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Have you ever pulled a drawer and felt it stick, wobble, or slam shut with a bang? That small annoyance can turn into a daily frustration—unless you pick the right drawer slides. Drawer slides are the unsung heroes of kitchen drawers, bedside cabinets, and workshop tool chests. They control how smoothly drawers glide, how much weight they can hold, and whether they close with a satisfying whisper or a harsh thud. Think of them as the axles on a car: tiny parts, big impact.
Not all slides are built the same. Choosing the right type is a bit like choosing shoes for a sport—running shoes for jogging, cleats for football. Below I break down the most common styles so you can match the slide to the job.
Side-mount ball bearing slides are the workhorses of cabinetry. They attach to the sides of the drawer and cabinet and typically come in full-extension versions, letting you access the entire drawer. They can carry loads from about 20 lbs to 200 lbs depending on the model, and they’re widely available at UK retailers like Screwfix and Wickes.
Under-mount slides hide beneath the drawer for a clean look—perfect for kitchens and high-end furniture. Brands like Blum and Hettich popularised these, often including integrated soft-close mechanisms. These slides need precise measurements and usually require a bit more skill to install, but they give a sleek, premium finish.
If you hate slamming drawers, soft-close is a game changer. These slides incorporate dampers that slow the drawer in the final inch or so. You can find soft-close options for side-mount and under-mount slides; some come built-in, while others have retrofit kits. Expect to pay more for this feature, but the payoff in longevity and quiet operation is worth it.
Full-extension slides let the drawer come all the way out, giving you complete access to the contents. Partial-extension slides remain partially inside the cabinet and are often cheaper. For deep pots-and-pans drawers or tool chests, full-extension is usually the better choice.
For drawers that hold heavy items—think power tools or loads over 100 lbs—heavy-duty slides or industrial-grade rails like those from Accuride are your friend. They’re built to handle extreme weights and frequent use. You’ll find these sold through trade suppliers like Toolstation and specialist outlets such as IronmongeryDirect.
Where to shop depends on budget, brand preference, and whether you want trade-grade parts or an off-the-shelf fix. Below are reputable UK stores and online sellers that cover every need, from DIY to professional fit-outs.
Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers alike. They stock a wide selection of side-mount and soft-close slides, often in imperial lengths from 8 inches up to 24 inches. Prices are competitive, and their range includes budget options as well as well-known brands.
Wickes focuses on home improvement and offers a good balance between price and quality. You’ll find drawer runners suitable for kitchens, wardrobes, and bathroom furniture. Wickes often has bundled solutions for kitchen refits, making it convenient if you’re replacing multiple slides.
Homebase provides a broad catalogue geared at homeowners. Their range includes both functional and decorative hardware. It’s a convenient place if you want to pair slides with matching handles, hinges, and cabinet fittings.
Toolstation is ideal for those seeking trade-quality components without long lead times. They sell heavy-duty rails, ball-bearing options, and professional fittings in imperial lengths. If you’re fitting drawers in a workshop or garage, start here.
IronmongeryDirect specialises in architectural hardware. Expect a wider selection of specialised slides, including branded lines from Hafele and Blum. They’re great for discerning buyers who want premium materials and reliable specifications.
Howdens caters to tradespeople, offering integrated kitchen solutions. If you’re fitting cabinets supplied by Howdens, their recommended slides are proven to match their carcass designs, reducing the guesswork on fit and performance.
Häfele is both a brand and a distributor of quality fittings. They supply under-mount systems, soft-close hardware, and designer fittings. For high-end or bespoke projects, ordering through Häfele or similar specialist suppliers ensures compatibility and support.
Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer everything from cheap generic slides to genuine branded products. They’re useful if you’re after a quick delivery or bulk selection, but watch for counterfeit parts and read reviews carefully. Always check load ratings and returnability before buying.
Brand choice matters. Some manufacturers have built reputations for precision, durability, and smooth operation. Knowing the names helps you filter options fast.
Blum is a household name for high-quality under-mount slides and soft-close systems. They’re often seen in premium kitchens and come with precise adjustment features. Expect higher costs, but also longevity and refined action.
Hettich and Salice make excellent alternatives to Blum, offering under-mount and side-mount options with robust engineering. They’re especially strong in European-style cabinetry and are widely stocked by distributors across the UK.
Accuride is known for heavy-duty industrial slides—think tool chests and commercial applications—while Grass offers elegant, quiet mechanisms for domestic furniture. Both are trusted by professionals.
Budget slides are plentiful and fine for light-duty projects. They’re great for utility drawers or temporary setups, but they often skimp on load rating and smoothness. If you’re planning daily use, a mid-range branded product is usually a better investment.
Choosing the correct slide comes down to three things: length, load capacity, and clearance. Luckily, with simple measuring and a little planning, you can avoid buying the wrong parts.
