Bottom mount drawer slides can mean different things depending on your project and skill with drawers. Did you know the definition of a bottom mount slide is it attaches to the bottom of the drawer but to the SIDE of the cabinet? And, there are other types of slides that install on the “bottom” and that can’t be seen. In this article learn what slide is best for your project.
But before we begin, if you’re new to drawer slides a bottom mount slide isn’t necessarily the best performing drawer slide.
However, a bottom mount epoxy slide is easily the most economical.
And especially when purchased in bulk.
To help guide you to the right slide, here’s a few things to set straight before we talk about the best slides:
- Bottom mount slides install to the bottom of the drawer and the side of the cabinet
- Visible: While the name implies invisible, these slides are in fact visible.
- Invisible: Looking for an invisible slide? You’ll want to look up under mount drawer slides instead
- Other names: Bottom mount slides are also referred to as epoxy drawer slides or roller slides
- Installation: finally, these are the easiest slides to install. And, we’ll get into that later when we go through how to install drawer slides.
Top Picks
- Best Bottom Mount – Liberty Bottom Mount is a name brand slide with a quality bottom mount slide
- Best Undermount – Blum 563H Soft Close is a different style slide, but mounts to the bottom of the drawer and is the BEST performing.
- Best Center Mount – Accuride Center Mount is a top choice for dresser slide replacement.
Contents
What is a Bottom Mount Drawer Slide?
This video from Liberty Hardware is a great overview of a true bottom mount drawer slide. As you can see, a bottom mount slide features:
- Simple installation on the bottom edge of the drawer
- Installs on either face frame or frameless cabinets
- Uses a clever rear mounting bracket that supports the back of the drawer slide and allows for fast installation with easy adjustment.
- Side mounts to a cabinet side or face frame with a “guide slide” on (usually) the right side of the drawer
So what are the other drawer slides that are on the bottom of the drawer? Well, they are either:
- Undermount drawer slides are truly invisible once installed as the hardware is installed under the drawer bottom.
- Center mount drawer slides are installed on the bottom of the drawer (just one slide) in the center of the drawer opening.
Bottom Mount Drawer Slide Reviews
First, we’re going to take a look at two of the classic bottom mount drawer slides (epoxy style) and then mix in a few other styles you might be thinking are bottom mount.
One last thing before we begin. BRAND name matters in drawer slides as the top manufacturers subject their slides to exterior cycle testing. What’s that? Well, cycle testing is putting a drawer slide under load and then putting 100,000 or more open and close cycles on it.
As you can guess, only the best slides are certified.
1. Liberty D68822C Bottom Mount Drawer Slide
- Made from stamped steel with a white epoxy finish
- Self closing functionality ensures that drawers stay firmly closed
- Rated for normal duty use (loads up to 50 lbs)
- 3/4 extension opening allows for the majority of the drawer to be accessed
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
Liberty is one of the established brands in kitchen drawer slides and these bottom mounts are a quality product designed for years of use.
And simple installation for both new drawers or replacements.
Key features:
- 75 pound weight capacity
- Available in popular sizes up to 24″
- 3/4 extension (meaning, the drawer opens 75% of the way)
- Self closing with gravity hold the final few inches
- Right hand slide is the ‘guide slide’ that prevents drawer bearing from falling off the track
- Lastly, Liberty offers up bundles and their own rear mount socket for installation
Review
With epoxy slides being a simple design there isn’t much that can wrong with them other than initial quality. And, with Liberty, Blum and Prime-Line and other slides there just isn’t that much difference (contrary to say, soft closing drawer slides where engineering kicks up a notch).
Buying tips:
- Have #6 flat head and #8 truss head screws on hand
- Use a drawer slide jig
- Purchase rear mount brackets
- Finally, you’ll find the best value in bulk packs
PROS
- Easy to install
- Available in bulk
- Brand name
- Standard 1/2″ side clearance
- Self closing (gravity) to close drawer final few inches (and keep shut)
CONS
- Does not open drawer all the way
- Lower weight limit than a ball bearing side mount slide
- Lacks soft closing
- Drawer slide can be seen
2. Prime-Line Bottom Mount Drawer Slide
- INSTALL OR REPLACE DRAWER TRACK HARDWARE – Whether you are installing new…
- SELF-CLOSING DESIGN – The smooth-gliding tracks in the Prime-Line R 7211…
- EASY TO INSTALL – Installation is quick and easy, and the kit contains…
- 75 LBS MAX LOAD CAPACITY – The maximum load capacity for the drawer slide…
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
Prime-Line is a brand you probably haven’t heard of, but they have been quietly putting roller slides in cabinets for decades. In fact, I’ve opened more boxes of these slides than just about any other bottom mount epoxy slide.
Overall, these are just the same as the Liberty slides.
