Installing drawer slides may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward DIY project. Properly installed drawer slides allow drawers to open and close smoothly and prevent issues like sagging and rubbing.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of installing drawer slides, from choosing the right hardware to attaching the slides and drawers. We will cover techniques for installing side-mounted, center-mounted, and undermount drawer slides in both face frame and frameless cabinetry.
Getting Started – What You Need for Installing Drawer Slides
Before getting started on the installation, make sure you have gathered all the necessary materials:
- Drawer slides – Choose the appropriate type and size for your specific project. Side-mounted or undermount ball-bearing slides are common choices.
- Tools – You may need some combination of the following:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill/driver
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Fasteners – Self-tapping screws are recommended for installing slides. Wood screws, lag bolts, or other hardware may also be needed depending on your cabinets.
- Slide fittings – Optional brackets or plates for attaching the drawer slides in certain configurations.
Pro Tip: Set all your drawers, slides, hardware and tools out and organize before starting installation. This makes the process smoother.
Step-by-Step Installation of Side-Mounted Drawer Slides
Side-mounted drawer slides, also called Euro slides, are the most popular choice for DIYers. Follow these steps to install them correctly:
Step 1: Measure and Mark Slide Positions
- Fully extend one slide, and place it against the side wall of the cabinet interior, making sure the slide is parallel to the face frame.
- Mark drilling locations at the front and rear of the cabinet. This is where you will attach the slides.
- For multiple drawers, mark the position of each slide, spacing them evenly to divide the interior height. Allow at least 1/2″ between slides.
Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes
- At each marked attachment point, drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the mounting screws.
- Drilling pilot holes prevents splitting the wood when driving in the screws.
Step 3: Fasten Slide Members to Cabinet
- Place each slide back into position, aligned with the pilot holes.
- Drive screws through the slide holes into the pilot holes to secure the slide. Don’t firmly tighten.
- Repeat for the other slide member on the opposite cabinet side wall. Make sure slides are level.
Step 4: Attach Drawer Member
- Fully extend one slide, and clamp the drawer member to the drawer side as positioned in the cabinet.
- Drill pilot holes through the slide’s mounting holes into the drawer side.
- Attach drawer member to drawer side with screws. Repeat for other slide.
- Confirm drawer slides smoothly in and out when held in opening. Adjust if needed until motion is correct.
Step 5: Set Drawer in Cabinet and Adjust
- Place drawer on extended slides in cabinet and carefully close into position.
- Check alignment and make any adjustments needed until drawer operates smoothly without rubbing.
- Tighten all slide screws when alignment is verified. Do not overtighten.
- Repeat installation steps for any additional drawers.
And that’s it! With correctly installed side-mounted drawer slides, your drawers will open and close effortlessly.
Installing Center-Mounted Drawer Slides
Center-mounted slides attach to a vertical divider between drawers rather than the side walls. This installation is very similar:
- Measure and mark slide positions on center divider.
- Drill pilot holes at front and rear marks.
- Fasten slide members level and aligned with holes.
- Attach drawer member to drawer.
- Check operation for smooth motion.
- Tighten screws when aligned properly.
One key difference is that center-mounted slides often incorporate an anti-tip device for alignment. Follow manufacturer instructions for properly integrating this stabilizing hardware.
Undermount Slide Installation
Undermount slides mount to the bottom of a drawer and slide along a track installed directly to the cabinet floor. Use these steps for proper installation:
Step 1: Mark and Drill Track Placement
- Mark the locations for the tracks evenly spaced across the cabinet floor. Allow for drawer width plus ~1/2″ between tracks.
- Drill pilot holes for the track fasteners at the front and rear. Hole depth is important for proper fastening.
Step 2: Fasten Tracks to Cabinet Floor
- Align each track with pilot holes and attach them to the floor with screws. Do not fully tighten yet.
- Confirm tracks are parallel and level with cabinet front. Adjust if necessary.
Step 3: Attach Drawer Member
- Extend one slide, and attach drawer member to bottom of drawer with included hardware.
- Repeat for other slide on same drawer.
Step 4: Test Drawer Operation
- Place drawer on tracks and carefully close into position.
- Slides should mesh smoothly with no rubbing.
- Make adjustments as needed until operation is correct.
- Tighten track screws when alignment is confirmed. Do not overtighten.
Step 5: Install Remaining Drawers
- Repeat steps to attach slides and test operation for each additional drawer.
With undermount slides properly installed, the drawers will slide smoothly along the bottom tracks.
Tips for Difficult Installations
Some slide installations present unique challenges. Here are some tips for handling them:
Uneven Cabinets
Shim slides to level and prevent racking. Hard plastic or wood shims can be placed under slide on thin side to bring it flush.
Recessed Cabinets
Use slide extension fittings to mount slides flush with recessed cabinet face.
No Cabinet Bottom
Install a bottom or “dust board” to mount undermount slides. Plywood or hardboard are commonly used.
Metal Cabinets
Drill holes or use self-tapping slides. Deburr holes thoroughly.
Existing Cabinets
Look for ways to secure slides using existing holes or hardware backups. Filler plates can also adapt slides.
Heavy Drawers
Choose robust slides rated for 100 lbs or more. Full extension for full access, and soft-close features for smooth closing.
With careful planning and patience, even difficult installations can be overcome for smoothly operating drawers.
Common Questions about Installing Drawer Slides
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about installing drawer slides:
How are drawer slides sized?
Drawer slides are usually sized based on the drawer depth. Common slide lengths include 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″ and 24″. Choose the slide length that matches or is slightly shorter than the drawer depth.
What is full extension?
Full extension slides allow the drawer to be pulled completely out of the cabinet for full access. Partial extension slides do not fully extend. Full extension is recommended for most applications.
Should side-mounted slides be level?
Yes, side-mounted slides must be precisely level for proper operation as the drawer rides directly on them. Use a bubble level to confirm. Some minor adjustment is possible with leveling screws.
How are slides aligned?
With slides fully extended, alignment is adjusted by moving the drawer member slightly to dial in smooth operation without rubbing or resistance when closing. Don’t move extended cabinet members when aligning.
What spacing is needed between slides?
Allow at least 1/2″ between slides for clearance. Closer spacing can cause rubbing and friction between drawers.
How far from edges should slides be mounted?
Mount side-mounted slides at least 2″ from the front and rear of the cabinet for sufficient attachment area. Undermount slides should be inset 1″- 2” from edges so drawer is fully supported.
What screws should be used?
Self-tapping screws are recommended as they drill into the cabinet as they are turned. For hardwoods, traditional wood screws allow drilling pilot holes.
Should I lubricate drawer slides?
Ball-bearing slides are factory lubricated and do not require lubrication. However, a very light application of silicone spray lube can help break-in and maintain smooth action over years of use. Avoid over-lubricating.
Conclusion
Installing drawer slides is made simple by following a few key steps – measuring properly, drilling pilot holes, fastening slides securely, and testing drawer operation for alignment. With the right slides and techniques for your specific cabinets, you can gain storage and functionality with drawers that open and close effortlessly on smooth ball-bearing rollers.
Confidently take on your next drawer slide installation project, and enjoy the satisfaction of high-quality drawers crafted by your own hands. The ability to properly install drawer slides is a valuable DIY skill for creating functional and elegant cabinetry throughout your home.