What Type of Drawer Slide Is Used for Metal Box Drawers?

Metal box drawers are widely used in modern kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and wardrobes for their clean appearance, structural strength, and smooth functionality. But a key element behind their performance lies hidden beneath the drawer: the drawer slide system.

So, what type of drawer slide is typically used for metal box drawers? The answer is clear and consistent across most designs: concealed undermount slides — and here's why.

What Are Concealed Undermount Slides?

Concealed undermount slides are a type of drawer runner installed underneath the drawer box, hidden from view when the drawer is open. They are commonly used in metal box drawer systems because of their ability to support heavy loads while offering smooth and quiet motion.

Key Features:

Mounted beneath the drawer (not visible on the side)

Paired with metal box drawer side panels

Often include soft-close or push-to-open mechanisms

Provide 3D adjustment (height, side, tilt) via front locking devices

Why They’re Used in Metal Box Drawers

In fact, most leading brands like HD and AAPlus (AAP) design their metal drawer boxes to work specifically with their own undermount slide systems.

Technical Specs at a Glance

Other Types of Slides: Are They Used?

Although undermount slides are standard for metal box drawers, you may occasionally see the following in specific or lower-cost applications:

Ball bearing slides: Rare for metal box systems, mostly used with full-wood drawers.

Bottom-mount roller slides: Typically found in budget cabinetry or older designs—not suitable for modern metal box systems.

Double-wall drawer systems: Often pre-integrated with undermount slides in modular kits.

In summary: only undermount slides are fully compatible with modern metal drawer box construction, both structurally and visually.

Summary

If you're using or specifying metal box drawers, the ideal and industry-standard slide is:

Full-extension concealed undermount slide
With optional soft-close, push-open, and 3D adjustment features.

These slides deliver:

A minimalist aesthetic

High durability and load-bearing performance

Smoother, quieter user experience

Greater design flexibility in modern cabinetry

Whether you're designing furniture, sourcing OEM products, or choosing components for custom builds, selecting the right undermount slide ensures your metal box drawers operate at their full potential.