Metal has long been the material of choice for file cabinets due to its durability, security, and fire resistance. While other materials like wood, plastics, and composites are sometimes used, metal reigns supreme for most office and commercial applications. Here’s an in-depth look at why metal makes sense for file storage.
Strength and Durability
File cabinets need to be sturdy to support the weight of all those files and withstand constant opening/closing of drawers. Metal is simply stronger than other common options:
- Steel is known for its combination of strength and formability. The most common types used in file cabinets are cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel. Cold-rolled is thinner but harder due to the cold working process. Hot-rolled steel is thicker but softer. Both provide ample sturdiness for office use.
- Aluminum provides corrosion resistance and a high strength-to-weight ratio. Extruded aluminum rails and panels are a lightweight but strong choice.
Compare this to wood, plastics or particle board. None have the inherent strength of metal alloys, nor do they retain this strength over years of use. The rigidity of steel or aluminum cabinets far surpasses these alternatives.
Metal construction also resists warping, bending, and flexing over time. The joints between panels stay tightly aligned, avoiding rattles or drawers that fail to slide smoothly. This ensures a long service life, which is critical for office assets like file storage.
Security and Fire Protection
Two other key reasons metal serves file cabinet applications so well are security and fire protection:
- Security – Steel and aluminum panels offer a physical barrier to unauthorized access. Locking mechanisms attached to metal drawers are very hard to bypass. There are even insulated, fireproof metal cabinets for highly sensitive documents. Other materials like wood and plastics are simply easier to break into.
- Fire protection – Non-combustible metal construction prevents file cabinets from fueling fires. Some models even have fire ratings up to 2 hours, allowing time for sprinklers or firefighters to contain a blaze. Wood or plastic cabinets have no such fire resistant qualities.
Documents stored in metal cabinets are well-secured and protected should disaster strike. These assurances keep businesses and institutions compliant with information security, privacy, and records retention regulations.
Additional Benefits of Metal File Cabinets
Beyond the core advantages above, metal file cabinets provide additional benefits:
- Customization – Steel and aluminum are highly malleable and machinable metals. This facilitates customized drawer sizes, labeling, handles, locks and accessories. Companies can optimize cabinets for the exact document types and volumes they handle.
- Weight distribution – Drawer slides, rollers and chassis systems crafted from steel distribute weight evenly. This prevents sagging issues over time, particularly with legal- and letter-size hung filing systems. Properly engineered metal cabinets remain aligned and open/close effortlessly despite thousands of use cycles.
- Aesthetics – From utilitarian black or putty gray to stylized contempory looks, metal file cabinets fit into both back offices and customer-facing spaces. Their clean lines and durable build project an image of reliability.
- Cost-effectiveness – Considering the benefits above, quality metal file cabinets deliver great value in terms of cost per year of usable service life. They are a long-term investment.
- Eco-friendly options – Steel file cabinets can utilize up to 30% recycled content. Manufacturers powder coat finishes to avoid VOCs. And metal cabinets are completely recyclable at end of service life.
Of course no material is perfect for every application. But for the vast majority of document storage needs, cabinets made of steel, aluminum or other metals deliver the right mix of strength, safety, longevity and cost-effectiveness. That’s why office landscapes are filled with rows and rows of those reliable metal file boxes. They do the job well for the long haul.
Common Metal Types Used in File Cabinet Construction
Now that we’ve covered why metal in general excels for file cabinets, let’s look at some specific metals used and their benefits:
Steel
When you picture a classic file cabinet, you’re likely picturing steel. Some key notes:
- Cold-rolled steel – Harder and thinner but strong enough for most applications. Gives a smooth finish.
- Hot-rolled steel – Thicker but softer than cold-rolled. Used for high-capacity industrial file cabinets.
- Galvanized steel – Hot-dipped zinc coating resists corrosion. Good for moist environments.
- Stainless steel – Resists corrosion through chromium alloying. Provides a sterile, clean look.
Steel alloys provide excellent strength-to-cost. It’s by far the most common metal for files.
Aluminum
Aluminum offers some benefits versus steel:
- Weighs less while retaining excellent strength. Makes cabinets easier to move.
- Won’t rust or corrode. Provides long service life with no refinishing required.
