Types of Drawer Slides: Which Should You Choose?

Understanding the Options to Get the Fit, Feel, and Function Right

Drawer slides may not be the most visible part of a cabinet, but they have a major impact on how it functions and feels. From smooth motion to weight capacity and finish, the type of drawer slide you choose can influence both performance and aesthetics. At Eagle Woodworking, we’ve spent decades supplying cabinetmakers with dovetail drawer boxes and precision hardware that’s built to last. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common types of cabinet drawer slides, highlight the pros and cons of each, and help you find the best option for your next project.

In this article:

• Common Types of Drawer Slides
• Types of Slide Mechanisms
• Key Features to Consider
• How to Choose the Right Drawer Slide
• FAQs About Drawer Slides

Common Types of Drawer Slides

Each drawer slide type has its own strengths. Below, we’ll walk through where each one works best and what to watch for.

Side Mount Drawer Slides

Side mount slides fasten to the drawer sides and the interior cabinet walls. They’re one of the most common slide types and are often found in kitchens, garages, and shop storage. You’ll see them in both roller and ball-bearing styles, depending on how much weight the drawer needs to hold.

The KV GSlide 8450 Side mount Drawer Slides are reliable, easy to install, and budget-friendly. That makes them a favorite for general-purpose use. Just keep in mind that side-mounts stay visible when the drawer is open and need a bit of space on each side to fit properly.

Undermount Drawer Slides 

Undermount slides sit beneath the drawer, so they stay hidden when the drawer is open. You’ll find them often in custom kitchens and bathroom vanities, especially when a quiet, soft-close motion is part of the design. As they become more widespread, undermount slides are starting to take over from side-mount slides as the default slide for standard kitchens.

These slides give a polished, modern look and feel. They do take more time to install and typically cost more than side-mount options. But when you want smooth performance and a seamless finish with extra load capacity, the Blum Movento Heavy Duty Drawer Slides are a strong choice.

Center Mount Drawer Slides

Center mount slides sit underneath the drawer, right down the middle. You’ll typically find them in light-use furniture or smaller drawers. They’re simple to install and keep cabinet hardware mostly hidden from view.

While they work well for narrow drawers or vintage furniture, center mount slides don’t offer much support for heavy loads. They’re not ideal for wide drawers or anything that sees frequent use.

Types of Slide Mechanisms  

These mechanisms are all paired with side, center and undermount drawer slides. 

Roller Slides 

Roller slides use plastic or nylon wheels to open and close the drawer. These are commonly used in lightweight or budget-friendly furniture. They mount along the side or bottom and usually offer about three-quarters extension.

Quick to install and cost-effective, roller slides aren’t built for heavy loads or daily use. They’re a practical choice for light or temporary setups.

Ball-Bearing Slides 

Ball-bearing slides are known for smooth, stable motion. They use small steel bearings to help the drawer glide open and closed, and they’re available in both side- and under-mount styles. These are a strong choice for drawers that hold heavier items.

You’ll often see them in kitchens, offices, and workshop storage where reliability matters. Ball-bearing slides feel solid and perform well over time. They may cost a bit more than roller slides, but the difference in quality is easy to spot.

Push-to-Open Slides 

Push-to-open slides are designed for handle-free cabinetry. A gentle press on the drawer front activates a spring mechanism, which opens the drawer without needing a pull. This makes them ideal for modern kitchens or built-ins with a clean, uninterrupted look.

The Blum Movento with TIP-ON BLUMOTION Drawer Slides combine the Blum Movento undermount slide type with the Blum TIP-ON push-to-open mechanism attachment for push-to-open functionality. They are sleek and satisfyingly simple, but can sometimes open unintentionally if bumped. Best used in low-traffic areas or spaces where design is the focus.

Soft-Close Slides 

Soft-close slides pull the drawer gently shut after you give it a push. This feature keeps drawers from slamming and helps reduce wear on both the hardware and the cabinet box. It also keeps things quieter in busy households.

They’re especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms where drawers are opened and closed frequently. The Blum Tandem plus BLUMOTION Soft Close Drawer Slides are a small upgrade that makes a big difference and also helps extend the life of the drawer by reducing impact over time.

Self-Close Slides 

These are designed to pull the drawer shut once it gets close. They don’t glide like soft-close slides, but they get the job done and keep drawers from staying open.

It’s a simple mechanism, often used in utility drawers or more practical builds. Less polish, more function.

Key Features to Consider 

Drawer slides might look alike at first, but small differences in material, extension style, motion, and weight capacity can have a big impact on how a drawer feels and performs over time. 

