Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Pull out drawers for kitchen cabinets turn deep, awkward base cabinets into full-width storage you can actually see into. In this guide you will learn how to measure an opening, choose between drawer types and mounting systems, and install a set that runs smoothly. Most of the work is in the measuring, so take your time there.

Measure the Cabinet Opening First

Start by measuring the interior width of the cabinet box at the front, the middle and the back. Cabinet boxes are rarely perfectly square, and the narrowest point controls what will fit. Subtract the clearance your slide requires, which is usually stated on the manufacturer’s spec sheet, and that number is your maximum drawer width.

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Next, measure the interior depth from the front frame to the back panel and the interior height from the bottom of the box to the underside of the countertop. Standard base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep, so a drawer built for that space should leave room for the slide hardware and the face to close fully. Note whether the cabinet has a face frame or is frameless, because that changes the mounting dimensions.

Choose the Drawer Type and Slide System

There are two common ways to build a pull out. A drawer-style insert uses a box with sides and a bottom that slides on side-mounted or undermount hardware. A wire or basket pull out is lighter and more open, and it suits pots, lids and bulk goods. Both can be mounted in a standard base or inside a larger drawer bank.

For slides, undermount full-extension glides are the most common choice in modern kitchens because they hide the hardware and allow full access to the back of the cabinet. Side-mount slides are less expensive, easier to replace, and still work well for lighter loads. Check the weight rating for each slide, and plan for the heaviest items you will store, such as cast iron or canned goods.

Install the Pull Out Drawers Step by Step

  1. Remove any existing shelves, hardware or false fronts that block the opening, and clean the interior surfaces.
  2. Mark a level reference line on each side panel at the height where the slides will sit. Check both sides with a level so the drawer tracks parallel.
  3. Attach the cabinet-side slide members to the marked line, using the screw pattern the manufacturer specifies. Drive screws into solid framing, not just the thin back panel.
  4. Assemble the drawer box, square the corners, and mount the drawer-side slide members.
  5. Insert the drawer, extend it fully, and check for binding. Adjust the front fasteners so the drawer face sits evenly within the reveal.
  6. Add soft-close dampers if your system requires them, and test the drawer under a realistic load.

Check the Clearances Before You Screw Anything

Before drilling, dry-fit the slides with the drawer at the height you plan to use. Confirm that the drawer clears the countertop, the sink plumbing and any side panel protrusions. A quick dry fit saves a lot of patching later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Measuring only once at one point in the cabinet, which misses an out-of-square box.
  • Ignoring the slide weight rating and overloading a light-duty drawer with heavy pots.
  • Mounting slides on a sagging or uneven reference line, which causes the drawer to tilt.
  • Skipping the front adjustment, leaving gaps that look unfinished.
  • Forgetting to account for plumbing or electrical runs behind the cabinet.

A digital level helps you set the reference line accurately, which matters more than most people expect. View on Amazon

A cordless drill with a depth-stop bit keeps screw depth consistent and protects the slide mounting holes. View on Amazon

A soft tape measure with a fractional-inch scale makes the interior measurements easier to read and record. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I add pull out drawers to an existing cabinet?

Often yes, as long as the interior is wide enough and the box is structurally sound. Measure carefully and confirm that the slide system fits the cabinet width and depth before buying.

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

Side-mount slides attach to the sides of the drawer and cabinet and are visible when the drawer is open. Undermount slides sit beneath the drawer, which hides the hardware and usually allows a cleaner interior.

How much weight can a pull out drawer hold?

It depends on the slide rating, which manufacturers publish for each product. Check that rating against the heaviest items you plan to store, and consult the manufacturer or a professional installer if you are unsure.

Conclusion

Pull out drawers for kitchen cabinets make deep base cabinets far more usable, but the results depend on accurate measurements and careful mounting. Measure the narrowest point, choose slides rated for your load, and dry-fit before drilling. Take your time with the reference line, and the drawers should glide smoothly for years.

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Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen design & remodeling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.