- More expensive than steel but valued for its corrosion resistance and lightweight properties.
Most often used for high-end office furniture, including filing systems. The expense limits adoption for standard office file cabinets.
Other Metals Used
Aside from standard steel and aluminum, some other metals see niche use in file cabinets:
- Stainless steel for sterile environments like hospitals, labs and clean rooms.
- Copper alloys for decorative accenting and handles.
- Chromium for plating on handles and edges.
- Titanium for high security applications, though very expensive.
But for mainstream office situations, steel and aluminum filing cabinets are the clear leaders. Their unique material properties have made them the standard for document storage for good reason.
File Cabinet Finish Options
Metal file cabinets are available with a variety of finish options:
- Enamel paint – Most common finish. Available in gray, black, tan or other neutral colors. Provides moderate scuff protection.
- Powder coating – Electrostatically applied powder creates a harder finish. More durable than enamel paint.
- Laminates – Papers saturated with melamine resins create a smooth decorative finish when heat fused to substrate.
- Wood veneers – Thin sheets of wood for ornamental appeal. Often applied to fronts of drawers only.
- Stainless steel – No coating needed and doesn’t show scratches. Provides a bright, sterile look.
Finishes protect the underlying metal from corrosion and enhance appearance. But they have little impact on file cabinet performance versus using uncoated steel or aluminum.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your File Cabinets
Here are some of the considerations when selecting materials:
- Use – Low or high activity offices? Steel is readily available and affordable for most needs.
- Security – Are highly sensitive documents stored? Stainless steel offers the most secure option.
- Visibility – Customer facing or back office? Steel with laminate finishes offer decorative options.
- Environment – Humid or coastal spaces? Consider aluminum or galvanized steel for corrosion resistance.
- Size – Is high density storage needed? Steel has excellent strength for large high-capacity drawers.
- Budget – Tight budgets favor steel. Aluminum costs more but is lighter. Stainless and titanium are premium choices.
With all factors weighed, steel clearly provides the best fit for the vast majority of applications. It delivers the ideal balance of strength, durability, protective qualities and cost-effectiveness. And that’s why most every file cabinet slid open each day is constructed primarily from some type of steel alloy.
Why Not Wood or Other Alternatives?
Metal has clear advantages for file storage, but what about using wood, plastics or other materials instead? Here’s a look at how they compare:
Wood
- Aesthetics – Warm, natural look from various wood grains and stains.
- Cost – Particle board is inexpensive but vulnerable to moisture.Solid oak or mahogany is attractive but expensive.
- Strength – Particle board is weak; plywood and solid woods are better but not as stiff as steel.
- Fire rating – Unprotected wood burns rapidly compared to fireproof steel cabinets.
- Customization – Limited; mainly different stains and fronts. Lacks modularity of metal.
Plastics
- Cost – Can be inexpensive but limited sizing options. Not suitable for high volume files.
- Strength – Varies considerably based on plastic used. At best reaches strength of lower end steel.
- Fire rating – Most plastics burn rapidly and release toxic fumes.
As we can see, for the key metrics of strength, safety, and versatility, wood and plastics come up short compared to metal filing solutions. While useful for basic personal home office needs, they lack the robustness required for workplace applications.
History of Metal File Cabinets
Let’s look back at a few key milestones in the history of metal filing cabinets:
- Late 1800s – Pigeon hole shelving systems transition to enclosed drawers.
- 1898 – Fred J. Hatch patents wooden file boxes with runners to pull out drawers.
- Early 1900s – Metal filing cabinets emerge as superior alternative to wood.
- 1930s -streamerlined cabinets become standard office furniture.
- 1970s – Lateral file cabinets gain favor for storing hanging folders.
What began as unenclosed cubby holes evolved with the addition of pull-out wood drawers. It soon became apparent metal was vastly superior for supporting folders and resisting fire. And with that discovery, the classic metal file cabinet quickly became a staple of 20th century offices.
Its reign continues today as other storage media like paper records, microfilm, and computer disks have come and gone. The humble but enduring metal file box persists in providing reliable document storage and retrieval.
Future Outlook
Will metal filing cabinets one day become obsolete? Perhaps, but not likely anytime soon. Here are some key factors:
- Tangible media – Despite the digital revolution, paper persists. File cabinets seamlessly hold printed documents.
