How to Measure Drawer Slides

How to measure drawer slides becomes an essential procedure when ensuring the functionality and compatibility of cabinetry or furniture projects. To determine the appropriate length for drawer slides, one must measure the depth of the drawer or the cabinetry intended for the drawer’s installation.

How to measure drawer slides? also requires considering the weight capacity of the slides and the type of extension. Drawer slides come in a variety of weight capacities, from light-duty slides that can hold up to 75 pounds to heavy-duty options that can hold over 100 pounds. Choosing a slide with the appropriate weight capacity ensures the durability and longevity of your drawers. It is also necessary to decide between partial extension, full extension and over-travel slides, depending on how much access to the drawer contents is required. Full extension slides allow you to open the drawer fully, giving you easy access to everything inside, while over-travel slides extend further, offering additional access.

It is important to make sure that the chosen slides are slightly shorter than the depth of the cabinet or drawer, so that they fit properly without protruding. You should also consider the type of slide mount/side mount, bottom mount or center mount, as this will also affect the dimensions and installation process.

How to Measure for Undermount Drawer Slides?

When embarking on the installation of undermount drawer slides, one of the first questions that might arise is, “Can drawer slides be longer than the drawer?” The answer is no; for optimal functionality and aesthetics, it is crucial that the slides are precisely matched to the dimensions of the undermount drawer boxes. Unlike side mount drawer slides, undermount slides attach to the bottom of the drawer, offering a clean look and maximizing space within the kitchen cabinet drawer.

For those installing full extension drawer slides, accurate measurement is key to ensuring that the drawer opens completely, providing full access to the contents of the kitchen drawer. This is particularly important for areas where space and accessibility are paramount. The process involves carefully measuring the interior depth of the cabinet and then selecting slides that are specifically designed for that measurement to ensure a perfect fit. Soft close drawer dimensions also play a significant role in creating a serene and functional kitchen environment, as these slides add a luxurious feel to the operation of the drawers.

When considering the installation of bottom mount slides, it’s essential to understand that these refer to a subset of undermount slides that are mounted to the bottom of the drawer but are not visible when the drawer is open. This setup is different from traditional install drawer methods and requires precise measurements to ensure the drawer operates smoothly.

What are the lengths of drawer slides? Typically, drawer slides are available in various lengths, ranging from as short as 10 inches to as long as 28 inches or more, to accommodate the wide range of drawer sizes found in furniture and cabinetry. Measuring drawer slides accurately is a critical step in the selection process, ensuring the slides will allow the drawer to operate as intended without any issues.

Measuring for drawer slides demands attention to detail and an understanding of the specific requirements of the project at hand. Whether it’s a simple update to a drawer slides system or a complete kitchen renovation, the correct measurements and selection of slides can significantly impact the functionality and satisfaction with the end result.

SAMET manufactures, develops and sells many types of drawer slides in this field. You can contact us for detailed information and to create an order.