Upgrading your kitchen cabinets with full-extension drawer slides can dramatically improve your access to the inside. This modern hardware allows drawers to open completely, providing complete visibility and easy reach to items stored in the back.
In this article, we’ll explore installing full-extension cabinet drawer slides and offer tips and techniques for a smooth upgrade. Tom Silva, the general contractor from This Old House, demonstrates the installation process in the video above.
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Full-Extension Drawer Slides
Full-extension drawer slides are a significant improvement over traditional drawer hardware. There are several types of full-extension drawer slides available:
- Ball-bearing slides
- Undermount slides
- Side-mount slides
- Center-mount slides
- Push-to-open slides
We recommend finding a cabinet component showroom and trying out a few different types to see which works best for you. Each type has advantages and is suited for different cabinet configurations and user preferences.
You should also consider what type of drawers and slides you already have to make sure your new slides will be compatible. In many cases, existing drawer boxes may not be compatible with new full-extension slides. As Tom points out in the video, ordering new drawer boxes specifically designed to work with the new hardware is often easier. To do this:
- Measure the interior width, height, and depth of the cabinet opening.
- Subtract the width of the drawer slides from the cabinet opening width.
- Measure the height from the bottom of the cabinet to the desired drawer bottom.
- Order custom drawer boxes based on these measurements.
Preparing for Drawer Slide Installation
Proper preparation is important before beginning the installation process. To install full-extension drawer slides, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Drill/driver
- Pencil compass
- Hot glue gun
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Pencil
- New drawer boxes (if necessary)
- Full-extension drawer slides
- Mounting screws
Step 1: Removing Old Drawers and Hardware
The first step in the installation process is to remove the existing drawers and hardware.
- Empty the contents of each drawer
- Pull the drawer out as far as it will go
- Locate the release mechanism–if present–and disengage it
- Lift the front of the drawer slightly and pull it out of the cabinet
Once the drawers are out, remove the old hardware:
- Unscrew and remove any brackets or wheels attached to the cabinet interior
- Remove any tracks or guides attached to the drawer sides
- Clean the cabinet interior and drawer sides to prepare for new hardware
After removing the old hardware, you’re ready to install the new full-extension drawer slides.
Step 2: Mounting Brackets in the Cabinet
There are a number of ways to establish the location for these brackets that go in the back of the cabinets. In the video, Tom demonstrates a clever technique for positioning the mounting brackets:
- Insert the drawer slide into the mounting bracket
- Place the assembly on top of the cabinet rail
- Use a pencil compass to measure the distance from the underside of the countertop to the top of the bracket
- Transfer this measurement to the inside of the cabinet—which gives the height required
- Mark the position for the bracket and secure it with screws
Step 3: Attaching Slides to the Cabinet
Once the brackets are in place:
- Insert the drawer slide into the mounted bracket
- Make sure the slide is level and square to the cabinet front
- Secure the front of the slide to the cabinet face frame with screws
Step 4: Preparing the Drawer Box
To attach the slides to the drawer box:
- Locate the pre-cut notches on the drawer box sides
- Position the drawer slide retention clips in these notches
- Pre-drill pilot holes for the screws
- Secure the clips to the drawer box with screws
Step 5: Reinstalling Drawer Fronts
If you’re using new drawer boxes, you must reattach the original drawer fronts to maintain a consistent look in your kitchen.
Tom shares a helpful trick for accurately positioning the drawer front:
- Hold the drawer front against the drawer box in the desired position
- Use your fist to firmly tap the front, creating impressions where the screw heads contact the drawer box
- Drill shallow holes at these points to accommodate the screw heads
To attach the drawer front:
- Apply a small amount of hot glue to the screw heads on the back of the drawer front
- Press the front firmly against the drawer box in the correct position
- Allow the glue to set for about 30 seconds
- Gently open the drawer and secure the front with screws from inside the drawer box
Step 6: Fine-Tuning and Drawer Adjustments
After installation, it’s important to fine-tune the drawers for optimal performance. Most full-extension slides have built-in adjustment mechanisms:
- For horizontal adjustments, simply loosen the screws on the cabinet member of the slide
- For vertical adjustments, use cam adjusters on the drawer member of the slide
After making adjustments:
- Open and close each drawer several times to confirm smooth operation
- Check that the soft-close feature is functioning correctly
- Verify that the drawer front aligns with adjacent drawers and cabinet doors
Maintenance and Drawer Care
To keep your new full-extension drawer slides operating smoothly, clean the slides periodically with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid overloading drawers beyond their weight capacity, and lubricate the slides annually with a silicone-based lubricant if recommended by the manufacturer.
Troubleshooting Common Drawer Issues
Even with careful installation, issues may arise that require troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Drawer Not Closing Fully
If the drawer does not close all the way, it may be due to misalignment or obstruction. Check for debris or obstructions in the slide path, then confirm the drawer slides are properly aligned. Adjust the position of the slides to correct any misalignment
Drawer Sags or Wobbles
A sagging or wobbling drawer can be frustrating. To address this, verify that the mounting brackets are secure. Check that the slides can handle the drawer’s weight, and adjust the slide screws to provide a snug fit.
Soft-Close Feature Malfunction
If the soft-close feature is not working correctly, inspect the soft-close mechanism for damage or wear. Verify the drawer is not overloaded, and adjust the mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Our Conclusion
Installing full-extension cabinet drawers is a worthwhile upgrade that can significantly improve the functionality of your kitchen. While it requires some carpentry skills, the process is manageable for many do-it-yourself enthusiasts. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of fully accessible, smooth-gliding drawers in your home.
