Metal filing cabinets have long been a staple in offices and organizations that need to store large amounts of paperwork and documents. While filing cabinets come in many shapes, sizes, and prices, large metal filing cabinets typically range in cost from $150 on the low end to over $1000 on the high-end, depending on the size, features, build quality and other factors. Understanding what goes into the cost of a metal filing cabinet can help you select the right option to meet your organizational and budget needs.
Key Factors That Impact Filing Cabinet Costs
Several main factors impact the costs of large metal filing cabinets:
Size and Capacity
The overall size and storage capacity is one of the biggest influencers of cost. Standard sizes for large filing cabinets include:
- 2-drawer – Typically provides storage for 200-300 letter or legal sized files. Approximately 24-28″ wide x 15-19″ deep x 52-56″ high. Cost range: $150-$300.
- 3-drawer – Stores 300-450 files with approximate dimensions of 36-42″ wide x 18-20″ deep x 52-56″ high. Cost range: $200-$400.
- 4-drawer – Holds 400-600 files. Dimensions around 36-48″ wide x 18-20″ deep x 64-68″ high. Cost range: $300-$600.
- 5-drawer – Large units storing 500-750 files, around 42-48″ wide x 20-22″ deep x 64-68″ high. Cost range: $400-$800.
As you can see, more drawers and larger capacity substantially increases costs. Measure your expected filing needs upfront to select adequate size while avoiding overspending on unnecessary capacity.
Construction and Build Quality
Higher prices often equate to more durable construction and structural reinforcements. Key elements influencing quality and pricing include:
- Steel gauge – Thicker steel (20 gauge or lower) costs more but resists dents and bowing over time. Thinner steel (24 gauge) is susceptible to damage.
- Drawer suspensions – Ball-bearing suspensions allow smoother drawer access compared to slides. Full-extension slides provide full access to the drawer depth.
- Drawer locking – Individual locks on each drawer provide added security. Centralized locking bars or tabs lock all drawers simultaneously.
- Weight capacity – Look for units rated to safely hold 75-100 lbs per drawer. Higher ratings allow storing heavier files without sagging or collapse.
- Paint finish – Powder coated paint resists scratches better than enameled paint. But quality enameled paint still provides good durability.
- Metal reinforcements – Steel reinforcements around the cabinet openings maintain structural stability over years of use.
- Adjustable leveling feet – Leveling feet help stabilize on uneven floors. Look for heavy-duty metal over lightweight plastic levelers.
Insulation and Fire Protection
For sensitive documents, insulated filing cabinets provide protection from fire and water damage. Common options include:
- 1-hour fire rating – Reinforced cabinet walls protect contents from damage for up to 1 hour of heat exposure up to 1700°F.
- 2-4 hour fire rating – Added insulation materials prolong fire protection for 2-4 hours.
- Water resistance – Water-resistant paint finishes protect from sprinkler water damage.
Insulated and water-resistant models range from $700 on the low end to $1500+ on the high end. Weigh the risks of your document loss against the added costs.
Extra Security Features
Large metal filing cabinets designed for confidential documents include enhanced locking and access control:
- Recessed handle – Flush mounted handles prevent prying open.
- Locking storage compartment – Provides secure storage for keys, records, cash.
- Combination locks – Keyless access with programmable combination codes.
- Biometric finger scan locks – Authorized access by scanning fingerprints.
These electronic and biometric locks add $150-$300 onto the base cost of the cabinet.
Cost Saving Tips
Here are some ways to balance filing needs with budget:
- Buy slightly bigger – Allow 25% extra unused capacity so you don’t outgrow it quickly.
- Opt for thinner steel – 24 gauge steel models work for most home/small offices if cared for properly.
- Choose paint over powder coating – Quality baked enamel paint still offers good scratch protection.
- Buy used/refurbished – Gently used and reconditioned models offer major discounts.
- Avoid overbuying locks – Central locking bars provide security for most needs.
- Select smooth rolling casters – Add mobility for only $50 more compared to fixed legs.
Average Costs of Large Metal Filing Cabinets
To summarize, here are typical price ranges you can expect to budget for large metal filing cabinets based on size, construction, and features:
Basic Models
- 2-drawer – $150-$300
- 3-drawer – $200-$400
- 4-drawer – $300-$600
- 5-drawer – $400-$800
Fire/Water Resistant
- 2-4 hour rating – $700-$1500+
High Security Features
- Combination locks – Add $150-$300
- Biometric locks – Add $200-$400
Factors That Increase Costs
- More drawers/larger capacity
- Thicker steel gauge construction
- Reinforced cabinet openings
- Full-extension ball-bearing slides
- Individual locking drawers
- Powder coated paint
- Insulation/fire rating
- Water resistance
- Recessed handles
- Electronic locks
Factors That Reduce Costs
- Buying slightly oversized
- Opting for thinner steel gauge
- Choosing enamel over powder paint
- Buying used/refurbished
- Avoiding unnecessary locks
- Adding casters for mobility
What Does a $500 Metal File Cabinet Get You?
A medium-tier metal filing cabinet priced around $500 would typically have these features:
- 4 generous drawers storing 500-600 letter/legal files
- Durable 20-22 gauge steel construction
- Baked enamel or powder coated paint finish
- 75-100 lb weight capacity per drawer
- Full-extension ball-bearing slides
- Centralized locking bar or tabs
- Durable leveling feet
This would provide a sturdy cabinet with smooth-gliding drawers for most small and mid-sized office needs while avoiding costs of unnecessary extras.
Where To Shop for Affordable Metal Filing Cabinets
Good places to find quality metal filing cabinets at reasonable prices include:
- Office supply stores – Shop sales or open box deals at Staples, Office Depot, etc.
- Online retailers – Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair offer discounts when ordering online.
- Used office furniture stores – Gently used cabinets cost 50-75% less than new.
- Classified ads – Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp. Inspect carefully before purchase.
- Office furniture liquidators – Specialize in secondhand office furniture and store fixtures.
- Auctions/salvage companies – Bid on used cabinets from businesses and organizations.
Key Takeaways – How Much for Large Metal Filing Cabinets
- Prices range widely from $150 into the thousands based on size, features and quality
- Allow for future growth by buying slightly bigger than your current needs
- Prioritize adequate capacity and durable build over unnecessary extras
- Search for sales and deals to find models in your budget
- Used/refurbished cabinets offer significant savings over new
Knowing typical pricing helps you shop confidently, understanding what you should realistically expect to pay based on the size, construction, and features you need. With some research and bargain hunting, you can likely find an affordable option that fits both your filing requirements and budget limitations. The right filing cabinet helps you efficiently organize documents and maintain easy access to important paperwork for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Metal Filing Cabinet Costs
Shopping for a large metal filing cabinet? Here are answers to some common questions about what impacts pricing and where to find affordable options.
What are the standard sizes for filing cabinets?
Typical sizes include:
- 2-drawer – Stores 200-300 files. Approx. 24-28″W x 15-19″D x 52-56″H.
- 3-drawer – Holds 300-450 files. Around 36-42″W x 18-20″D x 52-56″H.
- 4-drawer – Stores 400-600 files. Approx. 36-48″W x 18-20″D x 64-68″H.
- 5-drawer – Holds 500-750 files. Dimensions around 42-48″W x 20-22″D x 64-68″H.
How much does a 2-drawer filing cabinet cost?
A standard 2-drawer metal filing cabinet ranges from about $150 on the low end up to $300 on the high end. Lower cost models typically have thinner steel, plastic slides, and more basic functionality. Higher priced models have thicker steel, smooth rolling slides, and more durable construction.
What is the cost for a 4-drawer letter-size filing cabinet?
For a quality 4-drawer letter/legal size metal filing cabinet, expect to pay $300-$600 depending on the materials, slides, paint, locks and other features. Basic models start around $300. Heavy duty commercial grade models run up to $600+. Optional upgrades like fire-rating, locks, casters add even more to the cost.
Should I buy used filing cabinets?
Used filing cabinets can provide major cost savings, often pricing 50-75% less than new models. Check carefully for dents, paint scratches, and smooth sliding drawers when buying used. Refurbished models may have minor scuffs but have been serviced to assure proper functioning. If the savings are substantial, used cabinets are worth considering for most home and small office needs.
Where are the best places to shop for discounted filing cabinets?
Check office supply stores for sales and open box deals. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer low pricing when ordering online. Used office furniture stores offer gently used cabinets at significant discounts compared to new. Classified ads and auction sites allow bidding on secondhand models.
What should I look for in a quality metal filing cabinet?
Key indicators of a quality metal filing cabinet include thick steel construction (20 gauge or less), full-extension drawer slides, ball-bearing suspensions, reinforced frame, durable paint finish, and smoothly operating drawers with even gaps and no sagging. central locking bars provide security while smooth rolling casters add mobility.
Conclusion
The wide range of sizes, features, and quality of metal filing cabinets leads to an equally wide pricing scale – anywhere from $150 for basic 2-drawer models to over $1000 for large fireproof cabinets equipped with high-tech locks. Carefully assess your needs in terms of capacity, security, and document protection to select a filing solution in your budget that meets your storage requirements. With some deal hunting, you can likely find an affordable cabinet with the ideal size, durability, and functionality to organize your paperwork for many years.