{"id":6006,"date":"2026-10-02T08:22:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T15:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wurthlac.com\/blog\/?p=6006"},"modified":"2026-10-02T08:22:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T15:22:49","slug":"what-size-drawer-slides-do-i-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wurthlac.com\/blog\/what-size-drawer-slides-do-i-need","title":{"rendered":"What Size Drawer Slides Do I Need? Pro Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Choosing the right drawer slide<\/a> starts with two measurements: the depth of the drawer box and the available depth inside the cabinet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mounting type matters too. Side-mount slides<\/a> offer some flexibility in length, while undermount slides<\/a> typically need to match the drawer length specified by the manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are replacing economy roller slides with ball-bearing or soft-close slides, do not order by length alone. Check side clearance, drawer material thickness, extension, load capacity, and mounting requirements before you buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A replacement slide may be the same length as the old hardware but require different installation space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Skim: What Size Drawer Slide Do You Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to Check<\/th>Side-Mount Slides<\/th>Undermount Slides<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Drawer box depth<\/td>Start with the front-to-back drawer box measurement<\/td>Match the drawer length required by the slide system<\/td><\/tr>
Cabinet depth<\/td>Slide must fit within available cabinet depth<\/td>Cabinet must have enough depth for the complete system<\/td><\/tr>
Length flexibility<\/td>A slightly shorter or longer slide may work if mounting space allows<\/td>Use the manufacturer’s specified drawer and slide length<\/td><\/tr>
Clearance<\/td>Check required space on both sides of the drawer<\/td>Check drawer thickness, bottom clearance, and system specifications<\/td><\/tr>
Extension<\/td>Choose partial, full extension, or overtravel<\/td>Full extension is common on concealed systems<\/td><\/tr>
Load capacity<\/td>Match the rating to the application<\/td>Match the rating to the drawer size and expected load<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

W\u00fcrth Louis & Company<\/a> carries drawer slides<\/a> with multiple mounting styles, extension types, lengths, and weight capacities for residential cabinetry, commercial casework, shop storage, and other applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Drawer Slides<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1: Identify Your Drawer Slide Mounting Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remove the drawer and check where the existing slides attach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side-mount drawer slides<\/a><\/strong> attach to the sides of the drawer box and cabinet. Ball-bearing side-mount slides are a common choice when upgrading older roller hardware because they offer smooth operation, good load capacity, and options such as full extension and soft close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undermount drawer slides<\/a><\/strong> install underneath the drawer. They conceal most of the hardware and are common in kitchen cabinets, custom cabinetry, and higher-end millwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not assume the two styles use the same sizing rules. Changing mounting types can also change the drawer clearance and construction requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2: Measure the Drawer Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Measure from the front edge of the drawer box to the back of the drawer box<\/strong>. Do not include the applied drawer front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call this Measurement A<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if the drawer box measures 20 inches from front to back, start your search with a 20-inch slide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The image below shows this measurement running along the side of the drawer box while excluding the drawer front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drawer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 3: Measure the Cabinet Depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next, measure from the front of the cabinet opening to the back wall or other obstruction inside the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call this Measurement B<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This measurement tells you how much room you actually have for the slide. The cabinet depth becomes especially important when considering a slide that is longer than the drawer box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cabinet depth is only part of the equation. Installers also need to verify drawer-to-cabinet clearance and the dimensions required by the specific slide. Reddit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Measure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 4: Choose the Drawer Slide Length<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For side-mount slides<\/a><\/strong>, these examples provide a useful starting point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n