Drawer slides play an important role in furniture and storage solutions. From dressers and cupboards to office desks and toolboxes, they provide a sliding mechanism for individual drawers. Each drawer features its own set of drawer slides. You can pull open a drawer or push it shut by gliding the drawer along a set of slides.
While they all allow drawers to move in and out of objects, however, drawer slides are mounted in different ways. There are undermount drawer slides, and there are side-mount drawer slides. To learn more about these different mounting styles and how they differ, keep reading.
What Are Undermount Drawer Slides?
Undermount drawer slides are characterized by their placement. As their name suggests, they are placed underneath the drawers with which they are used.
Some undermount drawer slides only require a single rail-like slide per drawer, whereas others require two slides per drawer. If a single slide is required, it’s placed underneath the drawer in the center, where it allows the drawer to move in and out. If two slides are required, they are placed underneath the drawer on the two sides. Regardless, all undermount drawer slides are installed underneath drawers.
What Are Side-Mount Drawer Slides?
Side-mount drawer slides, on the other hand, are placed on the sides of the drawers with which they are used. They feature a similar appearance as their undermount counterparts, and they provide the same gliding mechanism that allows drawers to move in and out. Side-mount drawer slides, though, are found exclusively on the sides of drawers rather than underneath them.
Differences Between Undermount and Side-Mount Drawer Slides
Drawer slides can be categorized as undermount or side-mount depending on the orientation of their slides. Undermount drawer slides are placed underneath the drawer, whereas side-mount drawer slides are placed on the sides. In addition to their orientation, however, there are other nuances between these two styles.
Many people prefer undermount drawer slides because they are hidden. You won’t be able to see them after opening the drawers with which they are used. Instead, undermount drawer slides will remain hidden underneath.
Undermount drawer slides are also strong. They can typically handle heavier loads than side-mount drawer slides.
Side-mount drawer slides typically cost less than undermount drawer slides. If you’re on a budget, opting for this style can save you money.
Another advantage of side-mount drawer slides is ease of installation. They are typically easier to install than undermount drawer slides, making them a popular choice among hobbyists and consumers.