Which Is Better: Undermount or Side Mount Drawer Slides?

When renovating cabinets and furniture, choosing the right drawer slide is essential. A common question homeowners and DIYers face is: which type is best—undermount or side mount? Selecting the right cabinet slide can greatly affect both functionality and appearance. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, making the decision an important one in any project.

By understanding the various differences of these two standard options, you can decide which will be better according to your needs, budget, and the kind of design.

What Are Undermount Drawer Slides?

Undermount drawer slides are precision-engineered hardware installed beneath the drawer box, attaching to both the bottom of the drawer and the inner frame of the cabinet. This hidden mounting design keeps the slides completely out of sight when the drawer is open, eliminating visible hardware and creating a sleek, uncluttered look—ideal for modern, minimalist, or high-end cabinetry. Their under-mounting also means they don’t interfere with drawer interiors, preserving full storage width, and reduces dust buildup on the tracks compared to exposed hardware.

What Are Side Mount Drawer Slides?

Side-mount drawer slides are a classic hardware solution that mount directly to the vertical sides of the drawer box and the corresponding inner sides of the cabinet. This exposed design makes the slides visible when the drawer is open, but it offers exceptional versatility—they work with most cabinet materials (wood, particleboard, etc.) and require minimal precision in cabinet construction. A staple in traditional furniture and budget-friendly projects, their side-mounted structure simplifies installation and replacement, as they rely on straightforward screwing to flat surfaces rather than specialized under-drawer mounting.

How They Look

What will strike you immediately is the appearance. 

• The undermount slide drawers are invisible, leaving a sleek, untouched appearance in your drawers. When you peek into your kitchen cabinets, guests will see no hardware in them.
• Side-mount slides are visible on both sides of the drawer. While some don’t mind, undermount slides are the better choice if you want a modern, seamless look.

Strength and What They Can Hold

Both types can hold plenty of weight, but it depends on the quality you buy.

• Good undermount drawer slides from manufacturers like AOSITE can support 30KG or more. Their slides use thick galvanised steel that lasts a really long time.

• Side-mount slides also hold weight well, especially heavy-duty models. For cumbersome items, both types work fine if you choose quality products.

How Smooth They Slide

This is where undermount slides really shine. They are very smooth because they are positioned under the drawer and come equipped with advanced ball-bearing mechanisms.  

• The undermount drawer slides offered by AOSITE are provided with a soft-closing feature that ensures the drawers close without racing or hitting the floor.
• Side mount slides can be smooth, too, but they sometimes feel a bit rougher. The mechanisms aren't as advanced as modern undermount systems.

Noise Levels

Nobody likes noisy drawers.

• Undermount slide drawer with soft-close functionality that makes hardly any noise. The drawer closes perfectly and silently every time, and this is worth it in all the bedrooms, kitchens, or any place where you need to enjoy peace.
• Side-mount slides might be noisier (the less expensive ones). They might click, squeak, or bang when closing.

Installing Them

Here's where side-mount slides have an advantage. They're easier to install. You just screw them to the drawer sides and cabinet sides. Most people can do this without too much trouble.

Undermount slides take more work to install. You need to measure carefully and attach them to the drawer bottom and the cabinet. However, AOSITE designs its undermount slides with quick installation features and clear instructions. Once you learn how, it gets easier.

You can check their product specifications for detailed installation guidance.

Cost Differences

Side-mount slides usually cost less than undermount slides. If you're working with a tight budget, this matters.

Undermount drawer slides cost more because they use better materials and more complex engineering. But they last longer and work better, so you're paying for quality that lasts. AOSITE uses premium galvanised steel materials that stand up to daily use for years.

Space Inside Your Drawers

Undermount slides don't take up any space inside your drawer. You get full width to store things because the hardware hides underneath.

Side-mount slides eat up a little space on each side. For narrow drawers, this can matter. You lose maybe an inch or two of storage width.

Which Lasts Longer?

Quality matters more than type here. Good undermount slides from trusted manufacturers outlast cheap side mount slides every time. AOSITE tests their undermount slides to 80,000 cycles, which means they'll work smoothly for many years.

Cheap side-mount slides might wear out faster. But quality side-mount slides also last a long time.

Fixing and Replacing

Side-mount slides are easier to fix or replace. You can unscrew them and put in new ones without much fuss.

Undermount slides require more work to replace. You should obliterate the drawer and do more measuring.

What Works Best for Different Furniture?

For kitchens and bathrooms, undermount drawer slides work best. They handle moisture better and look cleaner. For offices and bedrooms, they give that professional appearance.

For workshops, garages, or utility areas where looks don't matter as much, side-mount slides work fine and cost less.

Modern Features

Undermount slides come with cool features like push-to-open mechanisms. AOSITE offers models where you just push the drawer front and it opens automatically—no handles needed. They also have synchronised sliding for perfectly smooth motion.

Side-mount slides are simpler and don't usually have these fancy features.

Making Your Choice

Think about what matters most to you:

Choose undermount slides if you want:

• Clean, modern looks
• Quiet, smooth operation
• Full drawer width
• Soft-close technology
• Long-lasting quality

Choose side-mount slides if you want:

• Lower cost
• Easier installation
• Simple repairs
• Traditional style

Why Choose Quality Matters

No matter which type you pick, buying quality products makes all the difference. AOSITE Hardware has spent over three decades perfecting its drawer slide designs.

They use high-quality materials, test all parts thoroughly, and are proud to have their backs.

Their undermount drawer slides are in varying styles, such as partial extension, full extension, and over extension, so that you can select the precise fit to your project.

Top 5 AOSITE Undermount Drawer Slides

Ready to Upgrade Your Furniture?

The decision to use undermount and side-mount slides is an issue to take into account according to your needs, budget, and priorities. Under-mount slides are more acceptable to modern homes and offices in terms of performance, appearance, and durability.

Do not compromise on the low-grade equipment. Call AOSITE Hardware and identify the best drawer slides to suit your needs.

With modern manufacturing facilities, 31 years of experience, and a commitment to quality, AOSITE produces slides built to last for years. Their team of over 400 professionals develops hardware designed to enhance your everyday life at home.

Ready to experience the difference? Explore the complete range of AOSITE undermount drawer slides and find the perfect solution for your furniture project today!