What is the difference between side mount and undermount drawer slides?

Side mount slides fix to the drawer sides and cabinet walls — easy to fit and tolerant of cabinet tolerances. Undermount slides sit beneath the drawer box, hide the hardware for a cleaner look, and need a compatible drawer box with the right reveal. AOLISHENG builds both: side-mount heavy-duty series (2053 / 2576 / 7625) and undermount soft-close series (MK316 / U4510K).

What does full extension mean compared with 3/4 extension?

3/4 extension leaves the back of the drawer still inside the cabinet; full extension brings the whole drawer clear of the cabinet face so you can reach the back corner. Most AOLISHENG heavy-duty and soft-close series are full extension.

How do I choose the load rating for a drawer slide?

Add the heaviest realistic contents, then add 25–30% headroom so the slide is not run at 100% of its rating every day. AOLISHENG ratings run from 100 lb (U1245) through 265 lb (2053 family), 330 lb (2071), 500 lb (2576 family) up to 770 lb (AQ7625K3 twin-slide).

What are soft-close drawer slides and when do I need them?

Soft-close slides use a damper that pulls the drawer shut in the last few centimetres, preventing slamming. They are most noticeable on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and also reduce the shock load that gradually loosens a carcass. AOLISHENG soft-close options include K2053, U4510K and MK316.

Are stainless steel slides worth it for outdoor or marine use?

Yes — whenever the slide is exposed to weather, salt air, humidity or frequent wash-down (outdoor kitchens, marine galleys, food-prep, coastal installs). AOLISHENG stainless options include W2053, W2576, W5115 and U4510K.

Which AOLISHENG series number maps to which spec?

The stamped codes read: 1245 = 100 lb stainless side mount; 4510 = 100 lb stainless; 5115 = 150 lb; 2053 = 265 lb; 2071 = 330 lb; 2576 = 500 lb; 7625 = 770 lb twin-slide. Remove the drawer and read the code on the inner rail, or send a photo and AOLISHENG will match it.

Can heavy-duty slides be used in RVs, trucks and vehicles?

Yes, with a locking slide so the drawer cannot slide open under braking or cornering. Use locking series such as D5115, D2053 or D7625 for any moving-vehicle storage.

Drawer Slide Guides, Household

Drawer Slide Selection Chart: Match Load, Mount, Extension & Locking to the Right Series

Posted by

Aolisheng

September 13, 2026

On September 13, 2026

How to Choose the Right Drawer Slide

Picking a drawer slide comes down to four numbers: load capacity, mounting type, extension, and whether you need a lock. Use the chart below, then follow the links to the matching AOLISHENG series.

Selection Chart

If you need…	Choose	Series
Light load, kitchen/office (up to 100 lb / 45 kg)	45 mm side-mount, soft-close available	1245 / 4510
Medium load (100–265 lb / 45–120 kg)	53 mm or 45 mm heavy-duty side-mount	2053 / 5320
Heavy DIY / tool storage (up to 330 lb / 150 kg)	45 mm ball-bearing side-mount	2071
True heavy duty (500 lb / 227 kg+)	76 mm / 80 mm wide full-extension	2576 / 7625 / 8027
Locking during transport	Locking heavy-duty side-mount	5115 / 7625 (locking) / 2053-with-lock
Under-stair / stair storage	Bottom-mount stair slide	4720 / 2047
Soft-close (no slam)	Soft-close side-mount	Soft-close series
Push-to-open (handle-free)	Push-to-open side-mount	Push-to-open series

Mounting Type Cheat-Sheet

Side-mount — most common; attaches to the drawer side and cabinet wall. Easy to install, full choice of loads.
Undermount — hidden beneath the drawer; cleanest look, needs precise 1/2″ clearance.
Bottom-mount — attaches to the drawer bottom; used for stair and under-stair cabinets.

Measure Before You Buy

Drawer length = slide closed length (a 18″ / 45 cm slide closes to 45 cm).
Check side clearance: side-mount needs ~1/2″ each side; undermount needs ~1/2″ under the drawer.
Confirm load: weigh the loaded drawer and add 30% margin.

Still unsure? Read our step-by-step installation guide or ask our engineers for a recommendation.