Steel
The majority of modern filing cabinets are made of steel. Steel is strong, rigid, and provides good durability at an affordable price point. There are a few main types of steel used:
Cold Rolled Steel
This is a very common type of steel used in lower-priced filing cabinets. It is durable but tends to be on the lighter side.
Hot Rolled Steel
Slightly thicker than cold rolled, hot rolled steel is durable and resistant to warping. It provides good value for the price.
Stainless Steel
More expensive than regular steel but extremely strong and rust-resistant. Stainless steel cabinets are a good choice for humid environments.
Aluminum
Aluminum filing cabinets are lightweight while still sturdy. They are more expensive than steel but have the advantages of being rust-proof and easy to move. This makes aluminum a good choice for offices that need mobile cabinets.
Laminate
Laminate filing cabinets have a steel interior for strength covered with a laminated shell. The laminate comes in many colors and patterns to match office décor. Laminate cabinets are affordable but not quite as sturdy as all-steel.
Wood
Wood filing cabinets are attractive and elegant but come at a higher cost. They are thicker and more sound-absorbing than metal. Common woods used include oak, maple, mahogany, and cherry. Wood needs more maintenance to keep looking nice.
Which is Best?
For most offices, steel filing cabinets provide the best balance of durability, security, weight, and cost-effectiveness. Within steel options:
- Cold rolled steel is suitable for most general office use.
- Hot rolled steel provides extra strength and durability for frequent access.
- Stainless steel is ideal for withstanding humidity and rust.
Laminate cabinets are a good lower-priced alternative to steel, while wood cabinets bring classic style. Aluminum excels where light weight is essential. Consider the office environment and filing needs when deciding between the main types of filing cabinet metals. Properly cared for, quality steel and wood cabinets can last for decades.
What Are The Parts of a Metal Filing Cabinet Made From?
While the exterior cabinet is made from the primary metal, various other materials go into the different parts:
- Drawers – Typically made from the same metal as the cabinet exterior for matching strength and appearance. The inner drawer sides may be lined with a different material for noise dampening.
- Slides – Drawer slides are the tracks that allow smooth opening and closing. High-quality ball bearing slides are made from steel with a lubricant coating.
- Handles – Drawer handles are usually made from die-cast zinc alloy or steel for strength and durability.
- Locks – Most filing cabinets use pin tumbler key locks made from metals like solid brass or nickel-plated brass. More advanced locks are also available including combination and electronic locks.
- Joints – Joining metals usually requires welding, riveting, machine screws or interlocking joints. Strong structural construction prevents sagging over time.
- Drawer Suspension – Some vertical filing drawers use a spring-loaded suspension system to prevent tipping when multiple drawers are opened. These systems contain steel springs and metal rails.
- Caster Wheels – Mobile cabinets will include 2-4 caster wheels often made from rubber over steel, nylon, or polyurethane. High-quality casters improve mobility.
So while steel or other metals form the outer structure, well-made filing cabinets incorporate an array of metals, alloys, and lubricated parts working together to provide years of service.
Key Factors in Choosing a Filing Cabinet Metal:
Durability – Steel and wood are very durable for long-term use, aluminum less so. Check metal thickness.
Fire Protection – Steel offers better fire resistance than wood or laminate. Look for fireproof ratings.
Security – Steel provides the most secure protection for sensitive documents. Some lines offer higher grade locks.
Weight – Steel is heavy, aluminum is very light. Consider the ease of moving cabinets.
Rust Protection – Steel rusts, aluminum doesn’t. Stainless steel is ideal for high-humidity.
Cost – Steel is most affordable. Aluminum, wood and laminate cost more. Stainless very expensive.
Aesthetics – Wood cabinets offer classic styling. Laminate comes in colors. Steel is strictly utilitarian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Cabinet Metals
What metal is best for filing cabinets?
For most uses, steel provides the optimal combination of strength, security, cost-effectiveness, and durability in a filing cabinet metal. Hot rolled or cold rolled steel is suitable for the majority of home and office needs. Stainless steel is the premium choice where moisture resistance is critical.
How thick should the steel be on a filing cabinet?
Look for steel thickness between 18 and 25 gauge. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker steel, so 18 gauge is stronger than 20 which is stronger than 22. Under 24 gauge steel may dent and warp more easily when heavily loaded.
Are old metal filing cabinets better than new ones?
Vintage steel filing cabinets from the mid-1900s era often used thicker steel and all-metal construction that gives them outstanding durability to this day. If still functioning properly, these quality older cabinets can serve better and longer than inexpensive new models.
Can you paint a metal filing cabinet?
Yes, metal filing cabinets can be painted. Any surface grease or grime must be removed, then a bonding primer should be applied before spraying on paint. While any metal cabinet can be painted, consider buying a laminate cabinet in a desired color rather than painting.
How do I make my metal filing cabinets look new again?
With some simple cleaning and maintenance, old metal filing cabinets can be made to look much newer. Remove all items, then clean with a degreaser and metal polish. Lubricate the slides. Touch up paint if needed. Replace worn drawer handles. Keep cabinets dust-free and clean regularly.
Conclusion
Filing cabinets are constructed primarily from steel, aluminum, wood, or laminate. Steel is the best all-around metal for the average filing cabinet, providing an optimal balance of strength, safety, weight, and price. Hot rolled steel offers durable construction. Cold rolled steel is sufficient for most home or general office use. Stainless steel is the premium option for security and moisture resistance. Aluminum excels when light weight is needed, while wood brings natural beauty. Considering filing needs, environment, and budget will help determine the ideal metal for any filing cabinet purchase. Properly cared for, quality metal cabinets can serve businesses securely for decades.