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Why Choose Undermount Slides Instead of Side Mount Slides
Of all the decision a builder or homeowner must make when construction or remodeling, why would anyone spend much time worrying about drawer slides? But consider this: do you want to replace the slides every few months? Do you want your drawers to continue to work optimally for the life of your home? Do you want quiet operation that will extend the life of your cabinets? Of course! Then slides are not an afterthought at all but an important decision. One of the factors that you must look at when selecting your slides is the duty the drawer will be doing. Before you order, take a few minutes to think about what you need from the slides, and which particular model will deliver.
Are you going to go with undermount, side mount, or center mount? Many people choose based on price, and while that is important, you need to also make sure the slide system will meet the demands of the drawer. Knowing the size of the drawer, as well as the weight it will likely hold is crucial in helping you select the right mounting option for your cabinets.
A center mount slide is used for very light loads, typically under 35 pounds. The weight of the drawer – and eventually its contents – rests on one center support. These are often used in desks and drawers that will handle light loads. They are also often used because the hardware is not visible from the top, sides, or front. Side mounts are more rugged and are often used in kitchens, pantries, and even light industrial settings.
Undermounts are a better choice for quality cabinetry and those demanding top quality drawer slides. They mount on the underside of the drawer, like center mount systems but instead of one center support, however, there is one on each side of the drawer at the outer edge. When would you use an undermount system instead of a side mount?
• An undermount slide system, such as the Hettich Quadro IW21 or Blum Tandem is ideal when you need a drawer to handle medium loads, such as a silverware or utensil drawer or home tool drawer. Typically, the weight capacity is 75 to 125 pounds for these slides.
• They are also a good choice when you do not want to see the slide hardware but need a heavier duty capacity than that offered by center mount slides. They are the slide of choice for those who want to display finger joints of dovetail detailing.
• Undermount systems are perfect when you want to compromise between heavy duty capacity and price without sacrificing quality. For example, Hettich Quardo IW21 full-extension side mounts costs about $25 for a pair of 18 inch slides. The 18 inch V6 undermount slide by Bold Hardware Co. is about $15. If you need your drawer to accommodate a moderate load, you can certainly save a little money by going with undermounts and still get top quality from the industry’s best brands.
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