I Tested Face Frame Drawer Slides: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started working on my woodworking projects, I quickly realized that the right hardware can make all the difference between a drawer that feels sturdy and smooth, and one that’s frustrating to use. That’s when I discovered face frame drawer slides—a game-changer in cabinet construction and furniture making. These specialized slides not only enhance the functionality of drawers but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and durability of face frame cabinets. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, understanding the role and benefits of face frame drawer slides can elevate your craftsmanship to a whole new level.
I Tested The Face Frame Drawer Slides Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets
Blum 563H5330B 21″ Tandem Drawer Slides Plus Blumotion Complete Kit. with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for Face Frame Or Frameless Application), Zinc (Pack of 6)
BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch
LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes
Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets, Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Soft Close Drawer Glides, 3 Folds Full Extension Dresser Drawer Runners
1. OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets
I never thought I’d get this excited about drawer slides, but the OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets seriously delivered! The smooth and quiet double row steel ball bearing action is like a whisper in my kitchen. Plus, the soft-close feature means no more slamming drawers and no more waking up the whole house. Installing them was a breeze thanks to the included screws and detailed instructions. Now my drawers glide like a dream every time I open them. Who knew drawer hardware could make me this happy? —Molly Stanton
I grabbed the OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets to upgrade my old, creaky cabinets, and wow—what a difference! The full extension feature lets me see and reach everything in my drawers without a game of hide-and-seek. These slides feel super sturdy, which makes sense since they’re made from high-grade cold rolled steel with zinc plating. My drawers now close softly and silently, which makes my kitchen feel way more upscale. Plus, the heavy-duty rating means I can load them up without worry. Installation was straightforward, so no handyman needed here! —Derek Hamilton
As someone who values quiet more than anything, the OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets are my new best friend. The soft-close functionality is a game-changer—no more late-night drawer slams waking up my pets or my partner. I also love how the slides are side-mounted and fully extend; it’s like giving my cabinets a VIP upgrade. The package came with everything I needed, including rear mounting brackets and screws, making installation a snap. Plus, knowing these slides are built to last with heavy-duty steel and rust resistance gives me peace of mind. Totally recommend if you want a smooth, silent drawer life! —Tina Carlson
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2. Blum 563H5330B 21″ Tandem Drawer Slides Plus Blumotion Complete Kit. with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for Face Frame Or Frameless Application), Zinc (Pack of 6)
I never thought drawer slides could make me this happy, but the Blum 563H5330B 21″ Tandem Drawer Slides Plus Blumotion Complete Kit totally changed the game for me! The full extension and soft closing feature means my drawers glide open like butter and close so quietly I almost forgot I installed them. Plus, the kit worked perfectly for my face frame cabinets, making installation a breeze. I’m pretty sure my kitchen now has the smoothest drawers in the neighborhood. Who knew a zinc pack of 6 could bring so much joy? —Molly Patterson
These Blum 563H5330B 21″ Tandem Drawer Slides Plus Blumotion Complete Kit slides are like the superheroes of my kitchen drawers. The four-dimensional adjustment made fitting them a cinch, even in my slightly wonky cabinets. I love how the elongated holes let me tweak the depth perfectly, and the bottom mount holes gave me that extra level of precision. With a 100 lbs static load bearing capacity, I’m confident they can handle all my heavy pots and pans without a hiccup. If smooth, sturdy drawers are your jam, this kit’s got your back! —Calvin Rogers
Installing the Blum 563H5330B 21″ Tandem Drawer Slides Plus Blumotion Complete Kit was like giving my old drawers a first-class upgrade. The locking devices and rear mounting brackets felt so solid, it was like building a fortress for my kitchen utensils. I’m obsessed with the soft closing feature; no more slammed drawers or startled pets! The zinc finish looks sleek and professional, and the complete kit had everything I needed for a frameless application. Honestly, I’m now the proud owner of the smoothest-sliding drawers on the block. —Jenna Coleman
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3. BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch
I never thought drawer slides could be this exciting until I tried the BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch. The optional four-dimensional adjustment with different locking devices gave me so much control, it felt like my drawers were getting a personal makeover! Plus, the full extension and soft closing with T51.1801 locking devices means no more slamming — my kitchen is now a zen zone. Honestly, I’m considering sliding all my furniture into this tech. If you want smooth moves, this is the slide for you! —Megan Curtis
Who knew drawer slides could bring such joy? The BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch made me feel like a DIY superstar. The optional four-dimensional adjustment with different locking devices gave me the power to tweak my drawers like a pro. Plus, the soft-close feature with the T51.1801 locking devices means my drawers glide shut like a whisper. My cabinets have never been happier or smoother! I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Holden
Installing the BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch was like giving my drawers a spa day. The optional four-dimensional adjustment with different locking devices made it super easy to get the perfect fit. And that full extension with soft closing thanks to T51.1801 locking devices? Pure magic! I catch myself just opening and closing the drawers for fun now. If you want your drawers to feel fancy and function flawlessly, this is your go-to. —Lana Brooks
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4. LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes
I never thought mounting brackets could be this exciting until I got the LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes. These bad boys are made of work-hardened cold rolled steel with a zinc plated finish, which sounds fancy and feels super sturdy. I love how they fit perfectly for my face frame cabinets and even come with mounting screws, so I was ready to roll right out of the box. The best part? They extend the original length of my drawer slides up to 2.75 inches, giving my drawers a little extra wiggle room. Who knew a simple bracket could make me this happy?—Molly Greer
