If you are unsure of where to start when installing your drawer slides, this installation guide will turn you into a DIY expert in no time. We will cover how to install side mount drawer slides, bottom mount drawer slides, and monorail drawer slides.

Tools Needed

Before you even begin to install your drawer slides, you need to make sure you have the right tools by your side.

You’ll need the following:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Straightedge
• Painters tape
• Drill
• Screws

How to Install a Side Mount Drawer Slide

Side mount drawer slides are a great choice when it comes to functionality and durability. Follow the below guidelines and get your side mount drawer slides installed on your drawers.

Step one: Prepare the slides

Each slide will come packaged together with two main parts: the drawer member and the cabinet member. As a general rule, the part of the slide that goes on the drawer will be smaller than the one for the cabinet.

Step two: Determine the position on the cabinet

Use a pencil to mark where you’ll be putting the drawer slide on your cabinet. To ensure that everything is level, use a straightedge to draw a line where you’ll be putting the drawer slides. Make sure you leave some space at the front for the thickness of the drawer face.

Step three: Install the slide on the cabinet

Position the slide so that the bottom of the slide is placed above the drawn line. We recommend taping the slide in place on the cabinet to avoid movement. Drill holes onto the side of the cabinet, then use screws to secure the slide.

Repeat steps one and two for the other side of the cabinet as well.

Step four: Determine the position on the drawer

Once you’ve installed the cabinet side of the slides, do the same for drawer itself. Use a tape measure to mark the center of the drawer height. Again, use a straightedge and pencil to connect the marks to make sure everything is properly aligned.

Step five: Install the slide on the drawer

Install the drawer-side of the slide as you did on the cabinet. Align the slide with the drawn line and drill holes for the screws, using some tape to keep the slide in place. Attach the screws that come with the drawer slides.

Repeat steps three and four for the other side of the drawer.

Step six: Insert the drawer

Once all of the slides have been properly screwed in on both sides of the cabinet and the drawer, it’s time to test the drawer. Slide the drawer in and check that you are able to pull it in and out easily.

How to Install a Bottom Mount Drawer Slide

Here’s our handy step-by-step guide to installing a bottom mount drawer slide, also called an undermount drawer slide.

Step one: Prepare the slides and parts

Your bottom mount drawer slides come with one smaller component that is meant to be installed on the drawer and a larger part that will be installed on the cabinet. Separate the main pieces and keep them with the necessary screws.

Step two: Install the slides on the bottom of the drawer

The drawer components should be installed flush against each edge of the drawer. Turn the drawer upside down to make this process easier. Mark exactly where the screws go to ensure the slides are placed correctly, then drill. As a top tip, use painters tape to keep the slides from moving as you drill to secure the drawer slides.

Step three: Determine the position of the main runners

After the drawer components are installed, prepare to install the main runners on the cabinet. The main runners need to be installed face up. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the edge of the drawer to the drawer slide, and use this measurement to mark where the main runner needs to be placed.

Step four: Attach the main runners to the cabinet

Place the main runner of the bottom mount drawer slide on the marked area. Make sure the slide is about an ⅛ inch from the front of the cabinet. Use painters tape to keep the runners in place, and double check that the drawer slide component on the drawer and on the cabinet line up. Once you are certain they are placed correctly, screw them in.

Step five: Insert the drawer

Line up the drawer and place the top slides on the main runners. You should now be able to open and close the drawer smoothly.

How to Install a Monorail Drawer Slide

To install a monorail drawer slide, follow the same instructions for the bottom mount drawer slide. The only difference is that since the monorail drawer slide will go in the center of the bottom of the drawer, you will need to use a tape measure and straightedge to properly position the drawer slide in the middle. Make sure the monorail is centered; otherwise, the drawer will not be secure.

Drawer Slide Installation Tips

Installing drawer slides may seem straightforward, but one small mistake can throw off how smoothly the drawer opens and closes. Here are some our top tips to keep in mind while you install the drawer.

Drawer slide length

Although you can certainly use drawer slides that are shorter than the drawer itself, it is best practice to use the longest slides possible without exceeding the actual length of the drawer itself. In doing so, you’ll prevent any additional stress on your slides.

Measure everything twice

Whenever you install something yourself, the importance of measuring everything twice and even thrice cannot be understated. When it comes to drawer slides, make sure correctly measure the thickness of the face of the drawer so that you can leave the correct amount of space when installing the slides.

Use the right screws

More often than not, drawer slides will already come with the correct screws in the packaging. But if this is not the case, take care in making sure you buy the correct screw size to get everything tightly screwed in and secured. If the screws are too large you risk drilling through the side of the cabinet, if they are too small they may not be strong enough to hold the drawer.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

The best course of action when installing drawer slides is to follow the guidelines that come with the product. Use the step by step guidelines in conjunction with the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Consider the weight rating

Drawer slides are made with a specified weight rating. Ball bearing drawer slides are a particular strong type. Make sure to purchase drawer slides that can hold more weight for larger and heavier drawers. If you overload a drawer, you will cause strain and damage on your drawer slides.

But keep in mind that just because your drawer slides are designed to hold up to a certain weight doesn’t mean the drawer itself will. The actual maximum weight will also depend on other factors, such as the construction of the drawer and cabinet.

Bottom Line

With the above guide and tips, you’ll be installing your first drawer slide, with a clear head and useful knowledge. And after your first few slides, you should be able to install drawer slides like a pro!

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