Did you use undermount or side-mount hardware? I keep hearing mixed things about both.
I went with undermounts because I liked the cleaner look, but honestly, I get the debate. I had a moment of panic when one drawer felt loose after a few months—turns out I’d missed a screw during install. Once I fixed it, it’s been fine, but I do wonder if side-mounts might be more forgiving for first-timers like me. Either way, sounds like you caught your issue early, which is a win in my book.
Undermounts look sharp, but I’ll be honest—side-mounts are just less fussy if you’re not a perfectionist. I did a full kitchen gut last year and went undermount for the aesthetics, but lining everything up was a pain. One drawer still doesn’t glide quite right, and it bugs me every time. If you’re after function over form, side-mounts are way more forgiving. But yeah, missing a screw or two is classic... been there more times than I’d like to admit.
Honestly, I hear you on the undermounts. I got sucked in by all the fancy kitchen photos online and figured, “How hard can it be?” Turns out, pretty tricky if you’re not super precise. I ended up spending way more time (and a bit more money) than I planned just getting the drawers to line up. And yeah, I still have one that sticks a bit if you pull it at the wrong angle.
If I had to do it again, I’d probably go side-mount for the drawers I use the most. They’re just easier to install and adjust, and honestly, nobody’s crawling under my cabinets to check if the slides are hidden or not. The only real upside to undermounts, for me, is that they’re easier to clean around and look a bit sleeker. But for the price difference and hassle? Not sure it’s worth it unless you’re really into the details.
Funny thing, I found a random screw in my junk drawer months later and realized it was probably from the install. Guess that’s just part of the DIY adventure...
Yeah, I’ve run into the same thing with undermounts—looks great in the listing photos, but man, the install can be a pain if you’re not dead-on with your measurements. In my experience, if you’re flipping or renting, side-mounts are just more forgiving and way easier to swap out if something goes wrong down the line. The only time I really push for undermounts is in higher-end projects where buyers expect that “custom kitchen” vibe. Otherwise, I’d rather save the headache (and the budget) for something that actually moves the needle, like better countertops or lighting. And those leftover screws? Pretty sure every DIYer has a mystery hardware stash somewhere...
Totally get what you mean about undermounts—looks slick, but if you’re off by even a hair, you’re in for a world of frustration. I’ve had to shim more than I’d like to admit. Honestly, I’d rather put the extra cash into a killer backsplash or some under-cabinet lighting. And yeah, that random hardware drawer? Mine’s starting to look like a scrapyard...
