Buying Guide for the Best Full Extension Drawer Slides
Choosing full-extension drawer slides is important when you want the drawers in your furniture, cabinetry, or workshop to open fully so you have complete access to everything inside. Picking the right slides will make a big difference in how smoothly your drawers move and how much weight they can handle. It's worthwhile to understand a few key features to make sure you select slides that fit your drawer size, what you'll store, and how often you use the drawers.Extension TypeExtension type refers to how far the drawer can be pulled out from the cabinet. Full-extension slides allow the drawer to extend completely out, so you can access items in the back without any obstruction. This is especially important for storage where you need full access, like tool drawers or kitchen cabinets. For applications where partial access is acceptable, other types such as 3/4 extension may be fine, but if you want to reach all the contents, you should look specifically for full-extension models.
Load CapacityLoad capacity shows how much weight a drawer slide can support safely. This is important because overloading can make the drawer hard to open, damage the slide, or even cause it to fail. Drawer slides typically come in light, medium, and heavy-duty categories. Light-duty slides (up to about 50 pounds) are good for things like office or bathroom drawers, medium-duty (50–100 pounds) suit kitchen or general-purpose drawers, and heavy-duty (100+ pounds) are for tool chests or file cabinets. Think about what you plan to store and select a slide that fits your needs, making sure to account for the heaviest load the drawer may hold.
Mounting TypeMounting type refers to where the slides are attached to the drawer and cabinet. The most common are side-mount, under-mount, and center-mount. Side-mount slides are visible when the drawer is open and are easy to install; they also handle more weight. Under-mount slides are hidden beneath the drawer for a cleaner look and are often used in higher-end cabinetry, though they may support a bit less weight. Center-mount slides run along the underside of the drawer center and are typically for lighter, smaller drawers. Choose based on your drawer design, desired look, and how much weight your drawers will carry.
Slide LengthSlide length is the physical measurement of the slide, which should match the depth of your drawer. It's essential to select the right length—too long and the slide won't fit, too short and your drawer won't open fully or may not be stable. Measure the length of the drawer box (not including the front face) and pick a slide that fits closely. If your cabinet space is limited, always go with a slide slightly shorter than the drawer box.
Soft-Close or Self-Close FeatureSoft-close and self-close refer to mechanisms that help close the drawer gently or automatically. Soft-close slides have a dampening system that catches the drawer and softly pulls it closed, reducing slamming and wear. Self-close slides use springs or similar means to pull the drawer shut once it's partially closed. If you're putting slides in kitchens, bedrooms, or anywhere you want to reduce noise or prevent damage from slamming, these features add a nice touch and can be worth choosing.
Material and FinishDrawer slides are usually made from steel and sometimes have coatings for corrosion resistance. The material and finish affect how long the slides last, especially in humid or outdoor locations. Zinc-plated or stainless-steel slides are common for extra resistance to rust, which is important if you're installing them in damp areas like garages or bathrooms. Pick material and finish based on your environment and how long you want the slides to last.