Material

Steel is the go-to for most drawer slides because it's strong, durable, and dependable. Plastic parts often appear in lower-cost roller slides. These are fine for light-duty use but wear out faster. Wood slides are still used in traditional furniture and older pieces. They offer a quiet glide and a classic feel but tend to be more affected by humidity and seasonal changes.

Extension Types 

Slides come in three main extension styles. A ¾ extension slide leaves part of the drawer inside the cabinet, which limits access but works well for smaller drawers. Full-extension slides pull the drawer all the way out, making it easier to reach the back. Over-travel slides extend just beyond the cabinet front, which can be helpful when handles or countertops are in the way. When you want smooth performance and a full over-travel and extra load capacity, the Blum Movento Heavy Duty Drawer Slides are a strong choice.

Motion Mechanisms 

Different slides offer different closing experiences. Self-close slides pull the drawer shut once it nears closing. Soft-close versions add a damper that slows the drawer at the end, reducing noise and wear. Push-to-open slides work without handles. A gentle press on the drawer front is all it takes to open them, making them ideal for clean, modern designs.

Load Capacity 

Slides are rated based on how much weight they can safely carry. Light-duty options hold up to about 50 pounds and are best for small drawers or office use. Medium-duty slides usually support between 50 and 100 pounds, which works well for most kitchens and bathrooms. Heavy-duty slides can handle over 100 pounds and are a solid choice for tool drawers, files, or cookware.

How to Choose the Right Drawer Slide 

Not every drawer needs the same slide. The right choice depends on usage, cabinet build, and desired finish. Thinking through these details early can save time, money, and avoid costly adjustments later on.

Assess Project Requirements 

Start with the basics: what’s going in the drawer, and how often will it be used? A kitchen drawer has different needs than a file drawer or tool cabinet. Heavy contents typically require stronger hardware, often with full-extension or over-travel slides for better access.

Aesthetics matter too. For a sleek, modern look, under-mount or push-to-open slides keep hardware out of sight. For drawers featuring lower-grade materials where function is the priority, side-mount or ball-bearing styles may be the better choice.

Installation Considerations 

Cabinet construction plays a big role in what slides will fit. Frameless cabinets offer more flexibility, while face-frame styles may require brackets or spacers. Always confirm clearances so your drawer box and slides work together seamlessly.

Side-mounts need space on both sides, while under- and center-mounts require more precise box sizing. For retrofits, double-check measurements before selecting a new slide style.

Budget and Quality Balance 

Drawer slides range from basic to premium. Roller slides and self-close side-mounts are budget-friendly, but may not hold up in high-use areas.

If the budget allows, upgrading to soft-close under-mounts or ball-bearing slides can improve both durability and drawer feel. While they cost more upfront, they often reduce wear, callbacks, and customer complaints over time.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Build 

Drawer slides might be one of the smaller components in a cabinet build, but they carry a lot of weight in both function and how the finished product feels. From basic roller tracks to soft-close under-mounts, the right choice depends on what the drawer needs to hold, how the cabinet is constructed, and how the space will be used every day. The right slides help drawers open smoothly, close reliably, and hold up to everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is the difference between drawer slides and drawer runners? 

The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, “slides” refer to modern hardware with ball bearings or rollers, while “runners” may describe older or simpler systems, including wooden tracks or single-rail setups.

What are the three types of drawer runner systems? 

The main types are side-mount, under-mount, and center-mount. Each has its own look, installation method, and weight capacity.

What are the different types of drawer extensions? 

There are three common types: ¾ extension, which leaves part of the drawer inside the cabinet; full extension, which brings the drawer all the way out; and over-travel, which allows the drawer to extend slightly past the cabinet front.

What are the differences between side-mount and under-mount slides? 

Side-mount slides are easier to install and usually cost less, but they stay visible when the drawer is open. Under-mount slides are hidden from view and often offer smoother motion, but they require more precise installation.

Can I retrofit soft-close slides into existing cabinets? 

In many cases, yes. You’ll need to check that your drawer boxes are the right size and shape for the new hardware and that there’s enough clearance inside the cabinet.

How do I determine the correct length for drawer slides? 

Measure the depth of your cabinet box, from the inside back panel to the front edge. Your drawer slides should match this measurement or be slightly shorter.

What maintenance is required for different types of drawer slides? 

Most metal slides need very little upkeep. Wipe tracks occasionally and apply light lubricant to keep them smooth. Wooden runners may need seasonal adjustment or waxing, especially in older furniture.