are often used with frameless or frame-faced cabinets as they are easy to assemble. They have an “L” shaped frame that mounts directly to the bottom of the drawer with no problem. In this type of slide, the hinge is completely hidden from the outside, giving it a more modern and professional look. They are generally quite inexpensive, making them a popular choice for home remodelers. Hettich drawer slides are popular for European epoxy options.

Ball bearing- Ball-bearing drawer slides often replace the popular center-mounted drawer slides. Ball bearings allow for easy use with minimal interruption or noise. Some models even allow you to press the sides of the slides to completely remove the drawer from the base, allowing for easy transport when moving or simply cleaning the drawer. Other models are self-closing.

Understanding the benefits of the different types of drawer slides is very important for the DIYer. Aesthetics and load capacity are very important factors in the decision.