How to Select Drawer Slides for Various Furniture
Introduction:Drawer slides are essential hardware fittings of furniture, determining the smooth movement and stability of drawers. Depending on the installation method, drawer slides can be categorized into several types. This article will introduce different types of drawer slides based on their installation methods, including side-mount slides, center-mount slides, and under-mount slides, and explore their characteristics and suitable applications.
I. Side-Mount Drawer Slides:
Side-mount slides are a very common installation method for drawer slides. Normally, two slides are requires to be installed between the side panel of the drawer and the side panel of the furniture. This installation method allows the drawer to move smoothly during opening and closing. Side-mount slides typically consist of two parts: a fixed slide mounted on the furniture side panel and a slide block fixed on the drawer side panel. The slide block moves along the guide of the slide, enabling easy and effortless drawer operation. Because of these characteristics, side-mount slides are relatively easy to install or disassemble, requiring only the attachment or the separation of the slide and slide block to their respective side panels. Therefore, side-mount slides are suitable for drawers of various sizes and types, especially for those with wider side panels, such as wardrobes and cabinets. Side-mount drawer slides provide stable support and smooth sliding, making more convenient.
II. Center-Mount Drawer Slides:
Center-mount slides are another common installation method for drawer slides. Only one slide is installed between the bottom center of the drawer and the bottom of the furniture. Center-mount slides also typically include two parts: a fixed slide mounted on the furniture bottom and a slide block fixed on the drawer bottom. Running along the guide of the slide, the center-mount slides allow the drawers to move smoothly. Compared to side-mount slides that are seen when the drawer is open, center-mount slides are hidden under the bottom, ensure a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Different from side-mount slides, center-mount slides are suitable for furniture with narrower side panels, such as office desk drawers and bedside tables, getting a wider drawer in narrower spaces. They offer stable drawer movement without compromising the overall appearance.
III. Under-mount Drawer Slides:
Under-mount slides are a relatively newer installation method for drawer slides. They are installed between the bottom of the drawer and the side panel of the furniture, with the slide completely hidden within the furniture when the drawer is closed. Under-mount slides are also called as concealed drawer slides are specially designed to leave no visible traces of the slide mechanism, providing a sleek and minimalist appearance. Additionally, under-mount slides can withstand heavier loads, making them suitable for drawers that require storage of heavy items such as kitchen drawers and file cabinets.
Conclusion:
Different types of drawer slides categorized on installation methods have their own characteristics and are suitable for various furniture and drawer types. Side-mount slides are suitable for drawers with wider side panels, center-mount slides for drawers with narrower side panels, and under-mount slides for drawers that require hidden slides or storage of heavy items. By selecting the appropriate drawer slides based on specific requirements, better drawer usage experience and furniture stability can be achieved.