Should drawer slides be on the middle or bottom of the drawer?

Drawer slides should generally be mounted near the bottom of the drawer, but slightly above the base (often within the lower third), for stability and to prevent sagging, though center-mount slides are for lighter loads and mounted under the center; the key is consistent height on both sides and enough wood for secure screw attachment, with the best location depending on drawer depth and weight.

Where should drawer slides be placed?

Most Accuride drawer slides are side mount, meaning they're mounted on the side of the drawer and within the cabinet structure. A undermount slide, such as the 3135EC Eclipse, mounts in a position that allows a specially designed drawer to sit on top of the suspension, unlike a side mount slide.

What is the rule of thumb for drawer slides?

The rule of thumb for drawer slides is to match the slide length to the drawer box length and ensure at least 1/2 inch clearance on each side for side-mount slides. This ensures proper fit, smooth operation, and full extension without interference or binding.

Can you put drawer slides on the bottom?

Yes, you absolutely can put drawer slides on the bottom, and it's a common setup called bottom-mount or undermount slides, perfect for a clean look, maximizing drawer space, and providing smooth operation, especially with modern ball-bearing or soft-close options. They attach underneath the drawer box, keeping the sides visible and offering more interior room than side-mounts. 

Are bottom mount drawer slides better?

For heavy loads, undermount drawer slides are the way to go. Their bottom-based mounting location allows them to withstand more weight than side-mount drawer slides.

How to attach drawer slides

What is the 1 3 rule for drawer pulls?

The 1/3 rule for cabinet pulls suggests placing the pull one-third of the way from the edge of the cabinet drawer or door. The 1/3 rule is a guideline used in interior design. For drawers, this means centering the pull horizontally and positioning it vertically in the top third.

Should drawer slides be as long as the drawer?

The drawer member of a drawer slide should be the same length as the drawer. The cabinet member will be slightly longer.

What size drawer slides for a 24 cabinet?

For a standard 24-inch deep cabinet, you typically need 22-inch side-mount or 21-inch undermount drawer slides, as you need to account for the slide length plus clearance at the back of the cabinet; a 24-inch slide is too long for a 24-inch cabinet because slides are slightly shorter than the cabinet depth to allow for the drawer box and movement. 

What are the options for drawer bottoms?

Drawers are typically made with matching plywood bottoms. Plywood for drawer bottoms is available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" thickness. 3/8" thick plywood is the best overall thickness for drawer bottoms and is available for Maple, Birch, Beech, Cherry, and Walnut.

What cabinet pulls are in style in 2025?

In 2025, stylish cabinet pulls blend modern function with timeless warmth, featuring trends like Matte Black for bold contrast, Brushed Gold & Brass for elegance, and Mixed Metals, alongside oversized, sleek, or textured designs, with options like leather-wrapped pulls adding unique texture, moving towards personalization and sustainable materials.
 

How much space should you leave for drawer slides?

Undermount slides are ideal when horizontal space is limited because they typically only require 3/16" to 1/4" of space per slide. The other thing to note about under mount slides is that they require ½” of clearance above and below the drawer in the cabinet opening.

How long should a pull be on a 36 inch drawer?

Using the 1/3 Rule for Proportions

A helpful guideline for choosing cabinet pull sizes is the 1/3 rule. This rule suggests that the pull length should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door.

Can drawer slides be mounted at the top?

Vertically mounting these types of slides, and placing a load onto them, risks bending and breaking the slides. So don't do it!

How to find center for drawer pulls?

To center drawer pulls, find the drawer's horizontal center, mark the desired height (usually 2-3 inches from the top edge), then use a hardware jig or diagonal line method (mark from corners to opposite edges and find the intersection) to locate the precise drill spots for your specific pull's center-to-center screw distance. Using painter's tape for marking and a jig for drilling ensures accuracy across multiple drawers.
 

Are wooden drawer guides still used?

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.

How to properly size drawer slides?

How to Measure Drawer Slides: 6 Simple Steps

1. Step 1: Empty and Remove the Drawer. ...
2. Step 2: Measure the Drawer Length. ...
3. Step 3: Check the Cabinet's Side Space. ...
4. Step 4: Determine the Slide Type. ...
5. Step 5: Measure the Cabinet Depth. ...
6. Step 6: Purchase Your Slides.

Is a 24 sink too small for a kitchen?

24 to 25 inches long: Kitchen sinks are considered small at 25 inches and under. This could work for a small kitchen that's tight on space. 27 to 30 inches long: The standard kitchen sink dimension of 30 inches is what's typical for average-sized kitchens in single-family homes.

What are the three types of drawer slides?

Metal drawer slides are offered in three basic types: side-mount, undermount and center-mount. The amount of space between your drawer box and the cabinet opening will affect your decision.

What is better, side mount or bottom mount drawer slides?

Neither side mount nor bottom (undermount) slides are universally "better"; the best choice depends on your project's needs, balancing aesthetics, functionality, strength, and cost, with Undermounts offering hidden, smooth, high-end looks (good for kitchens/modern) but taking up height, while Side Mounts are sturdier for heavy items (tools/workshops), cheaper, and easier for DIY, but are visible and take up side space.
 

How long should drawer slides be for a 24 inch cabinet?

For a standard 24-inch deep cabinet, you typically need 22-inch side-mount or 21-inch undermount drawer slides, as you need to account for the slide length plus clearance at the back of the cabinet; a 24-inch slide is too long for a 24-inch cabinet because slides are slightly shorter than the cabinet depth to allow for the drawer box and movement. 

What happens if drawer slides are too short?

A too-short slide prevents the drawer from opening fully, and one that's too long won't fit in the cabinet. To determine the proper length, measure the interior depth of the cabinet (behind the face frame, if there is one) and choose a slide the next size shorter than that measurement.

Can I put drawer slides on the bottom?

Yes, you absolutely can put drawer slides on the bottom, and it's a common setup called bottom-mount or undermount slides, perfect for a clean look, maximizing drawer space, and providing smooth operation, especially with modern ball-bearing or soft-close options. They attach underneath the drawer box, keeping the sides visible and offering more interior room than side-mounts. 

Do drawer slides need to be as long as the drawer?

Drawer slides do not necessarily need to be the exact same length as the drawers, but they should be close to ensure proper function and full extension. Ideally, the slides should match the drawer length to maximize space and stability, but slightly shorter slides and slightly longer slides can work if necessary.