Full Extension vs Soft Close Drawer Slides: Which to Use?

When it comes to hardware installation in your drawers or cabinets, the right type of drawer slide becomes significant. Two of the most popular types of drawer slides are full extension drawer slides and soft close drawer slides, both of which serve unique benefits. So, which one do you employ for your new project? This blog post will discuss the two types of drawer slides so that you can make a well-educated decision.

What Are Full Extension Drawer Slides?

Full extension drawer slides are commonly used for various applications since they can allow the drawer to extend fully. This means that you are able to see the entire contents of the drawer without any obstruction. These slides are commonly used in kitchens, offices, and other areas where maximum drawer space and convenience are needed.

Advantages of Full Extension Drawer Slides

• Maximum Accessibility: Full extension slides permit the drawer to extend all the way, giving you maximum access to the drawer back.
• Versatility: They are best suited to deep drawers or storage drawers that are used for heavy or bulky loads.
• Strong Construction: Full extension drawer slides are usually built to support heavier loads compared to their partial-extension counterparts.

What Are Soft Close Drawer Slides?

Soft close drawer slides, on the other hand, are specifically meant to provide the soft and quiet closing movement. With this type of hardware, the drawer will slow down on its own as it reaches the closed position in order to prevent it from slapping close. This is not just a luxury, but it also provides a longer life for the hardware as well as a quieter environment.

Advantages of Soft Close Drawer Slides

• Smooth and Quiet Shutting: Soft close drawer slides ensure the drawers shut smoothly and quietly, a feature that is especially beneficial in homes with children or in offices where noise reduction is imperative.
• Longer Life Span: The soft close reduces the friction wear of the drawer and the slide because there is less bumping to close.
• Improved Aesthetics: Soft close action improves the overall user experience to be more elegant and high-end.

Full Extension vs Soft Close Drawer Slides: Comparison

Although both full extension drawer slides and soft close drawer slides present tremendous benefits, their distinctions may establish which one best suits your requirements.

Accessibility

• Full Extension Drawer Slides: Permit the drawer to extend completely, making it easy to access the entire contents.
• Soft Close Drawer Slides: Prioritize the closing action, presenting no notable difference in the extension range.

Closing Action

• Full Extension Drawer Slides: Don’t typically feature a soft closing mechanism, so the drawer will slam shut if not manually guided.
• Soft Close Drawer Slides: Gradually slow and cushion the drawer as it self-closes, preventing slamming.

Durability and Maintenance

• Full Extension Drawer Slides: Because they are constructed with heavier materials, they can carry more weight and are generally tougher for high-traffic applications.
• Soft Close Drawer Slides: The soft-close feature brings an added complexity, which may require periodic service but provides a quieter, smoother ride.

Price

• Full Extension Drawer Slides: Usually less expensive because they lack the soft-close feature.
• Soft Close Drawer Slides: Usually more expensive due to the additional soft-close mechanism.

Which One Should You Use?

The choice between full extension and soft close drawer slides depends on your specific requirements:

• Choose Full Extension Drawer Slides if you need to access all corners of the drawer easily, especially if you have more or heavier contents. They are best for kitchen cabinets, tool drawers, and file cabinets where full access is needed to what’s stored within.
• Select Soft Close Drawer Slides if silent, soft closing and a premium finish-smooth feel are important to you. These are perfect for the bedroom, bathroom, and living room where noise reduction and longevity are essential.

Why Choose Huiso Hardware?

When selecting the best-quality drawer slides, Quincaillerie Huiso is your safest bet in terms of durability, efficiency, and customizability. As the specialists in soft close drawer slides and other hardware manufacturing, Huiso Hardware offers bulk wholesale along with custom orders as per your specific needs. Regardless of your need in the way of soft close drawer slides for domestic or industrial usage, Huiso Hardware guarantees high-performance quality, seamless functionality, and long-lasting durability.

With an uncompromising dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, Quincaillerie Huiso can provide you with the perfect solution for your drawers. Browse through their range of soft close drawer slides today and discover the difference that it can make in terms of performance and convenience.