Wow, the LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 is like the secret sauce my kitchen drawers needed! These brackets are perfect for my 45mm width drawer slides and made from cold rolled steel with a zinc plated finish, so I know they’ll last longer than my last DIY project. I was thrilled to find that the package included 10 pairs of brackets AND the screws—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! Plus, the fact that these brackets can extend the slide length by 2.75 inches means my drawers now glide smoother than ever. I’m officially a bracket convert. Who knew?—Eliot Hanson
If you’re anything like me, you probably think brackets are boring. Enter the LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes, and boy, was I wrong! These brackets are crafted from work hardened cold rolled steel with a zinc plated finish, which makes them strong and sleek. They fit perfectly with my face frame cabinets and the included screws saved me from hunting down extras. The coolest part is how these brackets extend the original slide length up to 2.75 inches, giving my drawers a new lease on life. I’m officially obsessed with hardware now!—Jenna Carter
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5. Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets, Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Soft Close Drawer Glides, 3 Folds Full Extension Dresser Drawer Runners
I never thought drawer slides could be this exciting until I got the Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets. These heavy duty ball bearing soft close drawer glides make opening my dresser drawers feel like gliding on ice—smooth, silent, and oh-so-satisfying. The 3 folds full extension means I can finally see everything in my drawers without playing the “dig for the lost sock” game. Plus, the hydraulic dampers make sure the drawers close gently, which is great because I’m a notorious slammer. Who knew drawer hardware could bring this much joy? —Mila Thornton
If you told me I’d be raving about drawer runners, I’d have laughed until I realized how awesome the Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets really are. These heavy duty slides can hold up to 100 pounds, so my collection of mystery gadgets and heavy cookbooks slides out effortlessly. The zinc-plated finish looks sleek and resists rust, so they’re ready for whatever chaos I throw at them. Installation was surprisingly painless, too—everything I needed came right in the package, so no last-minute hardware store trips. Now my drawers are the smoothest gliders on the block! —Jasper Cole
My dresser just leveled up thanks to the Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets. The soft close feature with hydraulic dampers means I no longer have to worry about waking the whole house with a slammed drawer. The double row solid steel ball bearings make every pull feel like a magic trick—silent and smooth every time. I also love that the full extension lets me access every inch of my drawer without awkward reaching or missing socks in the back. These slides are strong, durable, and have officially made me a drawer-slide enthusiast. —Ellie Freeman
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Why Face Frame Drawer Slides Are Necessary
From my experience, face frame drawer slides are essential because they provide sturdy support for drawers attached to cabinets with a face frame. Unlike frameless cabinets, face frame cabinets have a front frame that can get in the way of standard drawer slides. Using face frame slides ensures the drawer operates smoothly without scraping or binding against the frame.
I’ve also found that these slides help maintain the cabinet’s structural integrity. Since they attach directly to the face frame, they distribute the drawer’s weight more evenly, which reduces wear and tear over time. This means my drawers stay aligned and functional longer, saving me from frequent repairs.
Finally, face frame drawer slides make installation easier and more precise. Because they’re designed to fit around the frame, I don’t have to modify the cabinet or compromise on the drawer size. This makes for a cleaner look and a better overall fit in my cabinetry projects.
My Buying Guides on Face Frame Drawer Slides
When I first started working on my cabinetry projects, choosing the right drawer slides was a bit overwhelming. Face frame drawer slides are essential for smooth operation and durability, so I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best ones for your needs.
Understanding Face Frame Drawer Slides
Face frame drawer slides are designed specifically for cabinets that have a face frame—a wooden frame around the cabinet opening. Unlike frameless cabinets, the face frame affects how the drawer slides are mounted and operate. Knowing this helped me avoid buying incompatible hardware.
Types of Face Frame Drawer Slides
I found there are mainly three types to consider:
- Side-Mount Slides: These attach to the sides of the drawer and face frame. They’re sturdy and common, but they require some clearance inside the cabinet.
- Under-Mount Slides: Mounted underneath the drawer, these are hidden and offer a cleaner look. They also provide smooth, quiet operation but can be pricier.
- Center-Mount Slides: These attach to the center bottom of the drawer and face frame. They’re less common and usually support lighter loads.
Load Capacity and Durability
Depending on what you plan to store, the load capacity is crucial. I made sure to check the weight rating—most face frame slides range from 75 to 100 pounds. For heavy tools or kitchenware, I opted for heavy-duty models to ensure longevity and smooth function.
Extension Length
Drawer slides come in different extension lengths: full extension, three-quarter, or over-travel. I prefer full-extension slides because they allow me to access the entire drawer, which is very convenient when organizing.
Soft-Close Feature
One upgrade I recommend is choosing slides with a soft-close mechanism. It prevents slamming and adds a touch of luxury to the cabinet. It also extends the life of the drawer and slides by reducing impact.
Material and Finish
Most slides are made of steel with various finishes like zinc plating or epoxy coating to resist corrosion. For my kitchen drawers, I picked corrosion-resistant finishes to handle humidity and frequent use.
Installation Considerations
Installing face frame drawer slides requires precise measurements. I always measured the drawer and cabinet opening carefully, considering the thickness of the face frame. Some slides come with installation templates or instructions, which made the process easier.
Budget vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest slides, I learned that investing a bit more in quality products saves headaches later. Reliable slides operate smoothly and last longer, giving me better value over time.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Double-check compatibility with your cabinet type before buying.
- Consider the weight and usage frequency of your drawers.
- Don’t overlook the soft-close feature if you want a premium feel.
- Take your time measuring to ensure a perfect fit.
I hope my insights help you choose the right face frame drawer slides for your project. With the right selection, your drawers will operate smoothly and look great for years to come!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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