Always measure the inside depth of the cabinet in inches. Common slide lengths are 8", 10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 22", and 24". Pick a slide that matches the drawer box length or is slightly shorter—never longer than the cabinet depth. If your cabinet interior is 20" deep, a 20" slide is ideal; if your drawer box is 18", an 18" slide will work best.
Look at the load rating, usually listed in pounds. Light-duty slides handle 20–75 lbs, medium-duty up to about 100–150 lbs, and heavy-duty slides can exceed 200 lbs. Add up the weight of expected contents—tools, cutlery, or cookware—and add a safety margin. If you expect 80 lbs of cookware, choose a slide rated for at least 100 lbs.
Side-mount slides typically need a clearance of about 1/8" to 3/16" per side between the drawer and cabinet wall. Under-mount systems have tighter tolerances and usually specify exact gaps in the product manual, so follow those instructions carefully to keep the drawer from binding.
Ready to fit slides yourself? With a few basic tools and some patience, it’s a satisfying weekend project. Here are tips to make installation smooth and accurate.
Gather a tape measure in inches, a square, a drill with bits, a screwdriver, clamps, and a pencil. A router or chisel may be required for certain under-mount installations or for adjusting drawer boxes. Clamps help hold slides perfectly level while you screw them in.
If slides aren’t parallel and level, drawers will bind or tilt. Use a square to ensure the drawer front sits square to the cabinet. Check with a spirit level in inches across the slide as you fix it. Small shims of 1/16" or 1/8" can correct misalignments.
Face-frame cabinets need spacer blocks or face-frame bracket kits to mount side-mount slides correctly. Frameless cabinets give more direct access to mount slides. Read the slide manufacturer’s instructions for the specific approach, especially where under-mount hardware is involved.
How much should you expect to spend? Prices vary widely depending on type, brand, and features. Here’s a simple guide to help you budget.
Basic side-mount ball-bearing slides can be found for as little as £4–£10 per pair for shorter lengths. These are fine for light use like laundry room drawers or storage boxes.
Expect to pay £10–£30 per pair for decent mid-range slides, including many soft-close options and longer lengths up to 20" or 22". This is the sweet spot for most kitchens and bathrooms.
Premium under-mount systems from Blum, Hettich, and Hafele typically fall in the £30–£80 per pair range, sometimes more for specialty heavy-duty models. If you want professional-grade performance and lifetime durability, this is where you’ll find it.
Most straightforward installations are DIY-friendly, but there are times when a pro is worth the cost. If you’re fitting dozens of drawers, working with integrated kitchen systems, or using heavy-duty industrial rails, a tradesperson can save time and prevent costly mistakes.
Simple replacements, single drawer swaps, and basic installs in frameless cabinets are great weekend projects. If you enjoy measuring, drilling, and tinkering, you’ll likely be fine.
If you’re replacing under-mount systems across a bespoke kitchen, fitting custom cabinetry, or need precise alignment for high-end hardware, hire a fitter. Professional installers have jigs, templates, and experience that cut errors and speed up the job.
With the right care, drawer slides can last years. Treat them like moving parts: clean, lubricate, and tighten as needed to avoid premature wear.
Remove debris and wipe rails with a dry cloth. For sticky slides, use a light silicone spray or a graphite-based lubricant—avoid heavy oils that attract dust. Wipe off excess and operate the drawer a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Wobble usually means screws have loosened or the slide isn’t tight against the cabinet. Tighten mounting screws in inches-based increments—don’t overtighten. If a drawer sticks, check for misalignment by measuring the gap; a 1/8" shim might solve the issue instantly.
Before you click “buy,” run through a quick checklist: measure cabinet depth in inches, estimate load in pounds, decide on full- or partial-extension, choose side- or under-mount, and pick the finish that matches your cabinetry. Having this checklist keeps returns and rework to a minimum.
Choosing the right drawer slides transforms how your furniture performs and feels. Whether you’re refreshing a tired kitchen with soft-close under-mounts from a premium brand, swapping basic side-mount slides from a budget retailer, or fitting heavy-duty rails for a tool chest, the right match saves frustration and money in the long run. Measure carefully in inches, choose a load rating in pounds that comfortably exceeds expected weight, and pick a reputable UK supplier—Screwfix, Wickes, Toolstation, IronmongeryDirect, and specialist distributors like Häfele and Blum are solid places to start. A little planning now means smooth gliding for years to come.
| Drawer Slides | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Synology Disk Tray R5 | £ 30,73 | |
| Cablenet Sliding Adjustable Shelf Adjustable 559mm To 1023mm 70kg Max | £ 39,02 | |
| Digitus Extendible Shelf For Fixed Mounting On Front 483 Mm 19 | £ 82,07 | |
| Icy Dock Mb991ik-b Drive Bay Panel 2.5 Storage Drive Tray Black | £ 90,49 |
