To find the right drawer slide for your furniture, you need to consider three important factors: load capacity, mounting dimensions and desired extension length.
1. Load capacity and weight class
- Light load (up to 15–30 kg): Ideal for standard kitchen drawers, wardrobe drawers and lighter office storage. Here, a drawer slide rated at 30kg can provide a very stable and smooth movement.
- Heavy load (over 45 kg): Required for tool drawers, deep pantry pull-outs and heavy filing cabinets.
2. Length and mounting depth
Always measure the cabinet's internal depth carefully before ordering. The slides are available in many different standard lengths.
- For really deep storage solutions, such as in motorhomes, workshops or deep cabinets, powerful slides with a length of up to 800 mm or more are often required.
- For deep drawers requiring stable storage, a robust full-extension drawer slide can be the perfect solution. A long extension places higher demands on stability and torsional rigidity to prevent the drawer from sagging when loaded in the fully extended position.
3. Mounting type
- Side-mounted slides: The most common and most robust option. They are mounted on the sides of the drawer and are easy to install and adjust in height and depth.
- Undermount slides (concealed): Mounted under the drawer bottom, giving a minimalist and clean look where no mechanism is visible when the drawer is open.
Popular models and recommended applications:
- Standard roller slide — max 25 kg, partial extension. Recommended for simpler bed drawers and nightstands.
- Ball-bearing side slide — max 45 kg, full extension. Recommended for kitchen cabinets and office pedestals.
- Concealed undermount slide — max 40 kg, full extension with Soft-close. Recommended for premium kitchens and bathroom furniture.
- Heavy Duty slide (e.g. 800 mm) — 90 kg+, full extension. Recommended for workshop benches and special vehicles.