Key features:
- 75 pound weight capacity
- Available in popular sizes up to 24″
- 3/4 extension for access almost to the back of the drawer
- Self closing gravity close the final few inches of the tracks
- Right hand slide keeps the door on track
- Lastly, Prime-Line offers up bundles and their own rear mount socket for installation
Review
You’ll find Prime-line is similar in quality and features. So, in the case of bottom mount slides you’ll be looking for availability and the right lengths.
PROS
- Quick installation
- Available in bulk
- Well known brand name
- Standard 1/2″ side clearance
- Self closing (gravity) to keep drawer shut
CONS
- Drawer doesn’t open all the way
- Soft closing is optional (and, if you’re installing new, go with ball bearing soft close)
- Drawer slide is visible
- Lower weight rating than ball bearing drawer slides
3. Amazon Basics Bottom Mount Drawer Slide (Best Budget)
- White Powder Coat Finish
- 55-Lbs max weight capacity
- Length: 22-inch (550mm)
- Set includes 10 pair of slides; enough for 10 drawers
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
Similar in design and function the Amazon Basics are a budget option that should work for most new or replacement drawers. While complaints include having the supplied screws sit too “high” and rubbing the drawer bearing, for a face frame cabinet this won’t be an issue if you use rear mounting brackets.
Key features:
- 55 pound weight capacity
- Available in popular sizes up to 24″
- 3/4 extension slide
- Self closing gravity close
- Right hand slide keeps the door on track (the LEFT slide is intentionally not “folded over”)
- Lastly, great options in lengths and bundles when buying
Review
The largest noticeable difference versus the name brands is the lower weight capacity and you’ll need to use another slides rear mounting bracket.
Oh, and be sure to check (as with all imported / variant slides) the screws and be ready to hit the hardware store for alternate slides.
PROS
- Quick installation
- Available in bulk
- 1/2″ side clearance
- Self closing to keep drawer shut via gravity
- Low price
CONS
- Lower weight rating versus other bottom mount drawer slides
- Drawer will not open all the way
- No soft closing
- Drawer slide is visible
4. Blum 563H BLUMOTION Soft Closing Undermount (Best Overall)
- Complete Kit for 6 drawer boxes
- Full Extension with exceptionally smooth soft close
- Fits 1/2″ to 5/8″ Drawer side thickness
- Fits face frame or framless application
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
For a bottom mounted slide that you WON’T see during operation you need an undermount slide. And, in the world of undermount slides, there is none better (in my opinion) than the Blum 563H.
Here’s the key features that make this slide in another class:
- 100 pound weight capacity
- Available in popular sizes up to 24″
- Full extension slide to see the back of the drawer when opening
- Soft closing that glides the drawer shut and is EASY to open
- Simple to install but requires a custom made drawer
- Lastly, available in bundles or by the slide
Review
Compared to a standard epoxy drawer slide that you’ll see on the side of the drawer, an undermount slide is invisible when the drawer is opened. Learn more about the Blum slide in the best drawer slide review. Including Blum’s rigorous testing and Made in USA designation for drawer slides.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Available in bulk
- Drawer slide is hidden during operation
- Soft closing to pull drawer shut quietly
- Easy to open without the annoying “pull resistance” of imitation undermounts
- Full extension to access the back of the drawer
CONS
- Price
- Will not work for retrofit or replacement drawers
- Requires a custom drawer size
5. Accuride 1029 Center Mount Slide
- 3/4 extension
- Features concealed center bottom mount (no side clearance required)
- 35 lbs load bearing capacity
- Material Steel and Zinc finish
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
Last but not least is the popular “center mount” slide that mounts on the bottom of the drawer and in the center. Sigh, drawer slide mounting locations are fun.
First, where are center mount slides most popular? Well, what would have the largest drawer with the lowest weight?
If you guessed a dresser drawer you are right. And that’s where the center mount slide comes in as a drawer slide most commonly used in new and replacement dresser slides.
And Accuride is the dominant supplier of these slides – and is a TOP brand in drawer slide manufacturing.
Key features:
- 35 pound weight capacity
- Available in popular sizes up to 24″
- 3/4 extension slide
- Does not require a specific drawer slide clearance
- Steel / zinc finish
Review
For bottom mounted slides in dressers these Accuride center mount slides are a safe pick backed by a brand name. However, as with any center mount, you’ll sacrifice overall drawer weight capacity and reduced performance versus other types of drawer slides.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Works with any side clearance
- Brand name
- Smoother action than a standard rail/guide system on dressers
CONS
- Price
- Partial extension
- Lower weight capacity than both undermount and bottom mount drawer slides
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The tried and true bottom mount drawer slides have been around for decades. And while they are a good slide, if you are looking for other options be sure to check out undermount and side mount drawer slides with soft closing.
Bottom Mount Drawer Slides on Amazon
Last update on 2024-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
