How To Install Sliding Drawers in Kitchen Cabinets

Slide into better organization by installing cabinet drawers

A woman opening a bottom drawer in her sunny kitchen
Photo: Tony Anderson / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A woman opening a bottom drawer in her sunny kitchen
Photo: Tony Anderson / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 28, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$50–$100
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Drill
  • Impact driver
  • Drawer slide jig
SUPPLIES
  • Drawer boxes
  • Ball bearing drawer slides
  • 1×2 wood boards
  • Scrap wood

Tall, deep cabinets create a mess of your belongings and aren’t the best use of space, but you don't have to surrender to the cluttered abyss. You can learn how to install sliding drawers in kitchen cabinets with suitable drawers, a few tools, and a set of ball bearing drawer slides. Let’s dive into how to place sliding drawers into your kitchen cabinets with ease. 

Prepping to Install Sliding Drawers in Kitchen Cabinets

A successful kitchen cabinet drawer installation starts with the right drawer size to fit your cabinet. Drawers about one inch smaller than the cabinet opening will usually be a suitable fit. You can purchase RTA (ready-to-assemble) drawer boxes or make DIY cabinet drawers. While crafting or shopping for drawers, it's better to err on the side of something smaller, as it allows for easy adjustment with shims to achieve a snug fit. 

Be sure to double-check the spacing requirements for the drawer slides before starting construction. For many ball-bearing drawer slides, a ½ inch spacing on either side of the drawer is common. 

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  1. Take Apart the Slides

    First, disassemble the drawer slides by pulling the two pieces apart and releasing the black plastic tab on the inside. Keep the inside pieces aside for later use on the drawer box. Be sure to keep the pieces in a safe spot, and label them if necessary.

  2. Install Bottom Drawer Slides

    Next, for the bottom drawer, use scrap wood to elevate the slides off the cabinet's bottom. Position the outside part of the drawer slide on the scrap wood, drill pilot holes in each of the three tabs, and secure them with screws. Repeat this process for the other side of the cabinet.

  3. Install Upper Drawer Slides

    A woman installing a top sliding drawer
    Photo: Sladic / E+ / Getty Images

    For upper drawers, clamp the drawer slide jig based on the cabinet type and drill a pilot hole in the front tab of the drawer slide. Secure the slides with one of the screws included with your drawer slides. Repeat this process for the center and back tabs of the drawer slide.

  4. Attach Drawer Slides to the Drawer Box

    Now, attach the second piece of the drawer slide to the side of the drawer box, ensuring proper spacing. Mark and drill pilot holes in the drawer box and secure the second piece with screws. Slide the drawer box into the notches on the cabinet slides, checking the installation by opening and closing the drawer.

  5. Adjust as Necessary

    A handyman tightening a kitchen cabinet’s screws
    Photo: Dobrila Vignjevic / E+ / Getty Images

    Finally, make any necessary adjustments. If the drawers won’t slide smoothly, take the drawer out and tighten any loose screws on the slides. You may also need to adjust the position of the drawer slides higher or lower on the box or cabinet to ensure the drawer front is flush.

  6. Add Finishing Touches

    Once your drawer is in place and sliding smoothly, pull it back out and make any finishing touches you like. You can paint or stain your cabinet drawers to match your existing cabinet. If you haven’t already, decide on the type of cabinet hardware that will suit your style preferences and functionality needs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While learning how to install sliding drawers in kitchen cabinets is relatively straightforward, finding drawers that fit is a different story. For custom builds, consider getting in touch with a local cabinet contractor. These cabinetry pros can help you optimize the storage potential of your cabinets and create perfect-fitting, smooth-sliding drawers that last. Plus, they will install them for you, ensuring the sliding drawers work perfectly for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reinstall a sliding drawer, align the tracks on both sides of the drawer with the corresponding grooves in the cabinet. Tilt the front of the drawer upward and carefully slide it into place, ensuring that the wheels or rollers on the drawer fit securely into the tracks. Gently push the drawer in until it fully engages with the cabinet. Test the sliding motion to confirm it's properly aligned and functioning. Adjust as needed for a smooth operation.

Determining how to repair broken drawer slides depends on the specific issue. For minor problems, try tightening loose screws or lubricating the slides with silicone spray. If a slide is damaged, you may need to replace it. If the track itself is damaged, replace it by unscrewing it from the cabinet and installing a replacement slide that matches the type and size of the existing one. Consider consulting the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific drawer system.

The cost to install soft-close drawers is usually around $40 to $100 each when hiring a professional. If you’re looking to DIY, you can pick up soft-close drawer slides for anywhere from $5 to $230 each, depending on the quality and quantity. This price range may vary based on whether you choose a heavy-duty, side mount, under mount, or self-closing slide.

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Learn more about our contributor
Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Alison is a Chicago-based writer who has spent the last seven years focusing her content on everything inside and outside the home.

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