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When it comes to kitchen cabinets, one of the most important components is the drawer slides. They allow the drawers to open and close smoothly without any issues. If you are in the market for drawer slides, there are a few criteria that you need to keep in mind. The following are five tips that can help you find the best drawer slides to deposit your kitchen appliances.
1. Slide Length
The slide length and the drawer’s length should be the same. If the slide is too long, it will stick out from the kitchen cabinet when the drawer is closed. If it is too short, the drawer cannot close correctly.
Measure the inside of the drawer and compare it to the slide length before making your purchase. Thinner slides can be used in shorter drawers, but they may not provide as smooth of an experience. However, they can still work well if they are the correct length.
2. Mounting Type
There are three different types of drawer slides when it comes to mounting: bottom mount, side mount, and center mount. As the name implies, bottom mount slides attach to the bottom of the drawer while the side mount attaches to the sides. Finally, center mount slides attach to the center of the drawer.
The mounting you choose will depend on the type of cabinets you have and your personal preferences. The bottom and side mount are the most popular because they are easier to install. Center mount slides can be more challenging to install, but they offer a cleaner look since there are no visible screws.
3. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the drawer slide is important, especially if you plan on storing heavy items in the drawer. First, determine how much weight you plan on putting in the drawer, and then look for a slide that can support that weight. Most slides can support up to 100 pounds, but some can hold more weight.
If you have large heavy duty drawer slides, ensure that the screws you use to mount them are also rated for the same weight. Otherwise, the screws could strip and cause the drawer to fall off, which would be a safety hazard.
4. Motion Features
The basic function of drawer slides is to provide a smooth, consistent motion when opening and closing the drawer. However, some slides have additional features such as push-to-open, soft close, or self-close.
A soft close means the drawer slowly closes on its own instead of slamming shut. This drawer option is necessary if you have young children in the home since it prevents them from getting their fingers caught. Self-close slides automatically close once it is pushed in a certain amount. They can be helpful if you tend to forget to close drawers all the way. Push-to-open slides do not have handles, and they open with a push of a button or by pushing the drawer itself.
The choice of motion feature depends on your needs and preferences. For example, a soft close is a must if you have young children. On the other hand, the push-to-open drawers could be a good option if you want the convenience of not having to pull on a handle.
5. Extension Type
There are two types of drawer slides regarding extension: full and partial. Full extension drawer slides allow the drawer to be pulled all the way out so that you can access the entire contents. Partial extension slides only enable the drawer to be pulled out a certain amount, typically about halfway.
Full extension slides are more expensive, but they offer much more convenience. Accessing the ones at the back with partial extension slides can be difficult if you have many items in your drawer. However, if you don’t plan on using the drawer very often or you only need to store a few items, partial extension slides can be a more budget-friendly option.
The Bottom Line
Drawer slides are a vital part of any kitchen. They provide a smooth, consistent motion when opening and closing the drawer. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the right drawer slides for your kitchen. Finally, when choosing drawer slides, there are several things to consider, such as weight capacity, construction material, motion features, and extension type.