- Security – For sensitive records, physical security and fireproofing of metal cabinets maintains appeal.
- Cost – Low acquisition and operating costs versus servers and cloud storage.
- Familiarity – Existing workflows based on tangible document storage and retrieval.
- Regulations – Physical records retention requirements in many industries.
Barring a paperless future emerging rapidly across all industries, metal file cabinets seem poised to continue serving offices for the foreseeable future. Their durability, security and cost efficiency make them a hard solution to beat.
Summary – Why Metal Remains King
In summary, metal reigns as the material of choice for file cabinet construction. Steel and aluminum boast an ideal blend of:
- Strength to bear the weight of densely packed documents
- Toughness to withstand constant handling
- Rigidity to avoid sagging under loads
- Security features to protect sensitive information
- Fireproofing to safeguard paper records
- Customizability to suit any document type
Other materials simply fall short on these key performance criteria. The result is the enduring predominance of metal cabinets in offices and data centers around the world. Their versatile role in organizing, protecting, and providing access to printed records continues even in today’s digital world. It’s a past and future legacy unlikely to change anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal File Cabinets
Here are answers to some common questions about why file cabinets are made of metal:
Why are metal file cabinets better than wood or plastic?
Metal is stronger, more durable, fireproof, and customizable compared to wood or plastic. Metal cabinets made of steel or aluminum can withstand thousands of opening/closing cycles while wood and plastics break down more quickly. Metal also provides greater security and fire protection for important documents.
What types of metal are used to make file cabinets?
Cold-rolled steel is the most common, providing an affordable balance of strength and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel offers the most security. Aluminum provides a lightweight but strong option. Galvanized steel resists rusting.
What metal thicknesses are best?
For general office use, steel in the 22 to 26 gauge range provides suitable durability. Legal and letter size drawers need at least 20 gauge. Heavy duty cabinets may use 18 gauge steel or even thicker for high density storage.
How much weight can a metal file cabinet hold?
Up to 200 lbs per full-extension drawer is considered heavy duty. Legal-size drawers need to withstand 60 lbs per cubic foot of storage. So a typical 30” deep letter-size drawer can hold 150-200 lbs. Proper rails, rollers and supports are critical.
Why are metal file cabinets better for fire protection?
Steel and aluminum construction are inherently non-combustible. They do not release toxic fumes either. File cabinets tested to meet UL fire safety standards can withstand flames for 1-2 hours. This gives time for fire response. Unprotected paper in wood cabinets can fuel a fire rapidly.
How can you increase the security of metal file cabinets?
Choose pick-resistant locks, remove drawer fronts when not in use, use steel cables to anchor cabinets, and store most sensitive items in fireproof safes or vaults within the cabinet. Multi-lock mechanisms and alarm triggers provide further security enhancements.
What are the best finishes for metal file cabinets?
Baked enamel paint, powder coat, and laminates provide good durability and appearance. Certain finishes like melamine are also scratch resistant. Stainless steel resists wear without added coatings. Choose materials to match office décor.
Should I choose vertical or lateral metal file cabinets?
Vertical files work well for small offices. Lateral cabinets are better for high volume letter or legal size documents to maximize drawer space. Consider the volume and types of documents to be stored when choosing between vertical and lateral cabinet styles.
What are some alternatives to metal for file cabinets?
Wood is appreciated for natural aesthetics but lacks strength and fireproofing. Plastics can be inexpensive but are not as strong or customizable as metal. Usage depends on security and durability needed. For many businesses, the performance of steel or aluminum remains unmatched.
Conclusion
Metal has proven itself to be the ideal material for constructing file cabinets. Steel and aluminum possess an optimal balance of strength, longevity, safety and cost-effectiveness for organizing paper records. Lighter weight plastics or particle board may serve for basic home office needs, but for securing sensitive documents, the unrivaled durability and security of metal cabinetry keeps it central to document management processes.
And with the persistence of paper – from medical records, to contracts, to printouts needed for review – metal file cabinets seem poised to continue serving in offices for the considerable future. Their simple and reliable role persists despite the digital transformation. Unless paper printing vanishes entirely across every industry, expect metal file boxes to maintain their place in every office landscape.