A Guide to Cabinet Drawer Slides for Your Maui Home

eddieralling3
Aug 22
2 min read

When planning a kitchen, bathroom, or custom built-in, most homeowners think about cabinet style, finish, and hardware. But there’s another detail that affects how your cabinets perform every day: the drawer slides.

Drawer slides determine how smoothly your drawers open and close, how much weight they can handle, and how long they’ll last—especially in Maui’s tropical climate. As a Maui cabinet maker, we believe the right drawer slide is just as important as the wood or finish you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of drawer slides and which ones work best for island living.

1. Side-Mount Drawer Slides

Best for: Affordable solution

Side-mount slides attach to the sides of the cabinet and drawer box. They’re simple design allows them to be inexpensive but you lose the higher end features like soft close and full extension. They also have no adjustment. These typically come on big-box store cabinets.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Easy to install

Cons:

Visible when drawers are open.
Limited features
Good for light use

Maui Tip: Choose stainless steel or zinc-coated slides to resist corrosion in humid and salty air.

2. Side Mount Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides

Best for: Heavy-duty use.

Side-mount slides attach to the sides of the cabinet and drawer box. They’re strong, reliable, and often used in kitchens where drawers hold heavy pots, pans, or small appliances. The addition of full extension allows full access to the drawer. Soft close means that when you push the drawer closed it automatically catches in the last few inches and closes itself.

Pros:

Can handle heavy loads (up to 100 lbs+).
Available in full-extension for maximum access.
Easy to install and adjust.

Cons:

Slightly more expensive.
Visible when drawers are open.

3. Under-Mount Drawer Slides

Best for: Sleek, high-end cabinetry.

Under-mount slides are hidden beneath the drawer, offering a clean, modern look. Many feature soft-close technology, preventing drawers from slamming shut—a great perk for busy Maui households or vacation rentals.

Pros: