drawer slides for 28″ cabinet openings
Hello,
I’m looking for some guidance and/or advice on the type of drawer slider system to use for a large built-in cabinet system I am currently building. The project is a cabinet system that is 8′ wide by 8′ tall by x 18.5″ in depth.
The Upper Cabinets will have three (3) separate cabinet/boxes (side by each) that will be used for a number of storage purposes (1 for sports equipment, 1 for a pantry/kitchen overflow storage area for appliances and perishables, 1 for a pull out TV and computer printer, etc.)
Lower portion of the cabinet is fitted with 3 drawer cabinets located below a bench top separating the Lower drawers from the the Upper Cabinets. Above and on top of the Upper Cabinets there will be an open cubby storage area divided into three (3) separate open cabinet boxes along the length of the cabinet.
the Upper Cabinets are 17.5″ in depth and 65″ tall with overlay doors.
My question pertains to the storage cabinet pull drawers that will be incorporated into the Upper pantry cabinet and the cabinet that will house the pull out TV/computer printer. Both of these cabinets will have a number of pull out drawers and platforms. The internal cavity of each of the Upper Cabinets are 28″ wide and 17.5″ deep.
I’m hoping to get some input and thoughts on the best soft close drawer slide system and any specifics about the drawers I need to incorporate into the construction to effectively span the width of the cabinets and easily carry the intended loads the drawers will inevitably need to handle. Are there any reinforcements I should be planning into the drawer construction and type of slide system to ensure against sagging 0ver the long term? The pantry cabinet will likely be used for storing cans of perishables and bulkier appliances. I have used regular Blum Movento and Tandem slides for a number of projects in the past and have been pleased with the results. But this project has a much larger internal cabinet span for the pull outs/drawers and I am seeking advice and comment on any specific hardware to consider using and construction or support systems I should build into the cabinets.
Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
Regards
Ray
Replies
There is no way to give you specific answers without knowing how much weight each drawer will be expected to carry. All drawer slides are rated on weight capacity among other specs. You need to base your choices on that.
Usually, because of the way they are made, drawer boxes don't have load problems except if the bottom is too thin. Even thin plywood will carry a significant load. You can easily do your own testing to determine what is needed base on what you plan to put into them.
Hard to beat Blum Movento or Tandem slides in the scenario you are describing. I have used them many times for larger drawers than you are describing - both in terms of width and depth. One thing to keep in mind - they come in 3" increments, so for a 17-1/2" depth cabinet, you will be able to use a maximum 15" depth Tandem slide. If there is any way to make the cabinet depth 18-1/2" instead you can use 18" slides - depending on if drawer fronts are inset or not... May be too late...
Although I too love the Tandem glides they do cost you a fair amount of drawer depth for some dimensions. This is one occasion where a side mount slide might be a better choice. A side mount slide will add probably about 2" to the drawer capacity.
Thank you all for your helpful comments. It's much appreciated.
Best regards